Newfoundland Dog: Your Complete Guide
The Newfoundland dog is a large working breed, though these gentle giants are often seen as family companions and rescue dogs today. The Newfoundland is known for their friendly personality and gentle nature, and these lovable pups make wonderful companions to people who are able to give them the exercise and room they need to thrive. Generally, Newfoundland dogs require experienced owners and very active families to ensure they stay healthy and happy throughout their lives.
If you are considering adding a Newfoundland dog to your family, it’s important that you understand how to properly care for this breed. Our article gives you all of the information you need to know about Newfoundland dogs so you can ensure your dog has a fulfilling life at your side.
Quick Look at the Newfoundland Dog
Below is a quick glance at this special breed in terms of their physical characteristics, lifespan, temperament, and grooming needs.
| Weight/Height | 25 to 28 inches, 100 to 150 pounds |
| Coat Type | Thick double coat, straight, soft |
| Grooming Needs |  |
| Shedding | |
| Temperament | Gentle, loyal, hard-working |
| Good With Kids | |
| Good With Other Animals | |
| Intelligence |  |
| Easy to Train | |
| Energy Level |  |
| Barking Habits |  |
| Lifespan | 10 to 12 years |
What Is the History of Newfoundland Dogs?
The Newfoundland dog originated in Newfoundland, Canada, and the original intention for this dog was to be a companion animal for fishermen. The Newfoundland dog has webbed paws and a water-resistant coat, making them the perfect choice for a dog to swim in the water alongside fishermen and retrieve game. These dogs are powerful swimmers, and they tend to thrive in water environments, which is why Newfoundland dogs are often used as water rescue services today.
The Newfoundland dog breed has been around since the 17th century, with many believing this dog used to be smaller. As the breed grew in popularity and moved outside of Newfoundland, it is thought that they were bred with larger mastiff dogs, creating the Newfoundland dog that we recognize today.
In 1886, the American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized the Newfoundland dog, and efforts to maintain this breed and keep it at the AKC’s breed standards began taking place.
What Do Newfoundland Dogs Look Like?
The Newfoundland dog is large, and they have thick, long, and straight double coats. These dogs have almost square-shaped faces with large floppy ears, soulful eyes, and mouths that produce lots of drool. They stand tall, and they look quite majestic, though they can sometimes run and move with the uncoordinated movements of a rambunctious child. Newfoundland dogs typically have black coats, though brown and silver or gray coats can also be seen. A rarer coat type is white with black spots.
What Size Is a Newfoundland Dog?
The Newfoundland dog is a large breed, and these dogs will typically stand between 25 and 28 inches at the shoulder. This breed weighs between 100 and 150 pounds, and male dogs typically tend to be larger than females.
What Is a Newfoundland Dog’s Coat Type and Length?
The Newfoundland dog has a thick double coat that allows them to stay warm in colder weather and to be waterproof. Their fur is soft and straight, and it reaches medium to long length.
What Is a Newfoundland Dog’s Temperament?
Newfoundland dogs might be large and scary to some, but there is nothing intimidating about this dog’s personality. Newfoundland dogs are gentle giants, and they bring a love of play and lots of drool into their family’s lives. These dogs love to be cuddled, they are affectionate, and they enjoy meeting new people or going on new adventures.
You can expect your Newfoundland dog to be adaptable and easygoing, though these dogs have a strong protective streak that can influence their actions. Your Newfoundland dog will need proper training and socialization as they grow up. These will ensure that they don’t use their larger size for mischief and chaos, as they might be tempted to do in search of snacks or a good time.
Are Newfoundland Dogs Good With Kids?
The Newfoundland dog is known for being gentle and good with children, and these dogs are very protective of their families. This dog will love to play with children, and they enjoy the attention that spending time with their favorite children brings.
However, due to this dog’s larger size, very small children and children who do not yet know how to safely interact with animals are not recommended. You should also make sure to monitor any interaction your dog has with children to ensure safety.
Are Newfoundland Dogs Good With Other Animals?
Newfoundland dogs get along well with other animals, especially animals that they have been raised alongside. However, these dogs have varying prey drives, with small prey animals in your home, like hamsters, potentially being at risk of being chased. Your Newfoundland dog may also chase animals outdoors, like squirrels and deer.
Because of the Newfoundland dog’s large size, it’s important to monitor their interactions with other smaller dogs and cats to ensure accidental injury doesn’t occur.
Are Newfoundland Dogs Aggressive?
Newfoundland dogs are not known to be aggressive, and these dogs tend to have a reputation for being gentle giants. Newfoundland dogs love people, and they love to be around other animals and their families. They are not known for territorial or aggressive behavior like growling, barking, and snapping.
Do Newfoundland Dogs Bark?
Newfoundland dogs don’t bark often, and they tend to only bark when they are alerting their owner to something. These dogs are generally quiet, and while they can be good if you live in an apartment with noise restrictions, the size of the Newfoundland dog typically excludes them from apartment living.
Are Newfoundland Dogs Affectionate?
