MUST WATCH: Bilbo the Amazing Lifeguard Dog

Image from YouTube

This is Bilbo. He is the widely known lifeguard dog of Steve Jamieson. And the two of them together are the ultimate life saving duo.Since it is of the utmost importance for a lifeguard to stay in

peak physical condition, Steve is constantly going out to train. And whenever he does, Bilbo is not far behind. In fact, when it comes to becoming a certified lifeguard, Bilbo is in the top of his class. He can more than make the requisite 1,300 foot swim in rough currents. And he can do it in under 7 minutes -- a very impressive time.

Not only is he speedy in the water, but his endurance is also something few humans could hope to match. When Steve starts to fade during a workout, he just grabs a hold of Bilbo’s haunches and lets the powerful pooch tow him around for another few hours. And the lifeguard dog drags him as if it were nothing!

RELATED STORY: The Most Active Breeds for Your LifestyleThanks to Bilbo's speed and endurance in the water, dozens of people are alive today who might have otherwise drowned. And at least three of those rescues were carried out by Bilbo alone.

Why Bilbo Makes a Great Lifeguard Dog

A Newfoundland

, Bilbo is practically bred for the purpose of rescuing people from the briny deep. They were originally used on board fishing vessels, helping to pull people out of the drink in the event that their boat capsized. Newfies are a powerful, work oriented breed that, by nature, cannot resist an opportunity to take a swim -- a perfect lifeguard dog. And Bilbo is a prime example!

The fact that Newfoundlands were so prevalent aboard ships is no coincidence -- they are designed to be unrelenting swimmers. Their large, powerful paws are perfectly designed for swimming thanks to their webbed toes. This unique trait gives their paw a larger surface area, making it possible to apply greater force on the water they are moving through.

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Also, their broad, heavy tail makes for a superb rudder, allowing them to use it for steering. Most breeds change direction in the water by paddling in a different direction, which ends up slowing them down. The Newfie’s specialized tail frees up their paws to focus on one task -- moving quickly.Lastly, Newfoundlands have a dense, waterproof coat. Even after a long swim, while their outer coat may be soaked, their downy undercoat is still dry. Acting in much the same way as a wet suit, the Newfie’s special coat gives them the ability to stay in the water for extended periods without even batting an eye.

Curious to see Bilbo, the amazing lifeguard dog, in action? Check out this segment on BBC Earth’s Extraordinary Animals TV series.

Source:The Dodo - Meet "Bilbo," The Lifeguard Dog Who Can Swim 1,300 Feet In Under 7 Minutes