The Newfoundland breed originated in Newfoundland.  It's ancestry remains  in enigma.  The great Pyrenees was brought to the shores of Newfoundland and there bred with arctic dogs. The modern form was bred in England.

Size
The male Newfoundland dog weighs about 140 pounds and stand about 28 inches high at the shoulder. Females are slightly smaller.

Body
He has a heavy coat to protect him from the long winters and the icy waters surrounding his native island. His feet are large, strong, and webbed so that he may travel easily over marshes and shores.

Color
The most common color is black, often with a patch of white on the chest, chin, or toes. These dogs also may be gray, brown, or white with black markings.

Breed
The breed was usually used for heavy work, both on land and in water.  Early steamships and sailing vessels frequently included a Newfoundland dog as a crew member.  These dogs are still known for their work in the water and their tendency to help swimmers in distress.