It’s been 1 week since Odin joined our family and his presence has prompted some questions about the Landseer that I’m hoping some of our friends with Landseer Newfoundlands can help me with.
Now, just to be clear, I am somewhat familiar with the white and black Newfoundland also referred to as a Landseer.
My very first Newfie was one but I was just beginning to learn about the breed back then and that was well over 20 years ago!
Here are a few things I know about the Landseer:
The Landseer is a Newfoundland
Many people get confused as to whether the Landseer is a Newfoundland or another breed.
I suppose this is due to the fact that this color has an actual name versus being called just a color name such as black, brown or grey.
The Landseer is a white dog with black markings.
The Landseer Newfoundland should not be confused with ECT (Europe Continental Type) Landseer which is, in fact, a different breed.
ECT Newfoundlands are rare outside of Germany.
They are said to be more of a guard dog and often have longer legs and a thinner coat structure than a Newfoundland.
Landseer Newfoundland Color
According to the Newfoundland Club of America, the Landseer has a white base coat with black markings.
Typically, the head is solid black, or black with white on the muzzle, with or without a blaze.
There is a separate black saddle and black on the rump extending onto a white tail.
The beauty of markings should be considered only when comparing dogs of otherwise comparable quality and never at the expense of type, structure, and soundness.
A rule of thumb for acceptable markings is:
Solid Black
Black with white or white with black
White dogs with black markings are described in the Standard as “Landseers” in honor of Sir Edwin Landseer, the 19th Century artist who featured white and black Newfoundlands in numerous paintings.
On a solid-colored dog, white which extends onto the feet or up the leg or on the face should be considered a minor deviation.
White and black Newfoundlands have a piebald color pattern limited to white as the base color, and black area markings.
These markings should be separated by clearly defined white areas of background color.
While some minor ticking may or may not be present, excess ticking detracts from the contrast of the white and black coat.
Markings may deviate considerably from those described, including asymmetrical markings on either solid colored or white with black dogs.
Markings may extend well beyond the areas described.
Since the predictability of markings is genetically unreliable, the beauty of marking should be considered only when comparing marked dogs of equal quality.
I find it so interesting that while there is the desired pattern, there are many different varieties!
I think that Odin falls into the #4 or #5 color pattern shown here.
Is it Only White Hairs That Shed on a Landseer?
I’m curious because that’s the only color of hair on my couch right now and I’m not used to actually see Newf hair on my brown couch.
Don’t get me wrong, I know it’s there but I can SEE it because it’s not the same color as the couch.
Also, what color of pants do I wear now?
My go-to black pants are not working.
Is the hair texture of a Landseer different than other colors?
ANSWER: The white and black hair shed equally and texture varies.
ANSWER: Switch to grey leggings and invest in several lint rollers.
AVERAGE ANSWER: The hair texture seems to be a little softer/silkier on Landseers
Are Landseer Newfoundlands More Active?
By more active I mean a little more, how should I put this, insane in the membrane?
Bouncy? Crazy? High energy?
I’ve read in some places that they are very smart and I can see that in Odin but I can also see he’s a little scattered brain too.
I remember Thunder being like this too.
He settled down the older he got but he was a little more high-strung than other Newfies I knew.
I guess this could solely depend on the dog too.
I’ve read that some people feel that the Browns are more high-strung and Leroy was one of them but Sherman was anything but that.
ANSWER: This was a close one but it seems like there was more, yes a Landseer is more high-strung than other colors.
A great quote was given that I love: “Blacks will bring you the paper, but Landseers will stop to read it first”
How Do You Keep the White Bright on a Landseer Newfoundland?
I panicked when I first saw Odin in our backyard because I immediately pictured him flying through the mud puddles that are about to start forming with fall approaching.
Mud blends in nicely with brown Newf. You know it’s there but you can’t see it.
Now I have a dog with white legs and I’m gonna see it.
I’ve read that Dawn works, brightening shampoos and some shampoo that is blue in color.
I also know that Chris Christensen has a White on White shampoo but I’d love your feedback on what works for you.
ANSWER: Most owners said that regular brushing helps keep the white looking nice and bright.
Product recommendations were White on White shampoo, Eqyss horse shampoo, EZ Groom Crystal White, Chris Christiansen’s Peace and Kindness (recommended for skin issues), SOOS dead sea mineral shampoo, Bert’s Bees oatmeal whitening shampoo, Hartz whitening shampoo.
Are Landseers More Prone to Allergies?
I’m pretty sure I know the answer to this is no but I just wanted to double-check.
I know that Newfies of all colors can be prone to allergies but I was just wondering if the white coat would cause more skin issues.
Answer: Most Newf owners said that the Landseer is not prone to more skin allergies than any other color.
That’s all the questions I have for now! If you feel there is something else I should know, let me know!
Thank you for taking the time to help me get to know my Landseer better!
p.s. Since this post was written in 2019 and we’ve had Odin for almost 2 years now, I wanted to share an updated picture of him because he’s come such a far way!
He’s doing so well!
This was just after a bath in March 2021.
Lisa
Saturday 29th of April 2023
My Newfoundland is have black and white akc. The breeder said his mother’s side is from europe. He is very rangy at two years of age. Is this normal for German landseers?
Jeanette Leinson
Tuesday 1st of October 2019
I have three Newfoundlands! And yes the Landseers seem more high strung than my all black female. I believe the black and white Newf got its name From a painting of a black and white done by a painter whose last name was Landseer. I do not suggest using Dawn on any Newf as it may strip their natural oils. See what Pure Paws or Pet Edge has to offer for whiteners. Odin is so very handsome enjoy him. ❤️
tylersat99
Wednesday 18th of September 2019
Jen, the white is fluffier and sometimes has a tendency to curl. When I brush Aspen there is always more white hair in the brush but they do shed both colors. The face and head hair do not grow but stays the same so doesn't need trimming. As for being dirty Aspen will come in looking a mess and I always ask what have you been doing but after they dry all the dirt brushes out leaving them nice and white. Mine always get their knees dirty.
Patricia Van Nelson
Wednesday 18th of September 2019
I'm so glad you got Odin. I was sorely tempted, but with two older (8 and 10) girls I wasn't sure how all would get along. We have two Newfs, a Black and a Landseer. The hair texture is very different. Kara, the Landseer, has much finer textured hair than Freyja, our black girl. Her undercoat isn't as thick either so is much easier to brush. As for staying white, we find the biggest issue is her undercarriage which tends to get a dingy gray because she lays on the stone patio so often. The rest of her whiteness seems to take care of itself. She has had major allergies for the last several years (and multiple ear infections). She's also leggier than our black Newfie and a little less stocky. By the way, you might as well get very familiar with your local dry clearner. That white tail will get you every time. The only pants you can safely wear are denim. Oh, and as for personality, I'll just say her call sign is "Diva Dog."
James Begin
Wednesday 18th of September 2019
Our Willow has a white base with brown spots she is very high strung but also really smart. She is a happy 7month pup that loves to please us. Very vocal and playful with our year and half Rottweiler.