Official ICCF Breed Description
Brief Historical Overview
The Landseer is an ancient water breed closely connected with the history of working dogs in the North Atlantic region. It developed along the coasts of Canada and the British Isles, where it was used by fishermen and sailors for rescuing people, carrying equipment, and assisting with loading cargo. These dogs were known for their strength, endurance, courage, and ability to work in icy waters. Over time, European breeders selected the black-and-white type which became the foundation of the modern Landseer, named after the artist Edwin Landseer, who frequently depicted these dogs. In the 19th–20th centuries the breed gained wide recognition as a reliable working and family dog with pronounced lifesaving abilities.
General Appearance
The Landseer is a large, powerful yet harmonious dog with strong bone, well-developed musculature, and a noble, expressive silhouette. The body is slightly elongated, with a firm and level topline. The chest is deep, the back straight, and the loin strong. The limbs are strong, straight, and well-boned, providing confident movement. The head is large but not coarse, with a friendly expression. The coat is dense, water-repellent, of medium length, and black-and-white in color. The Landseer should give the impression of a dog capable of working in water, withstanding physical effort, while remaining calm and balanced. Its appearance reflects strength, reliability, stability, and friendliness.
Important Proportions
The proportions of the Landseer emphasize its functionality as a water rescue dog. The format is moderately elongated: body length slightly exceeds height at the withers. Chest depth is approximately half the dog’s height. The head is large, its length about 40% of the height at the withers. The muzzle is somewhat shorter than the skull but broad and deep. The neck is strong and equal in length to the head. Limbs are straight, firm, with well-defined angulation ensuring stable and smooth movement. The tail is long and strong, carried low when relaxed. All proportions must maintain a balance between massiveness and agility, enabling the dog to swim long distances, pull weight, and remain stable both in water and on land.
Temperament and Behavior
The Landseer has a calm, balanced, and friendly temperament, making it a reliable family companion and an excellent working dog. It possesses an innate rescue instinct, courage, and kindness toward people. In behavior, the Landseer is attentive, patient, and not prone to aggression, yet capable of decisiveness when needed. It learns easily, displays high intelligence, and can make independent decisions in water. In the family it shows gentleness, affection, and calmness, and gets along well with children and other animals. The breed requires human interaction, regular activity, and conditions that allow it to express natural instincts—swimming, movement, and work.
Head
The head of the Landseer is large, noble, and proportional to the body, with smooth, harmonious lines reflecting the breed’s calm temperament. The skull is broad, slightly arched, with well-developed cheeks and a moderate stop. The stop is evident but not abrupt—natural and smooth. The forehead is broad, the muzzle deep and sufficiently wide, with strong jaws. The expression is friendly, attentive, and calm, reflecting the dog’s balanced character. The head should convey strength, intelligence, and confidence, while remaining proportional and reinforcing the noble appearance of the breed.
Foreface
The foreface of the Landseer is large and strong but not coarse. The muzzle is wide and deep, tapering slightly toward the nose but maintaining straight lines. The bridge of the nose is straight, without curves or bulges. The nose is large, black, with wide nostrils suited for work in water. The lips are moderately pendent but not excessive; the corners of the mouth are defined without excessive looseness. The jaws are strong, broad, and well-developed, with a full set of teeth and a scissor bite. The foreface must express strength, endurance, and the ability to grasp effectively during rescue work. Too light or overly coarse muzzles are unacceptable.
Eyes
The eyes of the Landseer are medium-sized, oval, slightly oblique, giving the expression softness, intelligence, and attentiveness. Eye color ranges from dark brown to brown; very light eyes are undesirable. Eyelids are tight and well-pigmented, important for protection during work in water. The expression is kind, calm, yet confident, reflecting the breed’s balanced character. Round or protruding eyes, loose eyelids, or signs of irritation are unacceptable. Correct eyes highlight the breed’s gentle disposition, responsiveness, and intelligence.
Ears
The ears are medium-sized, triangular with smoothly rounded tips. They are set moderately high and lie close to the head, hanging naturally. Their length must complement the head’s proportions—not too short and not excessively long. The ears are covered with dense hair that protects them during water work. Standing ears, overly high placement, outward deviation, or unnatural shapes are unacceptable. Proper ears emphasize the breed’s friendly and calm character and complement the noble silhouette.
Neck
The neck is strong, muscular, and long enough to allow free movement both in water and on land. The top line of the neck is slightly arched and flows smoothly into the well-defined withers, forming a noble outline. The musculature is well-developed but not coarse, allowing the dog flexibility and stability. The skin is dense and elastic, without excessive dewlap, although slight looseness is acceptable in mature males. The neck should provide balance between the head and body and allow a confident grip during rescue tasks. Short, weak, overly thick, or excessively long necks are faults.
Body
The body is strong, powerful, and slightly elongated, adapted for extended work in water and on land. The withers are well defined, the back broad, straight, and firm. The loin is short and muscular, serving as a strong support during movement. The croup is long and slightly sloping, enabling powerful rear drive. The chest is deep and broad, with well-arched ribs providing large lung capacity. The abdomen is moderately tucked. The body must convey strength, endurance, and functionality. A narrow chest, weak back, or incorrect proportions are faults.
