These Newfoundlands Won't Let Mom Swim Solo — Their Response Is Priceless

For Newfoundlands, water isn't just appealing — it's practically in their blood. Thanks to an innate connection to the ocean, these dogs are capable of swimming and hauling, skills that make them particularly skilled at water rescue. A video featuring two of them illustrates that point well.

At the start of the footage, Chewy the Newf's mother leaps into the water, with on-screen text reading, "My dogs when they think I'm swimming without them." Chewy and his companion Mabel waste no time diving in after her. The overlay captures their presumed thoughts: "I'm coming, too," and "That's too far." Those reactions seem to match exactly what the pair are feeling.

After reaching Mom again, Chewy takes it upon himself to "rescue" her and pull her back to land — though the younger dog also wants to be carried.

Other viewers put themselves in Chewy's shoes as well. @Ginger Snaps imagined the older dog saying, "'Don't worry, Mabel, I'll do the saving until you're bigger.'" @Chris Shadows added, "Mabel learning the Chewy rules about his and her humans." The overwhelming response showed people couldn't get enough of the cuteness.

The Origins of the Newfoundland's Swimming Instincts

The exact origins of the Newfoundland remain uncertain, though several credible theories exist. One holds that the breed descends from dogs the Vikings brought to North America roughly a millennium ago. Another notable possibility traces the dogs back to Asia, suggesting they may have descended from the Tibetan Mastiff. Regardless of which theory is correct, the breed took its full shape during the 1500s through a blend of water-loving dogs.

Their substantial build also plays a role in their water rescue abilities. According to the American Kennel Club, "Webbed feet, a double, water-resistant coat, and a large, hardy body allowed the Newfoundland to thrive as a working member of the community and evolve into the present-day Newfoundland." While they rarely serve as haulers in modern times, plenty of them still take pleasure in splashing around or even tugging on toys.

As these Newfs make clear, the breed is eager to jump into the waves whenever the chance arises — even if it means "saving" Mom when she's in no danger at all.