What Is Newfoundland?

Newfoundland is the name of a big island located off the east coast of North America, and also the most populated portion of the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. This region is frequently called as 'The Middle of the North Atlantic', even though in fact it is over a thousand kilometers away from the actual centre. The island, initially known as Terra Nova, was most probably named by John Cabot in the year 1497.

The island is segregated from the Labrador Peninsula by the Strait of Belle Isle and from Cape Breton Island by the Cabot Strait. It obstructs the mouth of the Saint Lawrence River, thus forming the Gulf of Saint Lawrence, the biggest estuary on the planet. The closest entity to this island is the small French overseas area of Saint Pierre and Miquelon. Dialects of both languages, English and French are spoken her.

The Newfoundland is a big sized, generally black breed of dog initially used as a working dog in the region of, you guessed it, Newfoundland. Newfoundland dogs are known for their gentle nature and loyalty to their families. They also have a natural talent for performing water rescues.

Newfoundland possesses webbed feet as well as a coat which is resistant to water. They weigh a lot, being big dogs and all; some of them can even weigh up to a massive weight of seventy kilograms. Majority of newfies (as they are colloquially called) are generally of the black colored variety, however they can also be found in colors like brown and grey.

The Newfoundlands are widely known for their good temperament, earning them nicknames such as 'the gentle giant' and even 'nature's babysitters' as they are very protective of children.