Council Cup Newfoundlands began with their first litter in 1994 out of Ch Pouch Cove’s Favorite Son ROM and Bear’s Den’s Takes Two To Tango. This breeding produced 4 AKC Champions and provided the foundation for the Council Cup breeding program. Included in this litter was Kelly, who produced 6 Champions in her first litter. Kelly also achieved the designation of NCA Top Producing Dam in addition to ROM (NCA Register of Merit) status.

Over the years Council Cup has bred or owned 32 AKC, Canadian and European Champions, as well as multiple NCA working titlists. Council Cup Newfoundlands have won or placed in numerous classes at NCA and Canadian National Specialties as well as being awarded other prestigious wins at these shows. These Specialty wins have included Selects, Best of Opposite Sex, Winners Dog, Winners Bitch, Best of Winners, and Reserve Winners awards. In the All-Breed ring they have consistently excelled, winning multiple Group Placements and Best of Breed awards in the USA, Canada and Europe.

As the offspring of both an NCA Top Producing Stud Dog and an NCA Top Producing Dam, Dante’s extraordinary show career resulted in his designation as NCA Top Show Dog and winner of the Pedigree Award. His offspring have gone on to shine in their own show careers, resulting in Dante achieving ROM status and also being awarded the designation of NCA Top Producing Sire. This makes him one of the select few Newfoundlands to achieve both NCA Top Show Dog and NCA Top Producer awards.

Other highlights have included: Bogie’s multiple Best in Shows, including a Best in Show at the European Dog Show in Barcellona, Spain as well as Best of Breed and a Group III at Crufts, Dodger’s Award of Merit and Lexi’s Best of Opposite Sex wins at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. Dodger’s daughter Merry joined Kelly in the Register of Merit this year [2006], and three of the other ladies are well on their way to also achieving NCA ROM status, with Didi also being designated as an NCA Top Producing Dam.

Patti McDowell is a member of the Newfoundland Club of America, and has served as a member of its Board of Directors. She is also a member of the NewPenDel Regional Newfoundland Club and serves on the Board of Directors. She has served as Chairman or member of various committees on both the Regional and National level. Owning Newfoundlands for over 50 years, Dr. Louis C. Palmisano is also a long-time member of both the Newfoundland Club of America as well as the NewPenDel Regional Newfoundland Club. Together they reside in Pennsylvania with their family of Newfoundlands.