Well, I read further about Newfies today, and it turns out they're fine with retrieving, land or water. I've also learned that they are generally easy to train. So Newfie is a really good suggestion and both my hubby and I like the breed. Newfie is definitely on the list of possibles. Thanks, esprinter. I saw a lady walking a big black lab and a chihuahua together this morning. The Mutt and Jeff size disparity suggested what our little Jack would look like standing next to a Newfie, :lol: