Newfoundland Dogs Deliver Christmas Trees and Holiday Cheer
During the winter holiday season, Santa’s little helpers at various Christmas tree lots come in a different size and shape than the usual reindeer or human. These helpers have shaggy, thick fur, a bit of slobber, and the sweetest disposition you could ask for. Newfoundland dogs, or “Newfs” as their families affectionately call them, participate in hauling Christmas trees with carts or sleighs at tree lots and farms across the United States.
Plow Farms has been hosting Newfoundland Pulls for over a decade, hitching up their Newfies to pull trees during the holiday season. It’s a wonderful way to connect with the community, showcase the breed, and sometimes raise funds for local charities.
Handlers design special carts for the dogs to ensure the task is easy and comfortable for them while protecting the trees.
Here’s Jake the Newfie in action, pulling a tree:
The annual event attracts all ages and lots of dog fans.
Even Mr. and Mrs. Claus are Newfie lovers.
Other Newfie clubs, such as New Pen Del Newfound Club hold similar events. They recently held one at Bountiful Acres in Pennsylvania.
“It is a lot of fun for the dogs, and their handlers, to assist customers who come out to the farms to pick out their holiday trees,” member Kathy Weber wrote on the group’s Facebook page. “Customers LOVE having a Newf pull their tree in!”
Newfoundland dogs are a working breed, known for their strength and their kindly disposition. For centuries the sweet-tempered dogs have been known as “nanny dogs” because of their gentle temperament with children.
The Newfoundland Club of America writes on their website, “The Newfoundland Dog breed has a long and storied history. Long known as the lifeguards of the high seas, and diligent guardians of the nursery, Newfoundlands were a popular subject for painters, authors, poets and artists of many kinds. Their loyalty and imposing visage made them iconic mascots for soldiers across the ages.
Although pulling loads may appear like tough work for the dog and not fit in with the more traditional role of the breed in swimming and lifeguarding, the Newfoundland is actually bred with the ability and desire to cart. The AKC website notes, “Although he is a superior water dog, the Newfoundland has been used and is still used in Newfoundland and Labrador as a true working dog, dragging carts, or more often carrying burdens as a pack horse. There are also numerous sporting events for the dogs to participate in that include carting/drafting and towing boats!
