Tribute To An Old Sea Dog

The Early Show weatherman Dave Price was at Mystic Seaport Thursday morning to visit a new exhibit called: Sea Dogs! Great Tails of the Sea. Dedicated to rescue dogs, the exhibit will be opened untill the Summer of 2004.

The Newfoundland has an amazing history of rescuing men from the sea. These dogs were the constant companions of fishermen and sailed on vessels leaving the coast of Newfoundland.

Some say that the dog's ancestors are the white Great Pyrenees, dogs brought to the coast of Newfoundland by Basque fishermen. Others say the breed is descended from a "French hound" (probably the Boarhound).

The breed is comfortable in water and on land. Their deep-bodied, heavily boned, muscular bodies have water-resistant double coats, muscled tails, which are used as a rudder, webbed feet and ears that cling close to the head.

Experts say the Newfoundland has natural life-saving instincts and is a great companion.