Saturday, 22 November 2014
Newfoundland Dogs
These two bronzes commemorate the famous dog breeds of Newfoundland and Labrador.... the Labrador Retriever and the Newfoundland Dog. The 1.5 scale sculptures were created in cast bronze over a stainless steel frame by Luben Boykov in 2003.
These dogs stand in Harbourside Park in St Johns, and whenever I'm there, I have to visit them and rub their noses for luck. A second set of these doggy sculptures was completed by Boykov in 2008 and stand halfway up Signal Hill outside the Geo Centre.
The Newfoundlands ('Newfs' or 'Newfies') have webbed feet and a water-resistant coat and were originally bred and used as a working dog for fishermen. Newfoundland dogs excel at water rescue and lifesaving because of their muscular build, thick double coat, webbed feet, and innate swimming abilities.
But there's nothing better than the real thing..... these two sisters were taking their person for a walk on Signal Hill when I met them. Their names are Jib and Mercedes.
Jib and Mercedes are well known characters in St Johns, as they greet all the cruise ships that arrive in the harbour. Friendly, soft to touch, lovely creatures, just as long as you don't mind lots of drool!
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They seem like great dogs. What fun that they meet the boats.
ReplyDeleteAmazing statues, so realistic in detail and I absolutely love the real thing...Jib and Mercedes look so sweet.
ReplyDeleteNewfs are great dogs. My past neighbour had a couple of them (among countless other animals in a rather small house). They're sweet. gentle and very protective of the kidlets.
ReplyDeleteHow cool that they greet the boats. Better than a Walmart greeter, eh? ;)
Amazing dogs sculpture!
ReplyDeleteAnother day I saw on tv a statue of a dog, in NY's street and the dog looks a real dog.
These two sisters Jib and Mercedes looks adorable.
Wishing you and yours a pleasant Sunday.
I LOVE those Sculptures---especially the close-up you took---you can really see the great workmanship it took!
ReplyDeleteThe Real Doggies are Darling!!!
Jib and Mercedes are perfect names for these handsome dogs!
ReplyDeleteI want to snuggle Jib and Mercedes! They are beautiful.
ReplyDeleteLove how the noses are polished from all the rubs.
Beautiful sculptures and the Real Thing is just as beautiful....except perhaps the drool... (:0)
ReplyDeleteThe sculptures of the two dogs are so charming, but Jib and Mercedes are even more.
ReplyDeleteYoko
Strangely enough my wife and I saw one leaning casually out of the window of a parked car just around the corner from where we live on The Wirral, Cheshire. They aren't common around here but my ex-brother-in-law had one - a gorgeous dog but awkward to exercise when you don't live near water.
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