150 Pounds of Fun

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 bronze dogs live in Harbourside Park, and look out towards the Narrows, watching for the fishing boats to come home. I always have to rub their noses for good luck! But of course it's even better to meet a real live Newfie dog!

This handsome fellow is Chief. I met him and his person sitting on the wall at the top of Signal Hill. Chief is 5 years old, and weighs around 150 pounds.... that's almost 68 kg! Can you imagine trying to encourage him to get off the best sofa? He was so friendly and good natured and loved all the people who stopped to pat him and take his picture.

This is Knight, only 5-1/2 months old, and full of bounce.He still has quite a bit of growing to do. He's still a baby!
There are various theories of the origin of the Newfoundland dog. One says the dog is a cross between a Tibetan Mastiff and an (extinct) American Black Wolf. Another theory says the dog's ancestors were brought to Newfoundland by the Viking explorers. And perhaps they are descended from many breeds like Pyreanean Sheep Dogs, Mastiffs, and Portugese Water Dogs that were cross bred in the 15th and 16th centuries.
Friendly, soft to touch, lovely creatures, just as long as you don't mind lots of gooey drool! Both Chief and Knight travelled with a handy drool towel ready to mop up at all times!