
Landseer (European Continental Type)
Male: 60-75 kg, Female: 50-70 kg
Male: 72-80 cm, Female: 67-72 cm
8-11 years
Germany, Switzerland (developed from dogs from Newfoundland)
About the Landseer (European Continental Type)
The Landseer (European Continental Type) is a majestic giant breed, distinct from the black-and-white Newfoundland by its longer legs, more athletic build, and specific piebald markings. Named after the painter Sir Edwin Landseer, who immortalized the breed in the 19th century, these dogs were originally prized by North Atlantic fishermen for their extraordinary swimming ability and rescue instincts. Unlike the heavier-set Newfoundland, the Landseer ECT possesses a more agile silhouette and a less massive head, reflecting its history as a capable all-purpose working dog on both land and water. In the home, the Landseer is the quintessential 'gentle giant.' They are famously patient and protective, forming deep bonds with their families. While they are calm indoors, their size and working heritage mean they require consistent leadership and ample space. They are not merely ornamental; they are active companions that thrive when given a job to do, whether it is swimming, carting, or participating in water rescue training. Their intelligence and eagerness to please make them responsive students, though their sheer physical power requires early and ongoing socialization.
Breed Standard
Key characteristics from the breed standard
In the show ring, the Landseer ECT is distinguished by its 'high on the leg' stance and a lighter, more functional movement compared to the Newfoundland. The breed standard calls for a broad head with a distinct stop, but without the heavy flew or excessive wrinkling seen in other giant breeds. Their movement should be free, covering ground with a powerful drive that hints at their rescue capabilities.
Bred For
Water rescue, draft work, and fisherman's companion
Temperament
Devoted, courageous, gentle, and intelligent with a natural affinity for water.
Health Conditions Reported in the Breed
Hip and , (), (), , and Heat Stroke.
Exercise Needs
Moderate; requires daily long walks and benefits greatly from swimming opportunities to support joints while burning energy.
Grooming Needs
High; thick double coat requires thorough brushing at least 2-3 times a week to prevent matting, especially during seasonal shedding periods.
Living Suitability
Not suited for apartment living; requires a home with a large, secure yard or acreage. They need climate-controlled indoor access during Australian summers.
Good with Kids
Excellent; known for being exceptionally patient and 'nanny-like' with children of all ages.
Good with Other Pets
Generally good with other dogs and household pets, though their size requires supervision around very small animals.
Trainability
Highly intelligent and eager to please, though they can be independent; responds best to positive reinforcement and early obedience training.
Coat & Colours
Long, flat, dense double coat; oily and water-resistant.. White with distinct black patches on the body and rump; black head with a white blaze.
Exercise needs vary by age, fitness, health, weather and individual temperament. Consult your veterinarian for an exercise plan appropriate for your dog.
Things to Consider
Every breed has its quirks — here's what to know
Prospective Landseer owners should be prepared for significant shedding; their double coat 'blows' twice a year, resulting in a large volume of loose fur throughout the home. As a giant, deep-chested breed, they are more likely to experience Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (Bloat)—this is a life-threatening emergency, so owners should use elevated bowls and avoid exercise immediately after meals. They are also prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, making weight management and joint support critical from puppyhood. Like many giant breeds, they can be 'droolers,' especially after drinking or when anticipating food, so a 'slobber cloth' is a handy accessory. In the Australian climate, their thick coats make them highly susceptible to heat stroke; they must have access to shade and air conditioning on hot days and should never be exercised in the heat of the day. They may also be predisposed to sensitive skin or 'hot spots' if their coat isn't dried thoroughly after swimming. While they are gentle, their size means they can accidentally knock over small children or furniture, requiring a home that can accommodate their physical presence. Lastly, some Landseers may develop dietary sensitivities to high-grain commercial diets, often thriving better on the digestible, low-allergen proteins found in Majestik’s fresh raw range—this doesn't mean every Landseer will have these sensitivities, but it is a known breed predisposition to watch for.
Feeding Guide for Your Landseer (European Continental Type)
Healthy Weight
50-75 kg
Daily Feeding Amount (general starting estimate)
1,200-1,800 grams
For a Landseer ECT, feeding should focus on lean, high-quality proteins to maintain muscle mass without putting undue stress on the joints. Some owners use smaller divided meals and avoid strenuous activity immediately around feeding. These steps cannot guarantee prevention of gastric dilatation-volvulus. Seek urgent veterinary care if bloat is suspected. For a 60kg adult, this equates to roughly 1,200g to 1,800g per day. Majestik's Kangaroo or Beef formulations are excellent choices for providing high-density nutrition without excessive fat.
Feeding quantities are general starting estimates only. Individual needs vary with body condition, weight trends, age, health and activity. Ingredient percentages alone do not guarantee complete and balanced nutrition — consult a veterinarian for individualised dietary guidance.
Ingredient percentages alone do not guarantee complete and balanced nutrition. Seek veterinary or qualified canine nutrition guidance for individualised dietary advice. Raw feeding, specific proteins or fresh foods should not be presented as preventing, treating or managing breed health conditions without veterinary diagnosis and supervision.
Majestik's Recommended Feeding Approach
Breed Diet Notes
A high-quality, large-breed specific diet focusing on joint support and weight management, ideally consisting of fresh, lean proteins and balanced minerals.
A balanced raw diet for a Landseer should include lean proteins such as Kangaroo or Beef from Majestik Pet Food to maintain an ideal weight. The ratio should follow a 70:10:10:10 structure: 70% muscle meat, 10% edible bone (like turkey necks for calcium), 10% organ meats (liver and kidney for essential vitamins), and 10% blended seasonal vegetables for fiber and antioxidants. Given their predisposition to joint issues, supplements like green-lipped mussel or fish oil are highly recommended to provide Omega-3 fatty acids.
These are general breed-level notes only. The appropriate food and serving amount depend on the individual dog's age, health, body condition, activity and tolerance.
Majestik Recommendation
Majestik BARF meals follow our practical 70/10/10/10 approach: approximately 70% quality meat and protein ingredients, 10% edible bone, 10% vegetables and 10% offal. This gives customers a convenient fresh-food option without needing to source and portion every ingredient themselves.
Our Beef, Lamb and Roo BARF meals provide convenient fresh-food options, with suitable proteins chosen or rotated according to the individual dog.
Suitable for different needs
- Healthy adult: Majestik adult Beef, Lamb or Roo BARF meal.
- Puppy: Majestik Premium Puppy.
- Senior: Majestik Senior Blend.
- Working or highly active dog: Suitable Majestik adult meal with quantity adjusted to workload and body condition.
- Protein trial: One Majestik protein at a time.
Recommended Majestik BARF Meals
This is a practical starting recommendation for healthy dogs. Individual needs vary with age, health, body condition and activity.
Landseer (European Continental Type) Feeding Calculator
Personalised raw and cooked feeding recommendations based on your dog's profile
Ideal — Ribs palpable without excess fat. Visible waist. Abdominal tuck present.
Have a question about your Landseer (European Continental Type)? Dog Health AI
Why Majestik?
Fresh, raw pet food made with integrity in South Australia
Australian Made
Made in Two Wells, South Australia
Freshly Prepared
Real meat, organs, bone & wholefood ingredients
No Fillers
No cheap fillers or artificial preservatives
Family Owned
Locally owned and operated
Local Delivery
Delivery across Adelaide & selected areas
Secure Checkout
Secure payment via Shopify checkout
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Breed Records & Facts
Average Litter Size
6-10 puppies
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References & Sources
Breed information verified against recognised breed authorities and veterinary evidence.


