Landseer
A giant black-and-white water-rescue dog, recognised as a breed distinct from the Newfoundland in continental Europe. Gentle, calm and devoted, a superb but very large family companion.
Landseer scorecard
Overview
The Landseer is a giant black-and-white water-rescue dog, gentle in nature and imposing in size, standing around 67–80 cm at the shoulder and weighing roughly 50–70 kg. In continental Europe, under the FCI, the Landseer (European Continental Type) is recognised as a breed distinct from the Newfoundland, whereas in some countries the black-and-white colour is simply considered a variety of the Newfoundland. Either way it is a calm, devoted, family-oriented dog of considerable presence.
The breed takes its name from the English painter Sir Edwin Landseer, whose 19th-century paintings of black-and-white Newfoundland-type dogs — most famously "A Distinguished Member of the Humane Society" — popularised the colour and lent it his name. Landseers are renowned for their patience and their love of water, retaining the strong swimming and rescue instincts of their working ancestors. As with all giant breeds, their size, shorter lifespan and care costs mean ownership is a serious commitment.
Good to know — a Landseer needs plenty of space and manageable for committed beginners. Every dog is an individual, so meet a few and chat to a good breeder or rescue before deciding.
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History & origins
Black-and-white Newfoundland-type dogs were depicted in art long before the breed was formalised, and Sir Edwin Landseer's popular paintings in the first half of the 19th century gave the colour pattern its enduring name. These dogs descended from the same water-working stock as the Newfoundland, used aboard ships and along coastlines for hauling and water rescue.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, breeders in Germany and Switzerland set out to preserve and develop a taller, more lightly built black-and-white dog as a distinct breed. The FCI subsequently recognised the Landseer (European Continental Type) as separate from the Newfoundland, with its own standard. The breed therefore exists today in two interpretations — a distinct continental breed under the FCI, and a colour variety of the Newfoundland in countries such as the UK and US — a distinction worth understanding when researching the dog.
Temperament & family fit
Landseers are celebrated for their gentle, calm and affectionate nature. They are devoted to their families, notably patient and good-natured with children, and generally friendly towards other dogs and pets when properly socialised. Despite their guarding presence they are not aggressive dogs; their size and deep bark alone make them effective deterrents, while their temperament is sweet and steady.
Like their Newfoundland relatives they have a strong affinity for water and a powerful instinct to swim and retrieve. They are sensitive dogs that thrive on being part of family life and do not do well when isolated. Their calm disposition makes them rewarding companions, but their sheer size means they need early training to be manageable, and owners should be prepared for drooling and a love of getting wet and muddy.
- Families with children of all ages
- Owners ready for consistent training
- Active homes with plenty of space
Training & intelligence
Although large and powerful, the Landseer is biddable and willing to please, which makes early, positive training both effective and essential. Because an adult is so big, good manners — calm greetings, walking nicely on a lead and reliable basic obedience — must be established while the dog is still a manageable puppy. Reward-based methods suit the breed's sensitive, co-operative nature far better than any harsh handling.
Early socialisation helps produce a confident, steady adult comfortable with people, children, other animals and everyday situations. Many Landseers enjoy water work and gentle activities that draw on their swimming heritage. Owners should bear in mind that giant breeds mature slowly, so patience and consistency over the first couple of years pay off in a well-mannered companion.
- Start socialisation & handling early
- Reward-based methods only — no harsh corrections
- Keep sessions short, calm and consistent
Exercise needs
A healthy adult Landseer typically needs around 30 minutes (gentle, broken into shorter walks) a day (roughly 30–45 minutes), split across walks, play and a little training. A good sniffy walk, some play and a little training usually keeps them content. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need adjusted amounts — check with your vet.
Grooming & coat
The Landseer's thick, water-resistant double coat needs regular brushing — several times a week — to prevent matting and to manage shedding, which is heavy, particularly during seasonal moults. The coat also picks up water and mud readily given the breed's love of swimming. Routine ear checks, nail trimming and dental care are important, and owners should be prepared for a degree of drooling that comes with the territory of a giant breed.
