Did you know that Newfoundlands are actually pretty famous? They are well known not just in their homeland of Newfoundland, Canada, but worldwide for their gentle nature and life-saving water rescue skills.
Nana
Nana is the patient, loyal dog of the Darling family in Peter Pan. She acted as the nursemaid and caregiver for the children.
The dog was based on the author’s own black and white Landseer Newfoundland named Luath.
The character of Nana is frequently portrayed as a Saint Bernard, however, in Peter and Wendy the author describes Nana as a “prim Newfoundland.” So there really is no reason for her to be portrayed as a Saint Bernard.
Seaman
Seaman was the companion of explorer Meriwether Lewis on the Lewis and Clark Expedition of 1804 to 1806 that took the men across the interior of the North American continent.
Lewis purchased Seaman as a pup in Pittsburgh for $20 while waiting for the expedition boats to be completed. Countless books and stories have been written about the expedition and the dog.
Brumus
“When Bobby brought to work his beloved Brumus, the black Newfoundland who was the size of a pony and could drool at will, he let nature call in the courtyard and trusted the guards would clean up after him.” -Bobby Kennedy – The Making of a Liberal Icon, Larry Tye
Robert F. Kennedy was an animal lover and his partner in crime was always the well-known favorite Brumus, a black Newfie from Little Bear Kennels.
Boatswain
Boatswain was the pet of English poet Lord Byron who was immortalized in his piece Epitaph to a Dog. Lord Byron attempted, unsuccessfully, to nurse Boatswain back to health after he contracted rabies.
Near this Spot
are deposited the Remains of one
who possessed Beauty without Vanity,
Strength without Insolence,
Courage without Ferosity,
and all the virtues of Man without his Vices.
This praise, which would be unmeaning Flattery
if inscribed over human Ashes,
is but a just tribute to the Memory of
Boatswain, a Dog
who was born in Newfoundland May 1803
and died at Newstead November 18th 1808.
When some proud Son of Man returns to Earth,
Unknown to Glory but upheld by Birth,
The sculptor’s art exhausts the pomp of woe,
And storied urns record who rests below.
When all is done, upon the Tomb is seen
Not what he was, but what he should have been.
But the poor Dog, in life the firmest friend,
The first to welcome, foremost to defend,
Whose honest heart is still his Masters own,
Who labors, fights, lives, breathes for him alone,
Unhonour’d falls, unnotic’d all his worth,
Deny’d in heaven the Soul he held on earth.
While man, vain insect! hopes to be forgiven,
And claims himself a sole exclusive heaven.
Oh man! thou feeble tenant of an hour,
Debas’d by slavery, or corrupt by power,
Who knows thee well, must quit thee with disgust,
Degraded mass of animated dust!
Thy love is lust, thy friendship all a cheat,
Thy tongue hypocrisy, thy words deceit,
By nature vile, ennobled but by name,
Each kindred brute might bid thee blush for shame.
Ye! who behold perchance this simple urn,
Pass on, it honours none you wish to mourn.
To mark a friend’s remains these stones arise,
I never knew but one — and here he lies.
SONAR
SONAR was “recruited” by the Canadian Forces Maritime Command in 2010 as a part of the Canadian Navy’s centennial celebrations. While SONAR is not an actual dog, it was incredibly fun to see a Newfie as a mascot!
Rigel
Rigel was owned by William McMaster Murdoch, the first officer on the Titanic. Murdoch died in the sinking, but Rigel was able to swim away and circle one of the lifeboats. The lifeboat had drifted under the bow of the rescue ship, the Carpathia, and was about to be run over when Rigel started barking. The engines were cut and the survivors and the dog were saved from the icy waters.
Josh
CH Darbydale’s All Rise Pouch Cove, call name Josh, was the second Newfoundland to win the Westminster Kennel Club dog show. Josh took home Best in Show in 2004.
Faithful
Faithful belonged to Ulysses S. Grant’s youngest son Jesse and came with the family when they moved into the white house. True to the breed, Faithful was happiest when spending time with Jesse and his three older siblings while performing various tasks around the White House grounds.
Hairy Man
Hairy Man helped his owners to rescue 163 people from a shipwreck off the coast of Newfoundland. His story was the inspiration for the children’s novel, A Star in the Storm.
Gander
Gander was the WW2 mascot of the Royal Rifles of Canada, also known as “Sergeant Gander.” Sadly, he was killed in action at the Battle of Hong Kong when he carried a grenade away from wounded soldiers.
Carlo
Carlo was a brown Newfoundland and the only pet of reclusive poet Emily Dickinson. The dog (whose company she said she preferred to that of humans’) was a gift from her father as a companion for the long walks she enjoyed in the woods.
Who is your favorite famous Newfie? Have you heard of any of these dogs before?
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Hello Niki, Did you know that Napoleon fell off of a ship on stormy seas and was rescued by the ship’s Newf? Did you know that Marie Killilea’s female won Nationals weighing in around 175? I think that was in the ’50’s. Keep digging, you are doing great!
Hey Caroline! I did not know those facts, that’s amazing! Definitely will be doing some more research into it, thanks for the start!
I once had a female Newfie. She died of a stroke. Wonderful dogs for sure, very protective of owner!
I’m so sorry to hear she passed. Newfies are amazing dogs ❤️
There used to be a Newfandlander named Bear who lived in Tofino back in the 80’s and 90’s. He was known to all the locals. He was allowed to walk freely throughout the town. His owner and Bear also lived along the coast further north of Tofino for months at a time. That where I met Bear. I had just ran my zodiac up on a beach when Bear appeared.
I wonder if I’ll be able to find any more info on Bear or a photo and maybe add him to the list.