The Newfoundland Club of America established the designation of Versatile Newfoundland to encourage and recognize beautiful representatives of the breed, who continue to exhibit the breed’s historic and natural working abilities. To be recognized as a Versatile Newfoundland a dog must earn the following: AKC championship, AKC obedience title, NCA Water Rescue Dog title, and NCA Draft Dog title. The awards have been presented annually at the National Specialty since 1985.