"Seamen" the Newfoundland Dog of Capt. Meriweather Lewis

Amongst the breed’s most well-known individuals is Seaman, Captain Meriweather Lewis’ dog, who accompanied President Thomas Jefferson’s exploration group during their rugged, three-year journey across what is now the United States in the early 1800s. Seaman was mentioned repeatedly in the journals of the Expedition, including saving the camp from a rampaging buffalo and retrieving game shot or wounded by the expedition’s hunters. Today, the breed serves as a living embodiment of the culture of ships and fishing villages in Newfoundland. Proper coat and soundness are critical.

Lou Ann Lenner - Sun Valley Newfoundland Dogs

Our first guest Lou Ann Lenner, Sun Valley Newfoundlands, is a breeder of National and Regional specialty winners since 1977, with four generations of homebred ROM dogs. According to Lou Ann, she always has bred to type, line breeding consistently, incorporating primarily Pouch Cove blood lines. Health can be a challenge as are the cycles in the quality of the breed. Long-term breeders *recognize* when quality is slipping and “step up” to get the breed back on track. Maintaining type while managing health issues in the breed, specifically orthopedic problems associated with giant breed dogs and cardiac concerns is a primary concern. Lou Ann keeps only bitches in her kennel and reaches out for stud dogs to incorporate into the breeding program. Her top three qualities to when seeking a stud dog are balance, soundness, and a complementary pedigree. She observes that the best home for a Newfoundland is someone who is committed to grooming and familiar with the breed. On a personal note, she only places puppies with owners who have someone to be home with the dog consistently. Lou Ann strongly recommends learning about what’s behind your dog in terms of dogs in a pedigree, and honestly sharing what you know with new folks.

Sue Raney - Sweetbay Newfoundland Dogs and Water Rescue Work

Sue Raney, our second guest, is a Newfoundland fancier who has spent 25 years working dogs in water rescue work. “The dogs have an amazing ability to be companions in water in a way no other breed does. They are just joyful to be around,” Sue said. She notes that in a form follows function capacity, a dog’s effortless, fluid motion in the ring, translates to a powerful swimming stroke in the water. She also reminds people that the correct coat protects the dog in its native frigid water. The standard describes the coat as “flat, water-resistant, double coat that tends to fall back into place when rubbed against the nap. The outer coat is coarse, moderately long, and full, either straight or with a wave. The undercoat is soft and dense,…”

Titles with Meaning

The fascinating work the dogs do to earn titles through the national breed club includes water rescue exercises that demonstrate the breed’s heritage…. saving people, and saving “things” that have fallen overboard. Sue says she encourages owners to become involved with regional breed clubs. Her enthusiasm for the work these dogs do is infectious!