Newfoundland

Personality

The Newfoundland's reputation for sweetness is well earned. These dogs are calm, patient and deeply devoted to their people, and they have a long tradition of being gentle with children. A Newf often follows family members around the house and leans its considerable weight against them for attention.

They are typically friendly with visitors and other animals, so they make better greeters than guard dogs, though a large Newfoundland can look imposing and may place itself between its family and something that worries it. Barking is usually modest.

They are sensitive dogs. Harsh handling can make a Newfoundland shut down, while patient, positive training builds a willing and affectionate partner. Puppies can be clumsy and boisterous, and an adolescent who weighs more than many adults can knock people over without meaning to. Most Newfoundlands also love water and will happily turn any puddle, pond or water bowl into a splash zone. They want to be where the family is and fare poorly when left isolated.

History

The breed takes its name from the island of Newfoundland, now part of Canada, where fishermen relied on large, strong, water-loving dogs as shipboard workers. The dogs hauled fishing nets to shore, carted the day's catch and became famous for dramatic water rescues. Webbed feet and a thick coat made them natural swimmers.

In the nineteenth century the dogs were exported to England, where they were extensively bred and shown. Today most pedigree Newfoundlands, even those in Newfoundland itself, descend from dogs born in England. The white-and-black type was made famous by the painter Sir Edwin Landseer, who featured such dogs in many of his paintings, which is why that coloring is called Landseer.

The American Kennel Club recognized the Newfoundland in 1886. Kennel clubs now host water-rescue demonstrations and classes for the breed, and Newfoundlands also compete in draft work and obedience. Above all, it is a much-loved companion.

Appearance, coat & colors

Everything about the Newfoundland is big. The AKC lists males at about 28 in (71 cm) and 130–150 lb (59–68 kg) and females at about 26 in (66 cm) and 100–120 lb (45–54 kg). The body is massive but well balanced, with a broad skull, a square muzzle, small ears and soft, dark eyes that give an expression of calm good nature.

The feet are large and webbed, which helps the dog swim, and the tail acts as a rudder in the water. The double coat is water-resistant, with a coarse, flat outer layer and a soft, dense undercoat. It may be flat or have a slight wave.

The breed standard allows black, brown and gray, plus the white-and-black Landseer pattern, which has a mostly white body with black markings on the head, saddle and rump. Many owners notice that wet Newfoundlands shake off water remarkably well, but that does not make them tidy.

Training

Start training on day one. A 10-week-old Newfoundland puppy is cute and cuddly, but it will grow into a giant dog, and manners you allow now will become problems later. Teach not to jump up, to walk on a loose leash, to sit politely for greetings and to take food gently.

Newfoundlands are intelligent and usually keen to please, but they can be slow, steady learners who do not respond well to pressure. Reward-based methods, short sessions and plenty of patience bring the best results. Raising your voice often gets a worried dog rather than a more obedient one.

Socialization is important even in this friendly breed. Introduce the puppy to different people, surfaces, sounds, vets and car rides, always positively. Practice handling of the feet, mouth and coat, because grooming and vet exams on a giant dog are much easier if the dog is relaxed about them from the beginning.

Many Newfs enjoy structured activities such as draft work, water-rescue training or therapy-dog work.

Exercise

Newfoundlands need moderate rather than extreme exercise. A couple of daily walks and some play are usually enough for an adult, with swimming as the favorite option when it is available. Water is gentle on the joints, which is a real benefit for a heavy dog.

Be careful with heat. The thick coat and heavy build make overheating a risk, so keep walks short in warm weather, exercise in the early morning or late evening, and provide shade and cool water. Heatstroke is an emergency; get to a vet immediately.

Puppies grow very fast, and their joints are vulnerable. Avoid forced running, long hikes, repetitive jumping and stair marathons until your vet confirms the dog is mature. Slippery floors are also hard on giant breeds, so offer rugs or runners.

Mental stimulation helps keep a Newfoundland happy. Try carrying a backpack on walks, practicing retrieves or learning tricks. See our guide on how much exercise a dog needs for general guidance.

Grooming

A Newfoundland needs regular grooming. Plan to brush the thick coat at least a few times a week, and daily during the heavy seasonal sheds, working down to the skin with a pin brush, undercoat rake or comb. Areas behind the ears, under the legs and around the britches mat easily, especially if the coat is wet or dirty.

Bathing is occasional, perhaps every few weeks to months, and drying the dense coat thoroughly is essential to prevent skin irritation. Many owners use a high-velocity dryer. Never shave a Newf; the coat helps regulate temperature.

