"I have owned Newfoundlands for over 30 years and as with many other breeds overtime there have been many changes, most being to the head type, but still keeping within the boundaries of the British breed standard and there will be as many views about head type as there are judges. Skillful use of scissors has also altered the outline of many modern dogs giving the appearance of long neck, which is not to everyone’s taste, but as long as the actual conformation is not altered in any way, I cannot see a real problem.

But it has been apparent over the past few years that the size of both dogs and bitches is getting smaller on average, and not just the height but substance in particular. I quote selectively from our KC standard. ‘Massive bone throughout, large draught and water dog, head broad and massive’. It is essential if we are to retain the Newfoundland as we now know it for the future, that we keep this in mind, so when confronted with the decision to choose between two dogs of apparent equal qualities I opted for the larger of the two. The really good news is that the superb temperament that our gentle breed is renown for remains unchanged."