He is a Newfoundland. He is the nicest dog I have ever had. But don't mess with my kids or my wife or you will get to see the bad *** side of him. He doesn't give a **** if you rob me blind, just don't touch the family.
They were bred for 2 purposes:
1) To watch farmers kids while Mom and Dad worked the fields
2) Pull in nets (and over board crew members) on fishing boats
There are many stories about these dogs saving the lives of children.