Modified breast stroke - beautiful!

Peter Maniate

Peter Maniate

New member
A lake in British Columbia that is crystal clear enabling Parker to show how a Newfoundland dog does a modified breast stroke:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fhZNzmQ-pBI&feature=youtu.be

This is the first video that I have seen that shows one of the most unique features of our breed. Parker is showing the most common variation of the breast stroke done exclusively by Newfs (and polar bears). He is at his natural flotation point so he doesn't need to dog paddle to keep his body up. Then he is alternating the front legs, sweeping them at a 45 degree angle. I keep watching the video over and over.
 
Peter Maniate

Peter Maniate

New member
Here is a photo that I took back in 1999 here in Ontario of a Landseer from Quebec named Bozwell showing a variation of the modified breast stroke. Boz used both front legs together and at a 90 degree angle.


 
dumainedogs

dumainedogs

New member
Very cool. You're right, that's one of the best representations of the stroke I've ever seen. (Or maybe you're just more observant and I clearly needed it pointed out to me :) )
 
R Taft

R Taft

Active member
Thank you again peter.love your educational bits..Out of all the newfies we have had katy is our breast stroke swimmer super dog..she glides through the water and has such amazing power. i have tried to video it, but our waters are too murky...This is awesome and great to show people.......:)
 
CMDRTED

CMDRTED

New member
Peter, I have a theory, see how this meshes with what you know. Newfs that have a deeper V shaped breast bone are better swimmers than those Newfs where the Breast bone is not as prominent.

It seems to me that the more prominent or "V" shaped the Breast Bone the better swimmer, as the "V" shape gives them a more natural breast stroke, with more powerful strokes. In otherwords a more efficient motion, resulting in a more powerful stroke.

Also as in a ships prow, they get better water flow which streamlines everything so they have less water resistance when swimming.

Any comments?
 
Peter Maniate

Peter Maniate

New member
CMDRTED said:
Peter, I have a theory, see how this meshes with what you know. Newfs that have a deeper V shaped breast bone are better swimmers than those Newfs where the Breast bone is not as prominent.

It seems to me that the more prominent or "V" shaped the Breast Bone the better swimmer, as the "V" shape gives them a more natural breast stroke, with more powerful strokes. In otherwords a more efficient motion, resulting in a more powerful stroke.

Also as in a ships prow, they get better water flow which streamlines everything so they have less water resistance when swimming.

Any comments?
Click to expand...
While I have noticed that some Newfs have a more prominent prosternum than others, it has been while measuring the dogs for the harness that I make. Never thought of the shape of the breast bone being related to swimming but everything you said sounds very logical. Now I am re-checking all my Newfs for breast bone shape.

Perhaps someone else can add to the discussion?
 
R Taft

R Taft

Active member
So now I have felt my dogs breastbones.......Well Ted, Katy has the real V and she swims the most amazing breast stroke..i will have to check some of the good swimmers at our next Water training, next weekend. Annabelle swims well, but does not have the real side-swipe breast stroke Katy has, she does not leave a wake like Katy does either and she is flatter....more roundish in her sternum area
 
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