Historic Dogs of Newfoundland

Tales of Loyalty, Bravery, and Legacy

The Newfoundland dog, known for its strength, intelligence, and unwavering loyalty, takes its name from the province where the breed was first developed. Originating from working dogs brought by European fishermen in the 16th and 17th centuries, these dogs adapted to the harsh maritime conditions of Newfoundland and Labrador. They were bred for their ability to haul heavy fishing nets, rescue drowning sailors, and withstand icy waters. Over time, these remarkable traits became synonymous with the breed, earning it the name "Newfoundland Dog." Today, Newfoundlands are celebrated worldwide, but their roots remain deeply tied to the province’s rugged landscape and seafaring history.

Newfoundland and Labrador have long been home to some of the toughest, most loyal dogs in history. Between 1900 and 1970, a handful of these courageous canines made their mark on history, from shipwreck rescues to wartime heroics. Their stories have been passed down through generations, turning these four-legged legends into icons of resilience and devotion. Let’s take a look at some of the most remarkable dogs of Newfoundland’s past.

Tuffy – The Labrador Husky of the Polar Expeditions

Imagine the biting cold of Antarctica, the relentless winds cutting through the icy wasteland. Now picture a team of sled dogs, their thick coats dusted with frost, pulling explorers through the unknown. Among them was Tuffy, a Labrador Husky, believed to have served with Admiral Richard E. Byrd’s polar expeditions in the 1930s and 40s.

Byrd relied on strong, resilient sled dogs, many of which were sourced from Labrador. When World War II broke out, these dogs found a new purpose: aiding the U.S. Army Air Force in search-and-rescue missions. Tuffy was among the heroic canines flown into Labrador to help locate downed aircrews in the harsh terrain. Eventually, he settled at the Goose Bay air base, becoming a beloved mascot before passing away from a heart attack. Though official records of Tuffy’s service are scarce, his legend lives on in Newfoundland’s folklore.

Shep – The Shipwreck Survivor of Bell Island

World War II brought devastation to Newfoundland’s shores, and Bell Island found itself in the crosshairs of German U-boats. In November 1942, torpedoes struck the Free French freighter P.L.M. 27, sinking the vessel and hurling its crew into the frigid waters. Amid the chaos, one figure refused to let go—a loyal dog named Shep.