Newfoundland and Labrador Dogs interpretive panel

Inscription

"OUR DOGS" -- THE NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR.

Lord Byron's Newfoundland Dog.

Lord Byron, the famous English poet, had a large monument built at Newstead Abbey, to honour "Boatswain" (pronounced Bosun), his beloved Newfoundland Dog. Lord Byron had his own words inscribed:

Near this spot are deposited the remains of one who possessed Beauty without Vanity, Strength without Insolence, Courage without Ferocity, And all the Virtues of Man -- without His Vices.

A Little Prayer For Larry --

A Young Newfoundland Dog.

Is there in heaven Lord, where Thou dost keep a place reserved for dogs that fall asleep? With little rivers chattering over stones, and wide green fields for them to hide their bones, Inside, a fire, where sparks do nothing out (sparks are such nasty things for dogs to have about), An old worn rug or two, for them to settle down, for in between their times of running 'round.

Dear Lord, I like to think there is, and so I pray, for one small Newfoundland who died today. He was so very dear, he'd come to me, and rest his soft black chin upon my knee, He was so full of fun, not very wise, the puppy-look still lingered in his eyes.

Lord keep him safe, wherever he may be, and let him always have a thought of me. So I may bear, when I pass through the dark, Thy loving voice, and then his friendly bark.

Mina M. Brown, St. John's, Newfoundland.

The sculptures of Our Newfoundland and Labrador Dogs are 1.5 times larger than life, created in a standing position, to encourage personal touching -- even climbing-on. They are cast in lead-and-zinc-free Everdur Silicon Bronze, which has the strength of steel and the corrosion resistance of a copper based alloy. Eventually Our Dogs will develop a beautiful green and brown patina, from the salt-rich air.

OUR NEWFOUNDLAND.

Nobody knows the origins of the Newfoundland. Different theories say he descended from the Tibetan Mastiff, Norse Black Bear Dog, Great Pyrenees or the French Boathound. Possibly a number of these were involved, but it is almost certain that our first dogs came over with fishermen. We do know that Our Newfoundland Dog is a very distinctive and special animal -- a breed, with a large head, a double-layered coat, webbed toes, and a large tail that acts as a rudder when he swims.

The Breed Standards of the Newfoundland were recognized by the Westminster Canadian and American Kennel Clubs, and were first published in the 1880s. It is very clear that it was in the period before 1880, that Newfoundland fishermen developed the Newfoundland Dog and used selective breeding to give it an excellent skill at the job.

FORTUNATE NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR.

No Province or State in North America has had the good fortune of our Province, to be the home of TWO world-famous, immensely popular, extremely friendly, companion dogs. These statues of Our Newfoundland and Labrador Dogs have been created and placed here, for the pleasure of our people and our visitors, some of whom may not have viewed these splendid animals before.

OUR LABRADOR (RETRIEVER).

The Labrador is descended from the Newfoundland, but was mated with English Setters and Pointers, to strengthen the retriever's gaming capabilities. These matings produced a smaller animal, still possessing the main features of the Newfoundland Dog, please, and has a wonderfully friendly temperament.

A full-grown Labrador is about 65 to 80 pounds, which is about half the weight of a Newfoundland Dog. Both dogs have webbed toes, the large tail, the double-layered waterproof coat, and both love the water and are strong swimmers. The Labrador, being small, is very suitable for smaller boats and around the home. Compared to the giant Newfoundland, the Labrador is much more economical to keep, and requires a lot less grooming.

The Labrador is a gentle and loyal companion, making it an excellent family dog. The Lab comes in black, chocolate, and yellow colours, and has, for the last 10 years, become the world's most popular breed.

Some people trace the "Lesser Newfoundland" or "St. John's Dog" (as the "Lab" was earlier known) back to the 1700s. The earliest known breeder of the Labrador was the Earl of Malmsbury, who imported several Labs from here into England, around 1830. It was not until 1903 that the Labrador was registered in England, and not until 1917 by the American Kennel Club. At home on either land or water, the Lab is likely the finest retriever in the world. It is easily trained, eager to please.

Things We Can Learn From Dogs - - When loved ones come home, run to greet them. - After you've been scolded, run right back and be friends. - When someone is having a bad day, sit by and nuzzle a little. - When you're happy, dance around, and wag your whole body. - Delight in the healthy pleasures of a good walk. - Avoid snarling when a gentle growl will do.

The average dog is a nicer person than the average person. Andrew Rooney.

Histories have more examples of the fidelity of dogs than of friends. Alexander Pope.

Our sculptor, Luben Boykov, was born in 1960, in Sofia, Bulgaria. In 1987 he graduated with a Master of Fine Arts degree from the Academy of Fine Arts in Sofia, majoring in sculpture. He moved to Canada in 1990 and we are proud that he has settled with his family here in Newfoundland and Labrador. He has exhibited nationally and internationally and has many sculptural commissions and awards to his credit.

Johnson Family Foundation Grand Concourse Authority