Heroic Newfoundlands

* Seaman was the Newfoundland who set forth on Lewis and Clark’s 1802 journey across America. They relied on him for hunting and guarding, and he even chased a rogue Buffalo away from their camp, as legend has it.

* When the SS Ethie crashed off the shores of Newfoundland in the early 20th century, a Newf swam a rope attached to the wreck back to shore. That rope was used as a lifeline and saved 92 people from perishing at sea.

* Gander, the mascot of the Royal Rifles of Canada, served in WW2 and saved his platoon on a number of occasions. While they were trapped by heavy gunfire, a grenade came at them. Gander grabbed it and ran from his fellow soldiers. The explosion saved many but cost the heroic dog his life.

He was awarded the Dickin Medal and is honoured to this day as a Canadian war hero.

* And, of course, it’s impossible to know how many of us read or watched Peter

Pan and fell in love with Nana, the Darling family’s beloved Newfoundland. She wasn’t just the family pet; she was the household’s official nanny. Given what we know about this breed’s history and capabilities, it’s almost hard to separate truth from fiction.

Recognized Newfoundland colours are black, brown, gray, and white and black (sometimes referred to as Landseer).