Working group

Newfoundland

A gentle, heroic water dog — sweet-natured, patient and huge.

Newfoundlands are massive working dogs famed for their gentle temperament and water-rescue instinct. They are superb with children, but their size, drool, shedding and health needs make them a big commitment.

Height
26–28 in66–71 cm
Weight
100–150 lb45–68 kg
Life expectancy
9–10 years
Size
Giant
Group
Working
Origin
Newfoundland, Canada

Coat: Heavy, water-resistant double coat. Colours: Black, Brown, Grey, White and black (Landseer).

At a glance

Exercise Requirement2.5 / 5
20-30 min gentle walk2+ hours intense stamina
Indoor "Off-Switch"5.0 / 5
Restless / constantly searching for actionInstantly curls up and relaxes indoors
Trainability4.0 / 5
Strong independent thinkerEager biddable student
Mental Stimulation2.5 / 5
Content with routineNeeds a job or creates mischief
Affection Level5.0 / 5
Polite distanceConstant lap snuggler
Stranger Friendliness5.0 / 5
Naturally aloof / watchfulGreets every stranger as best friend
Child Patience & Safety5.0 / 5
Prefers quiet adultsRemarkably sturdy & patient
Other Dog Friendliness4.5 / 5
Strong solo-dog preferenceLoves pack play and multi-dog homes
Prey Drive1.5 / 5
Ignores crittersHigh pursuit instinct / fence chaser
Vocalization & Barking1.5 / 5
Nearly mute / quietWatchful alarm barker or howler
Shedding Level5.0 / 5
Minimal to non-sheddingHeavy year-round fur shedding
Grooming Burden4.5 / 5
Wash & wear coatDaily brushing + salon visits
Drool Tendency5.0 / 5
Dry-mouthedRequires dedicated slobber towels
Apartment Suitability2.0 / 5
Needs acreage or private runThrives in urban elevator apartments
Beginner Friendliness4.0 / 5
Demands experienced handlerIdeal forgiving companion for first-timers
Owner Demand Level2.5 / 5
Very forgiving for novicesRequires skilled firm handling

Ratings describe typical dogs of the breed on a 1–5 scale. Individual dogs vary with lines, upbringing and training.

Temperament

Newfies are sweet, patient and devoted — the breed standard itself calls sweetness of temperament the hallmark of the breed. They are famously gentle with children and friendly with people and other animals.

They are calm indoors but need company and do not thrive when isolated. Puppies are clumsy and grow quickly, so early training in manners matters.

Living with a Newfoundland

Exercise

Moderate: 30–60 minutes of walking daily, plus swimming if possible. Avoid heat and hard exercise in puppies.

Grooming

Brush several times a week, daily during sheds. Expect lots of hair and drool — keep towels handy.

Training

Gentle and eager to please; reward-based training works well. Start manners early because of their size.

Kids & other pets

Outstanding with children and other pets — often described as a natural nanny. Their size means toddlers can still be bowled over by accident.

Time alone

Newfies prefer company; long absences can lead to sadness or destructive behaviour.

Home fit

Best suited to a house with secure outdoor space; apartment living is hard on this breed and its neighbours.

Is a Newfoundland right for you?

Take the Breed Fit quiz to see how a Newfoundland matches your home, schedule and tolerance for shedding, barking and exercise — or find out which breed matches your personality with Dogsona.

Take the Breed Fit quizTry Dogsona →

Health

With good breeding and care, a Newfoundland typically lives 9–10 years. These are the conditions most associated with the breed — not a prediction for any individual dog.

  • Subvalvular aortic stenosis (SAS)

    An inherited heart defect; cardiologist screening of parents is essential.

  • Hip and elbow dysplasia

    Common in giant breeds; screened parents and slow, controlled puppy growth reduce the risk.

  • Cystinuria

    An inherited disorder causing bladder stones; DNA testing is available.

  • Dilated cardiomyopathy

    A heart muscle disease seen in the breed.

  • Cranial cruciate ligament tears

    Heavy dogs are prone to knee injuries.

Ask a breeder for

  • Hip and elbow evaluation
  • Cardiac examination by a cardiologist
  • DNA test for cystinuria

Sources: OFA CHIC breed requirements: Newfoundland; Newfoundland Club of America. This is general information, not veterinary advice — talk to your vet about your own dog.

Cost to own

After the first year, expect roughly $2,000–$4,000 a year for food, routine vet care, preventives, insurance and supplies (US estimate).

  • Professional grooming every 6–8 weeks adds roughly $500–$900 a year.
  • Food, medication and anaesthesia are dosed by weight, so every vet visit costs more for a big dog.
  • Pet insurance for a puppy typically runs $30–$60 a month; premiums rise with age and breed risk.
See the full first-year cost breakdown →

History

Newfoundlands developed on the island of Newfoundland as working dogs for fishermen, hauling nets, pulling carts and rescuing people from the water. Their ancestry likely includes native dogs and European breeds brought by fishermen.

The breed became famous for sea rescues and accompanied explorers — a Newfoundland named Seaman travelled with Lewis and Clark. The AKC recognised the breed in 1886.

Did you know?

  • Nana, the nursemaid in Peter Pan, is a Newfoundland.
  • Newfies have webbed feet and a rudder-like tail for swimming.
  • Italian water-rescue schools train Newfoundlands to jump from helicopters.

Library guides for Newfoundland owners

Similar breeds

Frequently asked questions

Are Newfoundlands good family dogs?
Yes — they are among the gentlest breeds with children.
Do Newfoundlands drool?
Yes, a lot. Keep drool cloths handy.
Can Newfoundlands live in hot climates?
They struggle in heat and need air conditioning and shade.