Most people know about the Newfoundland‘s webbed feet, and a few folks know that Newfs have an incredible lung capacity, but not everyone knows that one thing that helps make this breed such an effective “lifeguard” is that instead of doing a doggie paddle like most other dogs, the Newfoundland’s technique is more of a breast stroke which gives him power and drive in the water. But that’s just part of the incredible Newfoundland. If a drowning person is responsive, a Newf allows them to grab hold of them and be towed to safety. If a swimmer is unconscious, however, Newfs instinctively grab the victim by the arm so that their body rolls onto its back and gets their head out of the water. But wait, there’s more!  The same massive jowls that cause Newfoundlands to slobber are also the jowls that allow water to siphon out of the dog’s mouth so they can continue the business of saving a life.

The breed was so renowned for its ability to perform water rescue that two Newfoundland dogs were a required part of the “equipment” on lifeguard stations along the coast of England.  Enjoy this short video by the BBC, but keep in the back of your mind that this is the dog that animal rights and many adopt-don’t-shop zealots are content to have go extinct. Sometimes, “feel good” legislation aimed at curbing substandard breeders hurts the people who’ve been getting it right.

Thumbnail image: “Catching A Wave” by Sharon Nummer. This wonderful print is available for purchase here.