Newfoundland

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100-120 lbs
25-27"
Canada

The Newfoundland is a native North American dog from Newfoundland Island in Canada; it is not clear how the breed arrived there, though it is thought that his ancestors were brought there by fisherman arriving from Europe. Some believe his ancestors are the white Great Pyrenees, and others believe he came from a French hound. Originally an all-purpose water dog and fishing aid, the Newfoundland now is involved in water rescue. A large breed, the average male weighs 130 to 150 pounds and reaches 28 inches in height and is slightly longer than it is tall. Muscular and with heavy bones, the Newfoundland has the ability to rescue those who are drowning even in rough water. Dogs of the breed have webbed feet and water repellent coats, making swimming easier. Their strong and effortless gait also helps them excel at pulling.
purpose Purpose
all-purpose water dog and fishing aid, draft
history Date of Origin
1700s
ancestry Ancestry
tibetan mastiff

Newfoundland Health

Sketch of Newfoundland
Average Size
Male Newfoundland size stats
Height: 27-29 inches Weight: 130-150 lbs
Female Newfoundland size stats
Height: 25-27 inches Weight: 100-120 lbs
Major Concerns
  • Gastric Torsion
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Pulmonic Stenosis
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis
Minor Concerns
  • Entropion
  • Cataract
  • Osteochondritis Dissecans
Occasional Tests
  • Cardiac
  • Eye
  • Hip
  • Elbow
  • Blood
  • X-Rays
  • Eye Examination
  • Physical Examination

Newfoundland Breed History

From Newfoundland Island in Canada, it is thought that ancestors of the breed were brought to the island by fisherman coming from Europe. While the makeup of the breed is not clear, some think his ancestors are the white Great Pyrenees while others feel the breed evolved from a French hound or the Great Pyrenees. There are many old prints of Newfoundlands that show what is believed to be evidence of husky ancestry and the breed shares similarities to the Labrador (and Newfoundland’s coastline is close to Labrador). Regardless, the Newfoundland evolved to be well suited to the island where he originated. Dogs of the breed are excellent in and around water. They tend to be amazing swimmers and have saved many lives by rescuing people that are drowning. In 1919, a Newfoundland was given recognition for pulling a lifeboat that held twenty people from a ship wreck. In early years, residents of Newfoundland were only allowed to own one dog; this along with the dog being exported to Europe, led the breed to decline on the island. Breeders in America had to obtain new stock from Europe. After World War II, the breed declined in Europe, leading to Europeans seeking new stock from the United States. 

Newfoundland Breed Appearance

The Newfoundland is a large dog with a broad, heavy head that has a somewhat arched crown and a strong neck and back. Dogs of the breed have a wide, short muzzle; the nose of the Newfoundland is usually black, with the exception of dogs that are bronze-colored (typically brown) and the teeth meet in a level bite. The smallish eyes are deep set and dark brown and the somewhat small ears are triangular in shape with rounded tips, which hang by their cheeks. A Newfoundland’s legs are muscular, straight and parallel, with webbed feet that are helpful in the water. A strong tail is broad at its base and hangs down. The outer coat of the Newfoundland is oily, coarse and somewhat long and can be straight or have waves.
Appearance of Newfoundland
Eye Color Possibilities
brown Newfoundland eyes
Brown
Nose Color Possibilities
black Newfoundland nose
Black
Coat Color Possibilities
black Newfoundland coat
Black
gray Newfoundland coat
Gray
brown Newfoundland coat
Brown
cream Newfoundland coat
Cream
pied Newfoundland coat
Pied
brindle Newfoundland coat
Brindle
Coat Length
coat
Short Medium Long
Coat Density
coat density
pin
Sparse Normal Dense
Coat Texture
coat texture
Newfoundland wavy coat texture
Straight Wiry Wavy Curly Corded

Newfoundland Breed Maintenance

It is imperative that a Newfoundland be brushed around two times a week with a hard brush in order to avoid its fur becoming matted. One of the heaviest shedders of all dog breeds, the Newfoundland will shed the most during springtime. Dry shampoo is recommended so as to not remove the natural oils of the coat and baths should be given only when necessary for the same reason. The breed is messy when drinking and tends to drool significantly. While Newfoundlands enjoy laying around, dogs of the breed should get appropriate exercise (including swimming as frequently as possible). Newfoundlands cannot tolerate heat, doing better in colder conditions. On days when the temperature is high, it is important that there is access to fresh, cool water and appropriate shade. As a large dog, the Newfoundland does best with a fenced in yard and sufficient indoor space. 
Brushes for Newfoundland
Pin Brush
Pin Brush
Slicker Brush
Slicker Brush
Deshedder
Deshedder
Nail Clipper
Nail Clipper
Brushing Frequency
fur daily fur weekly fur monthly
Newfoundland requires weekly brushing
Daily Weekly Monthly

Newfoundland Temperament

The Newfoundland is sweet, calm, generous and gentle. A laid back breed, the Newfoundland is very intelligent and displays humanlike emotions. Dogs of the breed are very loyal to their family and make excellent watchdogs. The Newfoundland is suspicious of strangers and appears to have the ability to sense if someone has bad intentions. Newfoundlands love children and are very patient with them. Dogs of the breed tend to do well with other pets, although males can be aggressive with other males. While fairly inactive when indoors, the Newfoundland enjoys swimming and pulling during outdoor activity. The breed can be slightly challenging to train; training must be done in a calm, balanced way. The trainer will need to be calm, but firm, confident and consistent.
Activity Level
low activity medium activity high activity
Low Medium High
Rec. Walk Mileage Per Week
15 miles
walk mileage
Minutes of Activity Per Day
60 minutes
activity minutes

