The newfoundland is a canadian breed that originates from european breeds, and possibly indian dogs as well. When Newfoundland was re-discovered in 1497 by italian John Cabot, he described the large, strong, black dogs. A picture from 1789 show a newfoundland that looks quite mastiff-like.
Many of the early immigrants owned mountain dogs, such as pyrenean mountain dogs and pyrenean mastiffs, and these are most likely behind the newfoundland.
The newfie worked as a drafting dog, to help with the nets and as a rescue dog. Even today, rescue tests are held for the breed.
The newfoundland should appear large, strong, powerful and agile, with a friendly and calm disposition. The head is massive, broad with short and powerful muzzle and moderate stop. The eyes should have a friendly expression. The ears are small, set far back on the head and carried close to the head. The neck is powerful and of medium length. The body has a deep, broad chest with a broad, straight back. Straight front legs, moderate angulation in hind. The tail is of medium length, long enough to reach the hock and well covered in fur. The coat is straight, thick, coarse and oily.