Lesser-Known Dog Breeds - The Seafoundland

The Seafoundland is by far the most powerful swimmer in the canine world and one of the strongest swimmers in the animal kingdom. Able to swim for vast distances, the Seafoundland is notable for being the only sea going dog. The Seafoundland's outsized paws sometimes result in it being a little clumsy on land, however it is in the water that the dog truly comes into its own. Those outsized paws bear webbed toes which enable it to move steadily through the water at a good rate of knots. The dog is also able to use it's tail as a rudder and so is highly manoeverable.

One of the most notable Seafoundlands was that of long distance swimmer Betty Paddle who was accompanied by her faithful dog 'Henry' on her English Channel swim of 1923.

Betty even attempted to enter Henry in the Paris Olympics the following year. He was entered under the name of Henry Paddle and it was only when he was lined up at the side of the pool for the 100m freestyle that an official pointed out that only human competitors were allowed to enter. Not to be deterred, Henry made the most of the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to swim in the Olympics and took part anyway despite the impending disqualification. Henry's time would have qualified him for the next round.

During the 2011 Tsunami in Japan, a Japanese Shiba dog, Potchi, was washed out to sea and was able to survive by scrambling onto some debris. He was rescued two days later by a Seafoundland from his neighborhood, Koji, who swam out and towed him back to shore.

This is definitely a breed that needs a lot of exercise, and it really needs a daily paddle as well as a daily walk. Those who enjoy a day messing about in boats on rivers, will find that their dog likes nothing better to tag along behind the boat, and will even happily tow the boat if the rowers get tired. The dogs coat can tend to be a bit high maintenance to prevent matting and also to remove any barnacles that may have lodged there. Seafoundlands can still sometimes be found to this day assisting fishermen who take a tumble or those in peril on the sea.

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