THE pure Newfoundland is rarely met with, though every large black dog is commonly called by that name. In the island of Newfoundland, of which this breed is indigenous, it is doubtful whether a typical specimen could be found. The characteristics of this dog are, intelligence, kindly disposition, power and buoyancy in the water, love of children and remarkable discretionary powers. Instances of life-saving by these noble animals are numerous, and it is to be regretted that so little has been done to preserve the purity of this breed, which is fast becoming extinct. The head of the Newfoundland is very broad, nearly flat on the top in each direction, exhibiting a well-marked occipital protuberance, and with a considerable brow over the eye. There is a slight furrow down the middle of the top of the head, but nothing approaching to a stop. The nose is wide in all directions, of average length, moderately square at the end, and with open nostrils. The whole of the jaws are covered with short hair. The eyes are small, deeply set, and generally brown; but there should be no display of the haw or third eye-lid. The ears are small, clothed with short hair on all but the edges, which are fringed with longer hair. The throat is clean without a frill, though thickly clothed with hair. The chest is capacious, but the back is often slack and weak, though in some specimens there is a fine development of muscle. The legs should be bony and straight, and the fore and hind legs are thickly feathered, but not to any great length. The feet are large and wide, with thin soles, toes being generally flat, rendering the dog unable to run at a fast pace, as he becomes foot-sore. The height of the dog should be at least 25 inches. Beyond this, however, is a merit rather than a defect. The color should be black, the richer the better, but a rusty stain is so common in the native breed that it should not be penalized. The jet black is, however, so handsome that it should count above the rusty stain in judging two dogs. A white star on the breast is often met with, but the white and black color exhibited in the Landseer type never occurs in a true Newfoundland. The coat of the Newfoundland is shaggy without much under-coat, but it is so thick and oily that it takes some time for the water to reach the skin through it. There is often a natural parting down the back, and the surface is very glossy. The tail is long and gently curled on one side, not carried high, clothed thickly with long hair, which is quite bushy and is often naturally parted down the middle. (20)