Newfoundland breed guide: Care, training, and fun facts
Breed guide overview
About Newfoundlands
Temperament
Exercise
Grooming
Training
Diet
Health
About the Newfoundland breed
Newfoundlands (or Newfies as they are often known) appear to have originated as working dogs for fishermen in Newfoundland, Canada, although their lineage may go back further to UK breeds that were exported to Canada which then were developed into the modern Newfoundland we know and love.
They are excellent swimmers, with partially webbed feet and are still in some countries used as water rescue dogs. Although originally a working dog, they are mostly pets now, well known for their sweet natures. They are described as a ‘nanny dog’, as they often love children. They are also well known for producing large amounts of drool!
Weight, height & life expectancy
Newfoundlands are usually between 63-71cm tall and weighing between 55-80kg, with the males larger than the females. They are one of the world’s largest dog breeds.
Their average life expectancy is between 8 and 10 years, but they can live into their teens.
What is the temperament of a Newfoundland like?
Described as the gentle giant, Newfies are sociable, gentle-natured and affectionate dogs. They make a perfect family pet, as well as being used as working dogs. They are great around children, and will often try to play with them, as well as protect them if necessary. Any visitor to the home that they know will get a supaw friendly welcome.
They are usually friendly to other dogs and people, but tend to be unaware of their size and will happily try to play with other dogs or children, but they can be a bit big for their potential playmates. They are happy to play, but also love a good snooze too. They are not usually big barkers, but when they do they tend to have a deep, powerful woof.
Our Newfoundland Community
“Big loveable bears. Both love attention and in return give big sloppy kisses. They enjoy company and the slower walks in life. Bentley loves to lay outside no matter the weather whilst Knala loves a nice comfy sofa.”
Knala and Bentley’s owner, Kayley from Lincolnshire
“Mina is a cute 7 month old Newfie, gentle and loving, she loves calm and quiet environments. She loves playing with her toys at home and outside she is super focused on smells and meeting new dog friends.”
Mina’s owner, Benedetta from London
How much exercise does a Newfoundland need?
On average an adult Newfoundland should get 1 hour of exercise a day. They love to swim, which can be a great form of exercise as long as it’s in a safe place, and you have good recall if they start to swim too far out! As well as physical exercise, mental exercising with games etc is really useful to keep a Newfie happy. Their big, heavy, usually dark, coat can lead to them overheating, so be very cautious exercising them on warm days.
It’s really important not to over-exercise a Newfie puppy. They should not be going on big walks or hikes until they are fully grown.
Need an extra hand exercising your Newfie? Find a local borrower today.
Do Newfoundlands need a lot of grooming?
Newfoundlands come in several different colours, including black, brown and landseer (white with black). Their double coat is water resistant and dense. They need regular brushing, especially in areas where their thick, straight coat could tangle. When they shed their coats in springtime, you are likely to need to groom them daily, to keep on top of the shedding!
Some Newfies will need a bit of trim around their ears, feet and to remove any tangles that can’t be brushed out. They sometimes need their faces and lips cleaned up with all the saliva they produce.
Like any dog, regular tooth brushing with a dog-specific toothpaste twice daily is ideal. If you can’t manage that often, just do it as often as you can.
Are Newfoundlands easy to train?
Provided they are trained from an early age, the Newfoundland is relatively easy to train and responds well to commands, but it is important to be calm and balanced with your approach. They can be supaw sensitive to the tone of voice used.
Because of their size, it is important to make sure they do not take advantage, and from a young age making sure they know not to jump up, walk nicely on lead etc. They love attention and treats so both can be useful training rewards, as well as lots of positive praise.
Want to experience spending time with a Newfoundland to decide if this breed is right for you? Borrow a Newfie near you.
What do Newfoundlands eat?
Adult Newfoundlands should eat a complete, balanced dog food, specific for large or giant breeds if possible, twice daily. They can also have occasional treats, but like any dog, watch out for the extra calories. Newfoundlands love a good treat as a reward, but like any dog, this should only make up a maximum of 10% of their daily calorie intake.
Newfoundlands are prone to being overweight, so make sure to not overfeed them. If they are an ok body weight, you should be able to comfortably feel your pooch’s ribs, but not count them, when they are standing normally. They should also have a nice neat waist when you look from the top (if they’re quite floofy, then you might have to get your hands on to check that bit), and they should have a good tuck from their chest up to their tummy. If you are worried your pooch could be a bit overweight or underweight then contact your vet practice for advice.
Puppies should initially eat four times a day, then down to three, then to two at six months old. For most Newfoundlands you can make the change from puppy to adult food gradually at between 15 and 18 months old. Your pet food supplier and/or vet can advise on individual cases.
Are Newfoundlands healthy?
Like any breed of dog, there are health conditions that Newfoundland dogs are more prone to than others. These can include problems with:
Bones and joints
Elbow Dysplasia - this condition is where there is an issue with how the bones fit together at the elbow joint
Hip Dysplasia - a condition where the thigh bone and pelvis do not sit together properly at the hip joint
Panosteitis - Often called ‘growing pains’, panosteitis is when the bones themselves become inflamed and sore, and is usually seen in large breed, young dogs
Cancers
Osteosarcoma - A malignant bone cancer
Eyes
Ectropion - with this condition the eyelid rolls out, which can expose the eye to dryness
Entropion - this is where the eyelids roll in, causing eyelashes to rub onto the surface of the eye
Gastrointestinal
Gastric Dilation Volvulus (GDV) - this occurs when the stomach twists and gas and contents get trapped inside. It is a very serious condition and a vet should be contacted immediately
Heart Disease
Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) - a disease of the heart muscle causing the heart ventricles to get larger
Skin
Allergies - when the immune system overreacts to an allergen and usually results in skin irritation
Hot Spots - red, inflamed, moist lesions of the skin, usually found on the head, neck, legs and hips.
This list is by no means comprehensive, if you have any concerns about the health of your dog, or if you want to discuss further if a Newfoundland is right for you, consult with your vet.
Vet top tip
Newfoundlands are big bundles of joy but be prepared to put in a good bit of work grooming them! It’s also important to train them well when they’re young as they are very big and strong as adults.
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Information on this page should never replace advice given by your veterinarian. Potential health issues presented are given as a guide only and are not meant to be comprehensive. If you ever have any concerns about your dog’s health contact your local vet.
