Newfoundland Dog Names

The Newfoundland dog is no doubt one of the most prominent dog breeds not just in its local country but also worldwide. In fact, the breed has starred in a wide variety of works, such as in theater, film or literature. Possibly the most recognized character based on a Newfoundland is Nana from the 1904 play Peter Pan, by J.M. Barrie. The story revolves around the titular character, who is an innocent but impish boy with an ability to fly and an aversion to growing up.

Peter Pan resides in the fictional island of Neverland and frequently visits the Darling household, where he befriends the Darling children – John, Michael and Wendy. When Peter Pan decides to bring the children with him to Neverland, a series of events is set in motion, involving getting kidnapped by pirates and walking the plank, to name a few. At the end, Peter Pan and Wendy part ways, with Wendy visiting Neverland once a year.

The play became J.M. Barrie’s most renowned work and was adopted by Disney and turned into an animated film, which was released in 1953. It became a huge hit and has made Peter Pan a cultural icon, even after all these years. In all versions of the story, Nana plays the role of the Darling family’s nanny. J.M. Barrie actually based Nana’s character on his own pet Luath, who is also a Newfoundland. While Nana is a fictional character, her role in the story depicts the Newfoundland dog’s true life-saving nature and innate love for children, which is a trait the breed is known for.

While Nana may well be the most memorable Newfoundland dog, the breed has long been involved in numerous other literary works. Charles Dickens’ novel, called Little Dorrit, one of the characters’ pet is a Newfoundland dog called Lion. Another appearance by the dog breed is in the 1847 novel Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Bronte. In this novel, Edward Fairfax Rochester owns a Newfoundland called Pilot.

Other than literary works, the Newfoundland has also graced the big screen in numerous occasions. In the 1975 comedy movie Police Academy 2: Their First Assignment, a Newfoundland dog named Lou served as dog companion to Officers Shtulman and Mahoney. The breed also starred as a character in the 2005 romantic comedy film entitled Must Love Dogs. In the film, the Newfoundland is named Mother Teresa and plays a major role in getting the two protagonists together, as the woman’s requirement for dating is that his potential date “must love dogs”, hence the film’s title.

The range of works dedicated to the breed has immensely helped in boosting interest in Newfoundland dogs as a household dog and a best friend.