Newfoundland dogs are incredibly affectionate, and these large dogs may think they are lap dogs despite their size. This breed loves to spend time with their owners, and they love to be cuddled and petted. You can expect your Newfoundland dog to warm up to strangers quickly, in addition to greeting new friends and family members with lots of drool and happy tail wags.
Are Newfoundland Dogs Intelligent?
Newfoundland dogs are intelligent, and this breed is generally curious and eager to please their owner when it comes to training. You can expect your Newfoundland dog to be especially observant and sensitive, and their protective natures combined with their intelligence lead them to be perceptive of their surroundings.
Are Newfoundland Dogs Energetic?
Newfoundland dogs are energetic and active, though they don’t need as much intense exercise as other large dog breeds. This dog will benefit from plenty of time spent outdoors, a large outdoor space to roam around, and frequent walks. You can expect your Newfoundland dog to enjoy working outdoors, and they will love to accompany you on hikes or play in bodies of water when possible.
Are Newfoundland Dogs Easy to Train?
The Newfoundland dog is an easy dog to train, as this breed is intelligent and alert, in addition to being eager to please their owners. Newfoundland dogs can be trained as guard dogs and watchdogs, and they can learn more complex tricks as necessary. However, agility training may not be the right choice for this pup, as their larger size is more lumbering rather than quick and agile.
Are Newfoundland Dogs Good Watchdogs?
Newfoundland dogs make decent watchdogs, as they are very protective and brave when it comes to their families. These dogs may bark at a threat to alert their owners to an issue, and they tend to be fairly alert. However, Newfoundland dogs aren’t the best options for guard dogs, as they are generally happy to meet new people and are not known for attacking.
Are Newfoundland Dogs Good Service Dogs?
Newfoundland dogs are one of the best breeds around for service dog work, and this is due to their gentle nature, high intelligence, and size. The Newfoundland dog has been used as a rescue dog, and they excel in rescue work that takes place in cold environments or the water. These dogs thrive when they are able to work alongside their humans, and they may be well-suited for all different types of service dog work.
Additionally, your Newfoundland dog may make a good candidate for therapy dog work, as they love to meet new people and cuddle with humans, or for acting as an emotional support animal, since they form such strong bonds with their families.
How to Care for a Newfoundland Dog?
The Newfoundland dog has slightly higher maintenance needs than other breeds due to this breed’s larger size. You will need to be sure that your Newfoundland dog has plenty of space to roam around safely, and you will need to exercise them daily through playtime and walks. Once their daily exercise is over, these dogs are happy to follow you around the home or spend time at your feet while you relax together.
The Newfoundland dog needs their own space in your home with toys, a bed, and food and water. This dog is large, so they will have high caloric needs throughout the day, and you will need to ensure you feed them adequate amounts.
Your dog will benefit from training and socialization, especially at a young age, and these dogs love to be around their families as much as possible. Give your Newfoundland dog a special treat by taking them on weekly outdoor adventures and showering them with affection every day.
Do You Need to Groom a Newfoundland Dog?
The Newfoundland dog has higher grooming and coat maintenance needs than many breeds, and this is mostly due to its thick double coat. You will need to brush your dog’s coat several times a week to ensure any shed fur is removed and to prevent matting or tangling. Your dog should receive baths as needed, and you may want to take them to a professional groomer regularly to ensure their fur is well-taken care of and trimmed when necessary.
Do Newfoundland Dogs Shed?
Newfoundland dogs shed quite a bit, and this dog is not considered hypoallergenic. The higher amount of shedding in this breed comes from their thick undercoats. Regular brushing helps to stop fur from ending up all around your home.
What Health Problems Do Newfoundland Dogs Have?
The Newfoundland dog breed is prone to certain types of health issues. It’s important to keep an eye out for signs of these problems, as early intervention can lead to better health outcomes for your dog.
Common health problems in Newfoundland dogs include:
- Bloat
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Allergies
- Cancer
- Eye problems
- Kidney disease
- Addison’s disease
Schedule an appointment with your vet or take your Newfoundland dog to an emergency vet as soon as you notice signs or symptoms of concerning health problems in your dog.
How Long Do Newfoundland Dogs Live?
Newfoundland dogs are larger dogs, and they tend to have shorter lifespans because of this. On average, a Newfoundland dog will live between 10 and 12 years. That being said, addressing health problems quickly and properly caring for this breed throughout their lives can play a big factor in keeping them healthy and encouraging a long lifespan.
What Should a Newfoundland Dog Eat?
The Newfoundland dog is a large dog, and they need a lot of food to maintain their health as a result of this. On average, your Newfoundland dog will need to eat between three and five cups of food per day, though this amount can vary based on the caloric content of the food. Always make sure that the food you are feeding your dog does not exceed their daily recommended calorie intake to ensure they stay healthy. Speak to a vet if you have any concerns about your dog’s diet.
Is a Newfoundland Dog the Right Dog for Me?
The Newfoundland dog is a large pup with one of the friendliest and most gentle dispositions around. This pup fits well into households that can provide plenty of space for this dog to roam about, preferably inside and outside, and families that can offer lots of activity to the Newfoundland dog to keep them healthy. Homes with very young children likely aren’t a good match for this dog, though homes with older children and those in need of a protective companion will benefit from this lovable dog’s presence.