Similar Maintenance Breeds to Newfoundland

Similarly Sized Breeds to Newfoundland

Newfoundland Food Consumption

Cups Per Day
4 cups
cup per day cost cup per day cost cup per day cost cup per day cost
Daily Cost
$3.00 - $3.40
food bowls daily cost
Monthly Cost
$90.00 - $102.00
food bag monthly cost

Newfoundland Height & Weight

6 Months
Sketch of Newfoundland at six months
Male Newfoundland size stats at six months
Height: 24.0 inches Weight: 105.0 lbs
Female Newfoundland size stats at six months
Height: 22.0 inches Weight: 75.0 lbs
12 Months
Sketch of Newfoundland at 12 months
Male Newfoundland size stats at 12 months
Height: 27.0 inches Weight: 125.0 lbs
Female Newfoundland size stats at 12 months
Height: 25.0 inches Weight: 95.0 lbs
18 Months
Sketch of Newfoundland at 18 months
Male Newfoundland size stats at 18 months
Height: 28.0 inches Weight: 140.0 lbs
Female Newfoundland size stats at 18 months
Height: 26.0 inches Weight: 110.0 lbs

Top Newfoundland Breeders

Check out who made our list for the most reputable Newfoundland breeders of 2024.
Top Newfoundland breeder Sugar Bear Newfs
Sugar Bear Newfs
Henryville, Indiana
Top Newfoundland breeder Happyvalley Newfoundlands
Happyvalley Newfoundlands
Nampa, Idaho
Top Newfoundland breeder Mooncusser Newfoundlands
Mooncusser Newfoundlands
Orleans, Massachusetts
Top Newfoundland breeder Moonribbon Newfoundlands
Moonribbon Newfoundlands
Callicoon, New York
Top Newfoundland breeder Bear-Acres Newfoundlands and Bernese Mountain Dogs
Bear-Acres Newfoundlands and Bernese Mountain Dogs
Bedford, Kentucky
Top Newfoundland breeder Gentle Giant Newfoundlands
Gentle Giant Newfoundlands
Belleville, Kansas
Top Newfoundland breeder Precious Thoughts Family Farm
Precious Thoughts Family Farm
Hillsboro, Kansas

Newfoundland Owner Experiences

6 Years
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Making friends
Dog Parks
Catch treats
Attention
Newfoundlands keep a very slow walking pace but have lots of energy. They enjoy being pet and told that they are a good dog, especially from new people and dogs they meet! They receive tons of attention from everyone on the street because they are so large and fluffy. They are very well mannered especially around other dogs. They love going to dog parks to make new friends with everyone they meet. They enjoy carrying around dog toys rather than chasing and playing fetch with them. They are a very loyal breed of dog!
6 years, 10 months ago
5 Years
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Shopping
Laying in the sun
slow walking
Sniffing
She was slow and sluggish but enjoyed the walk and tried to keep pace with the other dog I was walking. She liked to stop and sniff a lot. She was patient when waiting to cross streets or for the elevator and did not jump around or act hyper.
6 years, 10 months ago
5 Years
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walk
Play
Dog Parks
Laying in the sun
Groom
Wow I had fun walking this big, ol' lady. As suggested by her owner we lumbered our way over to the dog park where she proceeded to gaze at all the other dogs from the comfort of the bench I was sitting on. Her preference was as an observer and she particularly loved leaning all of her dog weight upon my legs. Occasionally she'd pounce at another dog, romp for a brief moment, then head back to her watching post. Although we weren't out very long and likely because it was a warm fall afternoon, she was so very slobbery by the time we got back to the house. She was happy to flop onto her bed and pant away happily. She is such a fantastic dog.
6 years, 10 months ago
1 Year
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
The Newfoundland I walked was such a cute teddy bear that was so sweet and excited to go for his walk. The owner had warned that the Newfoundland was a bit of a puller if he came across and crumbs of food particles on the ground. I had to keep a close eye on the Newfoundland and make sure he did not eat anything. The Newfoundland was a strong dog whose pull could sweep you off of your feet, but having said that, his love could too! The Newfoundland was such a sweet heart that wanted to play and give kisses. The Newfoundland had a thick coat that looked like it needed a good deal of grooming to be kept up. The pup received a lot of compliments for how cute he was and how large and cuddly he looked!
6 years, 10 months ago
Nicholas
3 Years
3 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Sweet, intelligent, cooperative temperament. Very bouncy 120 pound teenagers but they mature into dogs with almost human emotions who take care of people, enjoy dog friends, watch over children and puppies. Need to live close to people all day long, not a yard dog. Easy to train with consistent, positive methods. Learn quickly, don't like repetition. Like to think for themselves but try to do what is right and courteous wherever they are and will trust their owners. I've had a lot of dogs I've loved, but never a dog like this one! But they take time. Managing summer heat is a huge problem. Grooming not much of a problem if you do a little every day. Don't neuter until almost 2 years to avoid hip and elbow problems. Don't overfeed.
6 years, 4 months ago
Cerulean
1 Year
3 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
cuddle
Swim
Eat
make new friends
Ceru has adapted to our very transient life. He’s friends with everyone. EVERYONE. At 10 months he caught a robbery in the middle of the night across the street. He’s the absolute sweetest boy, even non dog lovers are obsessed with him. He’s had pretty hard separation anxiety and health issues but other than that he’s the best thing that’s ever happened.
4 years, 4 months ago
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