Nowhere is the bond of admiration and trust between a dog and its handler more apparent than at a Newfoundland water test. Maybe, it’s because the purpose of the event is to measure the dog’s ability to save a human life when called upon. Maybe it’s because of the intense training needed to prepare for testing.

 

Whatever the reason, it allows us to witness the unique traits of a special breed. The Newfoundland’s large stature and powerful muscles, its waterproof coat and webbed toes all enable it to stroke through the water with the speed and endurance to rescue a drowning man.

There are many instances on record of Newfies saving lives in water disasters. To encourage these lifesaving instincts, in 1971, a group of enthusiasts developed plans for a water trial consisting of 12 exercises, six each in two divisions, junior and senior. Two years later, the Newfoundland Club of America sanctioned its first official rescue test in Michigan. Over time, the rules have changed, mostly from observing the dog’s natural instincts, but the original concept remains intact.

Junior Division (WD)

Junior division exercises are fundamental. The first one, basic control, takes place on dry land. The dog’s willingness and ability to perform its owner’s bidding are tested with heeling, a recall, and a down stay. The five remaining exercises are performed in the water and consist of retrieving a bumper, retrieving a life jacket or cushion, delivering a rope to a swimming steward, towing a boat, and swimming calmly with a handler. Accomplishing all six tasks results in a Water Dog title, issued by the NCA.

Senior Division (WRD)

In the senior division, the dog must retrieve two articles in the proper order, leap from a boat to fetch a paddle, discriminate between three swimmers and then carry a life ring to the one in distress, retrieve underwater, carry a line from shore to a steward in a boat and then tow that boat to shore, and leap from a boat to save its handler, who has “fallen” overboard. A dog that passes these six exercises adds the title of Water Rescue Dog to its name.

WRDX - Water Dog Excellent

Created over the past 3 years by the Working Dog Committee of the NCA, the newest division is Water Rescue Dog Excellent, or WRDX. This test is for the elite working dog, who shows a drive and stamina and instinctive working ability beyond most Newfoundlands. The six exercises consist of searching for an abandoned boat, and returning it to land; rescuing multiple victims from the side of a boat; rescue of an unconscious victim; a rescue of a victim under a capsized boat; delivering a line to shore from a stranded boat; and taking a line to mulitple drowning victims. Dogs who complete all 6 exercises earn the title of WRDX.

 

Back based on the article “Newfie to the Rescue” by Chet Jezierski, AKC Gazette, 1996

2009 GLNC Water Test Results and Photos

To review any of the NCA Regulations or division exercises use the links provided below.

We do our best to keep them up to date but if you have doubts refer directly to the NCA website for any updates.

2009 Water Test Logo

2009 GLNC Water Test Results

The following earned their WD Titles on Saturday, Sept. 12

Kathryn Rowland and Breakwater It's Five O'Clock Somewhere, CGC, RN, CD  call name "Brady"

Andre Lapeyre and Kilyka's Lagniappe Meant To Be, DD  call name "Toby"

Jerry Hall and CH Minnemato's Lake Thunder, RE, CDX call name "Cole"

Katie Sidesinger and TLC's Fudge Brownie Bella, CD, RN, call name "Bella"

Mary Trauernicht and Seagirt's Ocean Harbour, CD, call name "Frida"

Pam Bloomfield and Blackwatch Eleanors Eclipes, CD, call name "Nellie"

The following earned their WRD Title on Saturday, Sept. 12

Eva Johnson and CH Brio's Life of Riley, RN, CD, CGC, TDI, DD, WD, call name "Riley"

Riley has earned his VN (pending AKC approval) with his WRD title.  CONGRATS

Andre Lapeyre and Kilyka's Lagniappe Meant To Be, DD, WD  call name "Toby"

The following earned their WD Title on Sunday, Sept. 13

Edith Markoff and Mollybrook's No Boundaries, CD, RE, DD, call name "Jesse"

The following earned their WRD Title on Sunday, Sept. 13

Ken Kline and Allegiance Swiss Connection, DD, TDI, WD, call name "Hannes"

Cindi Kursner and Glenauldyn's Optical Illusion, CGC, CDX, RN, WRD, TDD, call name "Mikal"  REQUALIFIED

Nan Edwards and CH Nautica's Cross of Rowanberry, CGC, DD1, CD, RN, RA, WRD, call name "Rowen" REQUALIFIED

The GLNC hosted a non-sanctioned test for Non-Newfs on Sept. 11. The following exhibitors passed the exercises to earn their titles.

Lori Peznowski and "Maverick"  - WRDX (Leonberger)

Danielle Long and "Flaps" - WRDX (Labrador)

Barbara Grob and "Bessie" - WRDX (AMBOR)

Dawn Snider and "Gizmo" - WD (Labrador)

Rhoda Kern and "Pooh" - WRD (Golden Retriever)

Priscilla Walker and "Keevy" - WRD (Border Collie)

Barbara Grob and "Bobsi" - WRD Requalified (English Springer Spaniel)

2009 Water Test Photos - TAKE A LOOK  amazing photos of Newfs at work

GLNC holds a Non-Newf water test too!!!

CONGRATULATIONS to all of our exhibitors.

THANK YOU to all of our volunteers, judges and committee members for all your hard work.

2009 was another successful year!