Newfoundland Dog

Sweet-tempered, patient and loyal

About the Newfoundland Dog

The Newfoundland dog is more than twice the size of your average lab and has more than twice as much fur.

A Newfoundland dog, or Newfie, is a large dog. Known for their loyalty and swimming abilities, Newfies still work in their native land of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. Newfies are loving towards their family members and amiable with strangers too.

On the flip side, Newfies can be a bit goofy, which can be tricky given their size and weight. They do best with experienced dog owners who start training them early. However, they are hardworking and trainable, which makes them wonderful companions.

Even those who live in the city will find the Newfoundland dog’s unique qualities endearing.

Newfoundland Dog Breed Characteristics

Height
64 to 76 cm at the shoulder

Weight
45 to 68 kg (100 to 150 pounds)

Life Expectancy
8 to 10 years

Coat Colours
Black, brown, grey, white

Here are some of the qualities you can expect from the Newfoundland dog, rated from one to five stars. However, all dogs are individuals, and your dog may not display exactly the same characteristics.

Family Life

Rated 5 out of 5

Friendly with Kids

Rated 5 out of 5

Friendly with Dogs

Rated 4 out of 5

Ease of Grooming

Rated 2 out of 5

Exercise Needs

Rated 3 out of 5

Prey Drive

Rated 4 out of 5

Tendency to Bark or Howl

Rated 4 out of 5

Good for Novice Owners

Rated 3 out of 5

Apartment Living

Rated 1 out of 5

Newfoundland Dog Breed History

The roots of the Newfoundland dog remain shrouded in history. However, the first recorded glimpse of the breed was documented in writings by Sir Joseph Banks in the late 1700s.

As the name suggests, this dog originated from the Canadian island of Newfoundland. It was here that they hauled heavy nets filled with fish for the island’s fishermen.

Like Retrievers, Newfoundlands are fantastic swimmers. Unfortunately, steep taxes on dog ownership nearly wiped out their Canadian owners, and the breed was on the edge of extinction.

Enter painter Edwin Landseer and the island’s governor, Harold MacPherson, who revived and popularised the breed. Thanks to their efforts, Newfoundlands look as proud as ever today.

Caring For a Newfoundland Dog

Temperament

Newfoundlands are dogs that love to express their love for humans. They form bonds quickly with children but should be supervised with very young children since they might knock them over accidentally.
Grooming

These dogs shed and drool a lot, which many Newfie fans tend to find adorable. However, their coats need a lot of attention. Make sure you brush through their thick fur often, especially during shedding seasons.
Exercise

Though born for labour, modern Newfies don’t need to run for hours. Light exercise, such as a 30 minute stroll or play session, should be enough to keep them healthy.
Nutrition

Adult dogs typically consume 3 to 4 cups of dry food per day. Puppies chomp through about half that. Owners must be careful not to overfeed their dogs as too much weight places a heavy load on their powerful frames.
Training

Start early and stick with it. Newfoundlands are large breeds, so teaching them polite manners from the start is key. Though not aggressive, they carry a lot of strength. Early training ensures they move through life with grace and control.

How to Choose a Responsible Newfoundland Dog Breeder

If you’re seeking out a Newfoundland puppy, work with breeders who value transparency and care, and who are registered with recognised organisations that ensure ethical breeding standards.

When dealing with a breeder, ask them questions about the health screenings that they have performed on their dogs. A good breeder will know the family tree of their dogs inside out! They should be willing to tell you about genetic testing and any risks. This will help you ensure that you bring home a healthy Newfoundland!

Newfoundland Dog FAQ

Can Newfoundlands be left alone throughout the day?

No. While Newfies are gentle and calm most of the time, they rely on their human family members for comfort and structure throughout their day. They dislike being alone and prefer to be working alongside their owners.

Do Newfoundlands make good watchdogs?

Yes, Newfoundlands can make good watchdogs as they are protective and loyal towards their family, and can be vocal when strangers enter their territory.

Dog Breeds Similar to the Newfoundland

The information is for general use only. For any specific advice or queries, please consult with your veterinarian.

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