Trim the nails and the hair between the toes, and clean the ears, since floppy ears trap debris and moisture and can lead to ear infections. The loose lips mean drool is a fact of life, so keep towels handy and wipe the mouth and wash bowls regularly. Brush the teeth often with the help of our guide on how to brush your dog's teeth. Many owners choose a professional groomer for the major sessions.

Feeding

Giant dogs need carefully managed nutrition, especially as puppies. Feed a large- or giant-breed puppy formula, which is designed to support steady growth, and avoid the temptation to speed things up. Rapid growth and excess calories are linked with developmental bone and joint problems.

Adults generally do best on measured meals, usually two a day rather than one large one, because deep-chested breeds like the Newfoundland are at risk of bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus). A slow feeder or puzzle feeder helps dogs that eat fast. Avoid heavy exercise just before and after meals, and know the warning signs: a hard, swollen belly, retching without producing anything, restlessness and drooling. This is an emergency; get to a vet immediately.

Keep your Newfoundland lean. Extra weight places strain on joints and the heart. You should be able to feel the ribs under a thin cover of flesh; our guide to telling if your dog is overweight can help. Use the dog food calculator for an estimate, and talk to your vet before using supplements or switching diets, particularly for dogs with heart disease.

Health

Newfoundlands are prone to several serious conditions, and their average lifespan is shorter than for many breeds, around 9–10 years. Heart disease is a major concern, including subaortic stenosis (SAS), an inherited narrowing below the aortic valve, and dilated cardiomyopathy, in which the heart muscle weakens. Hip and elbow dysplasia are common in giant breeds. Cystinuria, an inherited condition that can lead to bladder stones, is another recognized problem, and a DNA test is available. Bloat is a risk, and Newfoundlands are also predisposed to osteosarcoma, an aggressive bone cancer.

The Newfoundland Club of America requires hip and elbow radiographs, a cystinuria DNA test and a heart examination by a board-certified cardiologist for its CHIC designation, and also recommends eye, kneecap and thyroid screening. Ask for documentation on both parents.

Keep your dog lean, maintain regular vet visits and report coughing, fainting, limping or any swollen belly promptly. Pet insurance is worth considering, because the care of a giant dog can be expensive.

Health conditions to know about

• Subaortic stenosis (SAS) — Inherited narrowing below the aortic valve that strains the heart.
• Dilated cardiomyopathy — Weakened heart muscle that can lead to heart failure.
• Hip and elbow dysplasia — Joint malformations common in giant breeds that lead to arthritis.
• Cystinuria — Inherited metabolic defect causing cystine bladder stones; DNA test available.
• Bloat (GDV) — Life-threatening stomach twisting in deep-chested dogs; needs emergency care.
• Osteosarcoma — Aggressive bone cancer; lameness is often the first sign.

Health tests to ask a breeder about

• Hip evaluation
• Elbow evaluation
• Cardiac evaluation by a cardiologist
• Cystinuria DNA test

Written from veterinary sources by the Pawsplained editorial team. Not yet reviewed by a veterinarian; this is general information, not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Updated Oct 25, 2026. Editorial policy

Living with a Newfoundland

A Newfoundland needs room. It can technically live in a house of modest size, but an apartment is a poor fit because of the dog's bulk, the drool and the shedding. A cool, shaded space is ideal, and air conditioning is a real advantage in warm climates.

The breed is happiest in the middle of family life. It is not a good candidate for being left alone for long hours, and a lonely Newf may become destructive or depressed. Expect a large presence on the sofa, a damp patch where the dog has drunk water and a fine film of hair on most surfaces.

Children and Newfoundlands are a traditional pairing, but the dog's size means toddlers can be accidentally bowled over, so supervise. Plan for practicalities as well: a large car, sturdy ramps for older dogs, strong leashes, and higher costs for food, medication, boarding and vet care. If you like swimming, a Newf will be thrilled to join you, but always supervise around water, as not every dog is a natural lifeguard.

Puppies, breeders & rescue

Newfoundland puppy prices vary widely, and a puppy from health-tested parents costs more upfront but often saves heartache. Be prepared for the long-term costs of a giant dog, including food, insurance and veterinary care.

Seek a breeder who is a member of the Newfoundland Club of America or the equivalent national club in your country. A good breeder screens for hips, elbows, heart (with a cardiologist) and cystinuria, raises puppies in the home, introduces them to people and water gently, and asks you questions about your home and lifestyle. They should provide a written contract and take back a dog at any point in its life.

Be careful with online sellers offering immediate availability, unusual colors or lower prices; these are common signs of poor breeding. Rescue is also an option. Newfoundland rescue groups exist in many regions and often have adult dogs whose personalities are already known.

Whichever way you choose, our puppy first-week checklist helps get you started.