Tail
The tail is long, thick at the base, tapering toward the tip. When relaxed, it is carried down to the hock. When excited or moving, it is raised but must not curl over the back. The tail is covered with long, dense hair that protects the dog in water and emphasizes its silhouette. Movement of the tail should be confident and even. Short, curled, high-set, or kinked tails are serious faults. A correct tail is important for balance, especially in water.
Forequarters
The forequarters are strong, straight, and well-boned, ensuring stability and strength during movement and water work. Shoulders are long, sloping, and well-laid-back. The upper arm is strong, forming correct angulation. Elbows are directed strictly backward, without turning inward or outward. Forearms are straight, massive, and even in thickness. Pasterns are short, slightly sloping, but elastic. Feet are large, round, with well-developed webbing, essential for water work. Weak pasterns, toeing in or out, narrow or splayed feet are unacceptable.
Hindquarters
The hindquarters are powerful, muscular, and well balanced, providing strong propulsion and stability on all surfaces. Thighs are long, broad, and muscular. Knees are strong with well-defined angulation. Lower thighs are long, straight, and dry. Hocks are low-set, broad, and stable. Rear pasterns are short and vertical. Feet are strong, slightly oval, with thick pads and pronounced webbing. Weak joints, straight angulation, cow-hocked or bow-legged stance reduce efficiency and are faults.
Gait and Movement
The movement of the Landseer is free, even, and powerful, reflecting its natural ability to work in water and on land. The primary gait is a wide, confident trot with good reach in front and strong drive behind. The back remains stable, without sway. At faster speeds the dog must maintain coordination, smoothness, and balance. Movements must be economical and strong, ensuring endurance and stability even in water. Short steps, stiffness, crossing legs, or clumsy movement are unacceptable.
Coat
The coat is dense, thick, medium-length, and highly water-repellent—an essential working feature. The undercoat is soft, dense, and provides insulation. The outer coat is straight or slightly wavy but never curly. It is evenly distributed, with longer hair on the neck, chest, tail, and rear thighs. The coat must provide protection and functionality. Too soft, thin, straight without structure, or excessively curly coat is faulty.
Acceptable Colors
The Landseer’s color is strictly black-and-white: a white base with large black patches on the head, body, and tail. The head typically has a symmetrical black mask with a white blaze, but variations are acceptable if harmonious. Patches must be distinct and rich in color, without blurred edges. Solid colors, brown markings, excessive black, or lack of characteristic white areas are unacceptable. Coat must remain clean in tone; rustiness or yellowing is undesirable. Nose, lips, and eyelids must have full black pigmentation.
Size
The Landseer is a large and powerful water rescue breed; correct size is essential. Height at the withers: males 72–80 cm, females 67–72 cm. Weight ranges from 45 to 70 kg depending on sex and structure. The body is slightly elongated, strong, and balanced; chest depth is about half the height. The dog must maintain balance between mass and mobility. Excessive heaviness reduces performance in water; excessive lightness reduces strength. Proper size ensures the breed’s ability to perform rescue tasks effectively and maintain endurance.
Faults
Faults include deviations that diminish type or functionality. These include light or overly massive structure, weak musculature, flat or narrow chest, insufficient chest depth, overly light or overly coarse head, round or too large eyes, poor pigmentation, weak pasterns, turned elbows, straight rear angulation, splayed feet. Coat faults include overly soft, thin, straight without structure, or too curly hair. Color faults include unclear markings, excessive black, or incorrect pattern. Behavioral faults include shyness, excessive dependence, or lack of working initiative.
Disqualifying Faults
Disqualifying faults include severe deviations that undermine health, temperament, or type. Unprovoked aggression or panic-level fear is unacceptable. Severe bite faults, overshot or undershot jaws, or missing functionally important teeth are disqualifying. Complete or partial depigmentation of the nose, lips, or eyelids is a serious fault. Any color other than black-and-white, solid white, solid black, or incorrect distribution of patches is disqualifying. Structural deformities affecting movement also disqualify the dog.
Important Notes
The Landseer is a working breed with strong lifesaving abilities, and evaluation must consider functionality, stable temperament, and capacity for water work. Minor seasonal coat changes or physical wear from work should not reduce evaluation if the dog remains healthy and capable. Behavior must be calm, confident, and friendly toward people, while demonstrating readiness for action. When comparing individuals, preference is given to the more functional, balanced dog with correct movement and expression. Appearance must never outweigh working ability.
Conclusion
The Landseer is an impressive, friendly, and functional breed combining strength, intelligence, and natural rescue instincts. Its strong body, water-repellent coat, confident movement, and calm temperament make it a valuable working assistant and reliable family companion. The breed standard emphasizes harmony, stability, and functionality, preserving the historical purpose of the Landseer as a dog capable of working both in water and on land. With proper care and training, it becomes a devoted, tolerant, and intelligent partner. The breed remains a symbol of reliability, endurance, and nobility among large working dogs.
