Landseer Breed Information
Country of Origin: Germany/Switzerland
Date of publication of the source: 24.08.1960
Capacity: Perfect as a watchdog and companion.
FCI Classification: Group II; Pinscher and Schnauzer- Molossoid Breeds – Swiss Mountain and Cattle Dogs.
Characteristics: Landseer should convey the impression of a big, strong and well-built and balanced dog. This breed’s legs are considerably longer than those of the black Newfoundland-especially in males.
Head: free of wrinkles and the fur on the face and muzzle is covered with soft and smooth coat.
The skull is wide and large. The occiput is well-built.
Viscerocranium:
Nose: Black
Muzzle: wide muzzle is rather short and squared-off.
Cheeks: developed moderately
Jaw/bite/Teeth: Scissor bite
Eyes: mid-sized and slightly deep set, from dark brown to light brown type of eyes; almond-eyed; unseen third eyelid
Ears: Medium size ears with rounded tips; high set attached tightly to the Head; covered with soft and smooth coat; back side of the base of ears are tasselled.
Neck: section of neck- not entirely round, rather oval-shaped. In case of well-balanced dog the length of neck from the occiput to the withers should amount to 4/5 of the length of head measured from the tip of the nose.
Trunk: Fairly wide
The length of a trunk from the withers to the point of rump should amount to the double length of the head.
Back: plain and springy.
Loin: muscular.
Rump: Rounded and muscular.
Chest: deep and wide.
Tail: Strong, reaching max to the level of a knee, covered with thick fur. The tail hangs down while standing.
Front: Strong muscles are covering the front limbs. The limbs are fairly strong and lightly covered with fur.
Paws: Big and well shaped, catlike. Toes should be webbed for better swimming.
Gait: The gait of a muscular dog should be energetic and swaggering.
Coat:
Weight
The top coat, with exception of the head, is long, straight and dense, soft to the touch. When brushed in the wrong way, it falls back into place naturally. The main color of the coat is a clear white with distinct black patches on body and croup. Collar, chest, belly, legs and tail are white. The head is black, with a white symmetrical blaze. It has a slight roll in gait.
Height
Male: 28 ½ -31 ½ inches (72-80 cm.)
Female: 26 ½-28 ½ inches (67-72 cm.).
Weight
Male: 130-150 pounds (59-68 kg)
Female: 100-120 pounds (45-54kg).
Temperament
The Landseer is a dog with an outstanding temperament, good, courageous, generous and intelligent. It is also a patient dog, mild with guests, and obsequious with its master. He is noble, calm, gentle, loyal and trustworthy with a sweet temperament. Dignified and peaceable. Very devoted. Good and brave. Intelligent enough to act on his own when needed. Landseer’s can recognize a dangerous situation and will generally act if the family is threatened. Any dog, other animal, child, or visitor who has no evil intention will receive a friendly welcome. Some males may be aggressive with other males if the owners are not present to properly communicate to the dog that dominance is an unwanted behavior. Patient, playful, and loving with children. Very sociable. Enjoys the outdoors, but also requires companionship. The Landseer drinks a lot of water and may be messy about it, as he loves to get wet. Although puppies require a lot of food, an adult Landseer eats only about as much as a retriever. They love to swim and if backpacking near water, don’t let the Landseer carry your sleeping bag – or you may spend a very damp night! This breed may be slightly difficult to train. These dogs are very sensitive to the tone of your voice. Training must be conducted in a calm, but firm, confident, consistent and balanced manner.
Health Problems.
Prone to hip dysplasia. Do not let a Landseer get fat.
Life Expectancy.
Under 10 years.