NL·Video

Where can you find Newfoundland dogs hauling Christmas trees? At this Pennsylvania farm

In the tiny township of Plowville, about an hour west of Philadelphia, sits a long-standing family-run farm that has become the unofficial Newfoundland dog capital of the United States.

Plow Farms hosts 8th annual Newfoundland Day

Two dogs pose in front of an old Ford truck.
Pennsylvania's Plow Farms is hosting its eighth annual Newfoundland Day. (Plow Farms)

In the tiny township of Plowville, about an hour west of Philadelphia, sits a long-standing family-run Christmas tree farm that has become the unofficial Newfoundland dog capital of the United States.

The farm had been using the working dogs around the farm with little to no fanfare until Lindsay Eshelman posted a video of what happens on her family's farm — which has since grown into an annual event during the holiday season.

"It's a great way to expose people to the joy of Christmas but also teach people about Newfoundland dogs," Eshelman said.

"They're big and sometimes people are scared of big dogs and we want to show that they're gentle giants."

Woman in shirt sitting in a room.
Lindsay Eshelman's family farm has seen a surge in visitors thanks to its use of Newfoundland dogs. (CBC)

Between her brother, Preston, and her parents, Brenda and Greg, the Eshelmans have four Newfoundland dogs. 

That pup population grows a lot on Newfoundland Day with more than 80 of the massive dogs set to take in the festivities. 

"We are a destination for these dogs," Eshelman said.

"We actually have had people drive all the way from Vermont, Maine, Ohio - those are 10 plus hour-long drives."

Plow Farms shows no signs of slowing down on the Christmas experience they offer, or their love of the Newfoundland dogs, which has become a big part of who they are.

"We're the Newfoundland farm," said Eshelman.

"This year my mother just adopted 2 new Newfoundland dogs, so the farm keeps growing and acquiring dogs."

You can get a look at the Newfoundland dogs at work on Plow Farms: 

This Pennsylvania farm's farmhands are Newfoundland dogs that pull your Christmas tree to your car

12 months ago
Duration 3:02
Plow Farms in Pennsylvania has an annual Newfoundland Day that delights Christmas tree shoppers of all ages.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jeremy Eaton is a reporter and videojournalist with CBC Newfoundland and Labrador.