Pet Wiki

Landseer

Also called Landseer (European Continental Type), Landseer ECT

Recognised breedFCI group 2Short profile

From Germany and Switzerland, bred from black-and-white Newfoundland dogs.12

At a glance the quick version

Weight45 to 68 kg2
Height, male72 to 80 cm3
Height, female67 to 72 cm3
Sizegiant

Wikipedia gives 45-68 kg (100-150 lb); the FCI standard sets no weight.

gentle, friendly expression
calm companion and watchful guardian
striking black-and-white coat
3

Coat and looks how to spot one

long, dense double coat

A long, straight and plentiful coat that feels soft, with a good undercoat beneath; the head hair is shorter. Compared with the Newfoundland it stands taller on longer legs, with a lighter build and a longer head.32

Colourswhite with black patches3

Personality what they are like

A friendly-looking giant kept as a guard and family companion. The standard asks for a steady dog that is neither sharp nor timid.3

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

The long, dense coat and thick undercoat call for regular, thorough brushing.3

Home where they are happiest

A giant breed that needs plenty of room indoors and out.32

The story where it all began

Its roots lie in the Newfoundland, the fishermen's dog of Canada's east coast. Black-and-white Newfoundlands became famous through the paintings of Sir Edwin Landseer, and in the 1930s continental breeders set out to recreate that look. Germany founded a separate breed club in 1960, and the FCI recognised the Landseer as its own breed the same year.21

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    The breed is named after the Victorian painter Sir Edwin Landseer, who often painted black-and-white Newfoundlands; the name was in use by 1896.2

  2. 2

    Lord Byron's beloved dog Boatswain had Landseer colouring, and Byron raised a memorial to him at Newstead Abbey.4

  3. 3

    J.M. Barrie's dog Luath, a Landseer, inspired Nana, the canine nursemaid in Peter Pan.4

  4. 4

    The head is black with a white blaze, while the collar, chest, belly, legs and tail are white.3

  5. 5

    In Britain and North America the Landseer counts as a Newfoundland colour rather than a separate breed.2

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The breed is named after the 19th-century painter Edwin Landseer, who famously depicted black-and-white Newfoundland dogs in his paintings, leading to the term 'Landseer' being used for these dogs as early as 1896.5

Name ideas for your new friend

HeidiAlpineGretaBrunoSwissFlockiSchneeRudiBernerLottiBergFritz

A day in the life told by a Landseer

Good morning! I stretch my giant paws, then lumber over to check my humans are safe. I sniff the garden, then do my happy dance when breakfast arrives. After a gentle walk, I flop on my spot by the door, watching the street. A squirrel! I give a low, rumbly bark, no worries, just talk. My little human comes home and I get the best ear scratches. Evening: I patrol the yard once more, then curl up, a warm mountain of fur. A perfect, peaceful day.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

FCI
Standard no. 226, Group 2, Section 2.2 Molossian type, mountain type; definitive recognition 24 August 1960; countries of origin Germany and Switzerland.1
The Royal Kennel Club / AKC
Not a separate breed in Britain or North America, where the black-and-white pattern is treated as a colour of the Newfoundland.2

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Landseer. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Landseer tip

Landseers do best with measured meals of a large-breed diet, and treats should be limited to avoid weight gain. Choose highly digestible, low-fermentable treats to support their sensitive digestion, and always ask your vet about suitable options.

Source: petmd.com pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

  • 1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

  1. Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
  2. Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
  3. Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

  • 1 cooking pumpkin
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
  • Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

  1. Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
  2. Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
  3. Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
  4. Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
  5. Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
  6. Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
  7. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Homemade Dog Biscuits (Chicken & Rice)

A simple, tasty treat made from gentle ingredients that are easy on sensitive stomachs, perfect for rewarding without upset.

You need

  • 1 egg
  • 170g boiled chicken breast
  • 100g cooked plain rice
  • 60ml chicken stock (homemade or no added salt)
  • 680g plain flour (adjust as needed for consistency)

How

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
  2. Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
  3. Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
  4. Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
  5. Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
  6. Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
  7. Cool completely before serving.

How much: 1–2 biscuits as an occasional treat for a medium-sized healthy dog. Adjust for your dog's size, age, and activity level.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Landseer, and at what times?

Feed your Landseer at least two meals a day for adults, and three to four smaller meals for puppies. The exact times depend on your routine, but aim for consistent times each day. For amounts, check the food label and ask your vet.6

What should a Landseer eat, and which foods are dangerous?

A high-quality dog food appropriate for giant breeds is best. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts. Always check with your vet for a tailored diet.7

How often should I bathe a Landseer?

Furry Diary's starting plan suggests bathing every 56 days, but general guidance says at least once every three months. Adjust if your Landseer gets dirty often.8 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Landseer need brushing?

Brush your Landseer at least weekly, but daily brushing is ideal for its long, dense double coat to prevent mats. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests weekly brushing.38 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Landseer's nails, and how often?

Trim nails every 28 days or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick (the pink part). If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer.8 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Landseer need?

Landseers need daily exercise like walks and playtime. As a giant breed, they need plenty of room to move. Aim for at least 30-60 minutes of activity daily, but adjust to your dog's energy level.32 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Landseer's teeth and ears?

Brush your Landseer's teeth daily if possible, at least twice a week, using dog toothpaste. Check ears weekly for moisture or dirt, and dry them gently. Never insert anything into the ear canal.8 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Landseer live?

Lifespan varies for giant breeds; typically around 8-10 years. Ask your vet for more specific information.

Is a Landseer good with children and other pets?

Yes, Landseers are known as steady, friendly family companions and are generally good with children and other pets when properly socialized. Their calm temperament makes them a great family dog.3

Can a Landseer be left alone?

Landseers are companion dogs and may not do well left alone for long periods. They need plenty of space and human interaction. If you must leave them, ensure they have a comfortable area and consider a dog sitter.32

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.

  1. FCI nomenclature: Landseer (European Continental type) (226) fci.beused for recognition, origin
  2. Landseer (dog) - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for history, weight, build, recognition elsewhere, fun facts
  3. FCI standard 226 Landseer fci.beused for height, coat, colours, temperament, use
  4. Newfoundland dog - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for famous Landseer-coloured dogs
  5. en.wikipedia.org en.wikipedia.org
  6. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  7. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  8. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.