Newfoundland Showcase Takes Over Bayfront Park This Week

The NCA Specialty Showcase Visits Minnesota for the First Time in Its History

DULUTH, Minn. — If you walk around the Bayfront area in Duluth, you might just spot one almost 600 “gentle giants” who have made the area home this week. The Newfoundland Club of America National Showcase is at Bayfront Park this week, with an opening ceremony Tuesday afternoon.

This is the first time the showcase has been in Minnesota. The breed was originally bred for Canadian fishermen and the web-pawed water dogs make for great swimmers. NCA Show Chair Susan Wagner has seven Newfies at home and has been a member of the club for 27 years. She said its not just their size that makes Newfoundlands stand out, but their gentle nature.

“This breed is known as the gentle giant,” Wagner said. “They might be big and mighty — fun fact: they grow ten pounds a month for the first twelve to fifteen months — so they are a big dog. Yes, you are! But they are known for their gentle temperament. And temperament is really, truly the hallmark of this breed.”

Today was all about Newfoundland puppies and young handlers. The week will feature both a Living Legends Parade, to celebrate Newfies over 10 years old, and a Rescue Parade, for those that have found their forever home. On Saturday, the showcase will conclude with the Best in Breed competition.