- Brush several times a week
- Bathe every few weeks or as needed
- Check ears, nails and teeth weekly
Feeding considerations
Feed a complete, good-quality diet formulated for large or giant breeds, using appropriate growth food for puppies to encourage steady, controlled development of bones and joints. Portions should be matched to age, size and activity, and weight kept in check to protect the joints. As a deep-chested giant, the Landseer benefits from divided meals and from avoiding vigorous activity immediately before and after eating, given the risk of bloat in this body type.
Landseer health & costs
Before bringing a Landseer home it pays to budget for the whole picture — food, insurance, grooming and routine vet care all add up. The figures below are typical UK estimates for a healthy adult; your real costs vary with where you live, your dog's health and the cover you choose.
Food
£850–1,200 / year
Complete food sized to weight & life stage
Insurance
£45–85 / month
Lifetime cover — varies by age, breed & area
Grooming
£120–300 / year
Occasional pro + home brushing
Routine vet care
£200–450 / year
Vaccines, flea/worm, annual check
As a giant breed, the Landseer has a relatively short lifespan of around 9–11 years and is prone to the orthopaedic and other conditions common to very large dogs. Responsible breeders health-test their stock, particularly for hip and elbow dysplasia and for heart conditions, and prospective owners should ask to see the results.
Gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat) is a life-threatening risk in deep-chested breeds and owners must learn its signs. Because the Landseer's recognition status varies between countries, health data is sometimes pooled with that of the Newfoundland, with which it shares many concerns. Following FCI/Kennel Club and breed-club health guidance is the best approach for buyers.
Common health conditions to be aware of
- Hip dysplasia — abnormal hip development leading to arthritis; breeding dogs should be hip-scored.
- Elbow dysplasia — developmental joint disease causing lameness in large breeds; screening is advised.
- Gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat) — a sudden, life-threatening twisting of the stomach in deep-chested dogs; owners must recognise the warning signs.
- Subvalvular aortic stenosis and other heart conditions — inherited cardiac disease seen in Newfoundland-type dogs; cardiac screening is recommended.
- Cystinuria — an inherited disorder predisposing to bladder stones, for which DNA testing is available in related stock.
- Cruciate ligament injury — knee-ligament rupture to which heavy, large dogs are prone, sometimes needing surgery.
These reflect typical, size- and coat-related risks for dogs like the Landseer; individual breeds carry their own predispositions. Always buy from health-tested parents and speak to your vet — this isn't a diagnosis.
Protect against surprise bills
A single emergency can run into thousands. Lifetime insurance spreads the risk.
Estimate insurance →How pet insurance works →Puppy & senior care
Bringing home a Landseer puppy
Puppies need controlled exercise (a rough guide is five minutes per month of age, twice a day) to protect growing joints, little-and-often meals of a complete puppy food, early socialisation, and a calm routine for toilet training and sleep. Book first vaccinations, microchipping and a vet check early.
New puppy checklist →Caring for a senior Landseer
As they age, watch weight, joints and teeth, switch to a senior diet if your vet advises, keep exercise gentle but regular, and consider orthopaedic bedding and ramps. Twice-yearly vet checks help catch issues early — larger breeds age sooner, so start senior care from around 6–7 years.
Orthopaedic beds & mobility →Pros & cons
The good bits
- Gentle, patient and superb with children
- Calm, devoted family guardian
Things to consider
- Giant size, drooling and heavy seasonal shedding
- Shorter lifespan and high feeding costs
Compare the Landseer
See how the Landseer measures up against similar breeds before you decide:
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Frequently asked questions
How is the Landseer different from a Newfoundland?
In continental Europe, under the FCI, the Landseer (European Continental Type) is recognised as a breed distinct from the Newfoundland. In some other countries the black-and-white colour is simply considered a variety of the Newfoundland. Either way it is a calm, devoted, family-oriented giant dog that shares much of the Newfoundland's nature and water-rescue heritage.
