Landseer, or 'Landseer European Continental Type (ECT)' as the full breed name would be, is a rare breed today, but that has not always been the case. About 200 years ago, the first of these majestic dogs reached Europe from New Foundland. English and french fishers would often visit these waters and there they came across the dogs. They often chose to import them to their own countries. The dogs were sold as 'newfoundland dogs' and became quite popular, in particular in the fishing harbours of Pool and Bristol. Because so many of the dogs were exported to Europe, eventually they became extinct in their home country. In England, howeer, the breed became very popular, and queen Victoria in particular loved the black and white dogs.
The rumour of the 'newfoundland dog' spread quickly across Europe, and this was partially thanks to Sir Edwin Landseer, England's perhaps most well known animal artist. He painted many newfoundlands, and the modern breed was named after him.

As fashion changed, the black and white landseer became quite rare once more, and it wasn't until the 1930s that a breeding program was started to save them. The breed was officially recognized by the FCI in 1961.
It is a large breed, but despite its size it is very gentle and friendly. It is in particular considered a suitable family dog. It does have guarding instinct, but lacks hunting instinct.