Why is the breed called a Landseer?
The breed takes its name from the English painter Sir Edwin Landseer, whose 19th-century paintings of black-and-white Newfoundland-type dogs — most famously "A Distinguished Member of the Humane Society" — popularised the colour and lent it his name.
How big does a Landseer get?
The Landseer is a giant breed, standing around 67–80 cm at the shoulder and weighing roughly 50–70 kg. It is imposing in size yet gentle in nature, with a distinctive black-and-white coat and considerable presence.
Is the Landseer good with children?
Yes — Landseers are celebrated for their gentle, calm and affectionate nature, and are notably patient and good-natured with children. They are generally friendly towards other dogs and pets when properly socialised. Despite their guarding presence they are not aggressive; their size and deep bark alone act as deterrents.
Do Landseers like water?
Very much so. Like their Newfoundland relatives they have a strong affinity for water and a powerful instinct to swim and retrieve, retaining the rescue instincts of their working ancestors. Swimming is excellent, joint-friendly exercise for them, but it should always be supervised in safe water.
How much exercise does a Landseer need?
Landseers have moderate exercise needs — around an hour of activity a day suits most adults — and enjoy daily walks plus swimming where available. Care must be taken not to over-exercise growing puppies, whose developing joints are vulnerable, as giant breeds mature slowly. Access to safe, secure space is valuable for such a large dog.
What health issues affect the Landseer?
As a giant breed the Landseer has a relatively short lifespan of around 9–11 years and is prone to orthopaedic conditions such as hip and elbow dysplasia, as well as heart conditions; responsible breeders health-test for these. Gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat) is a life-threatening risk in deep-chested breeds, so owners must learn its signs.
What should I know before getting a Landseer?
It suits families with the space, time and budget for a giant, devoted companion, ideally with a secure garden and access to safe water. Prospective owners should plan for higher food, veterinary and equipment costs, a degree of drool and mess, and the emotional reality of a shorter-lived breed. It is too large for small homes or owners unable to manage its size.
Are Landseers good with children?
Excellent with children of all ages. As a general guide, Landseers tend to be patient and tolerant. Whatever the breed, always supervise dogs and young children and teach kids to interact gently.
How much exercise does a Landseer need?
As a healthy adult, a typical Landseer needs around 30 minutes (gentle, broken into shorter walks) of exercise a day (30–45 minutes), split across walks plus play. A good sniffy walk plus some play and training usually keeps them happy. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need less — ask your vet.
Do Landseers shed a lot?
High shedding. Coat upkeep is regular brushing — brush regularly to keep the coat in good condition.
Are Landseers easy to train and good for first-time owners?
Manageable for committed beginners. Landseers are best for owners ready to commit to consistent training and plenty of activity. Reward-based training and early socialisation help any dog.
Do Landseers bark a lot?
Quiet. They are usually fairly easy-going about barking, though any dog will bark if bored or under-exercised.
Are Landseers good with other dogs?
Sociable with other dogs. Early, positive socialisation with other dogs from a young age makes a big difference.
Do Landseers suit flats or smaller homes?
Needs plenty of space. A Landseer really needs plenty of space and a lot of daily activity — not ideal for a small flat.
Sources
- Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) — Landseer (European Continental Type) standard No. 226: https://www.fci.be/en/nomenclature/LANDSEER-EUROPEAN-CONTINENTAL-TYPE-226.html
- The Kennel Club (UK) — Newfoundland breed information (Landseer colour): https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/breed-standards/working/newfoundland/
- PDSA — Looking after your dog: https://www.pdsa.org.uk/taking-care-of-your-pet
- Blue Cross — Dog advice: https://www.bluecross.org.uk/advice/dog
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Every dog is an individual — temperament and needs vary. Please research thoroughly, meet dogs in person, and consider adopting from a rescue. This is general guidance, not a substitute for advice from your vet or a qualified trainer.