Newfoundland

Originating on the island of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, Newfoundlands worked with fishers to haul nets, carry lines, pull carts, and perform dramatic water rescues. Their huge lung capacity, webbed feet, and oily double coat suited the North Atlantic. The breed spread to Britain and Europe in the 18th–19th centuries, gaining fame for lifesaving feats. Modern Newfs still excel in draft work and water trials while serving as devoted family companions around the world.

‍

A massive, heavily boned working dog with a broad head and water-resistant coat.

• Weight: 130–150 lb (59–68 kg) males; 100–120 lb (45–54 kg) females (some larger)
• Height: ~28 in (71 cm) males; ~26 in (66 cm) females
• Coat Type: Dense, water-resistant double coat; medium-length outer coat with soft undercoat
• Coat Colors: Black; Landseer (white with black markings); brown; gray (by some registries)
• Distinctive Physical Traits: Webbed feet, broad powerful chest, strong neck, level topline, deep muzzle, pendant ears, thick tail used as rudder, rolling yet efficient gait

‍

A glorious coat + drool = routine upkeep. Don’t shave the double coat.

• Brushing: 2–3×/week; daily during spring/fall coat blow (line-brush to the skin)
• De-shedding Focus: Pants/breeches, behind ears, chest/frill, tail base
• Bathing: Every 6–8 weeks or after heavy swims; rinse out lake/sea water and fully dry undercoat
• Ears: Clean/dry weekly (water dogs = moisture risk)
• Skin: Watch for hot spots; keep coat dry at the skin and wipe drool folds
• Feet/Trim: Tidy feet/feathering; keep nails short (every 2–3 weeks)
• Teeth: Brush 2–3×/week
• Shedding/Drool: Heavy shedder; moderate to heavy drooler—keep towels handy

‍

Moderate endurance, powerful swimmer—avoid high-impact pounding.

• Daily Duration: 45–75 minutes, split into low-impact sessions
• Great Activities: Swimming/water work, carting/draft, hiking on soft surfaces, scent/nose work, controlled fetch
• Puppies/Adolescents: Protect joints—no forced running or stairs; follow giant-breed growth guidelines
• Climate Notes: Heat-sensitive—exercise in cool hours; provide shade/water; winter swimming only with safety precautions

‍

Soft-hearted, biddable, and strong—gentle, consistent guidance is key.

• Method: Positive reinforcement; short, upbeat sessions
• Core Skills: Loose-leash walking (they’re big!), impulse control, reliable recall, cooperative care (grooming, vet handling, mouth wipes)
• Socialization: Broad, calm exposure to people, dogs, and surfaces; teach polite greetings (they forget their size)
• Work Outlets: Water rescue/draft foundations, retrieve-to-hand, settle on mat for an off-switch

‍

Grow slow; keep lean to protect joints and heart.

• Food Type: Large/giant-breed formula or balanced fresh diet tailored to giants
• Daily Quantity: ~4–6 cups/day total (varies by food & dog) split into two meals
• Puppies: Giant-breed puppy diet with controlled calcium/phosphorus for slow, steady growth
• Add-Ons: Omega-3s (EPA/DHA) for skin/joints; joint support (green-lipped mussel/glucosamine) for working adults
• Bloat Safety: Avoid heavy exercise 60–90 min before/after meals; consider slow feeders; discuss prophylactic gastropexy with your vet

‍

Choose transparency, health testing, and lifelong support—or consider rescue.

• Breeders: CKC-affiliated preservation breeders who provide hip/elbow/echo/cystinuria/eye results and a written take-back policy
• Contracts & Socialization: Look for early water exposure, grooming training, and stable temperament in dam/sire
• Adoption: Newfoundland-specific rescues and giant-breed groups; ask about orthopedic/heart history
• Canadian Resources: Newfoundland Dog Club of Canada, CKC breeder directory, provincial water-rescue/draft clubs (ON/QC/BC/AB)

‍

A sturdy worker with size-related and breed-specific risks—screening matters.

• Orthopedic: Hip and elbow dysplasia, cruciate tears
• Cardiac: Subaortic stenosis (SAS)—cardiac screening (echocardiogram) recommended
• Urologic: Cystinuria (stone-forming)—DNA testing available; monitor males in particular
• Other: Gastric dilatation–volvulus (bloat/GDV), hypothyroidism, entropion/ectropion, ear infections (moisture), skin hot spots
• Life Expectancy: 8–10 years
• Recommended Testing (breeders): Hips/elbows (OFA/FCI), cardiac (echo for SAS), cystinuria DNA, eyes (CAER); thyroid panel as advised

‍

Are Newfoundlands good family dogs?
Yes—gentle and devoted, but supervise due to size and teach manners early.

Do Newfoundlands shed and drool?
Yes—heavy seasonal shedding and moderate to heavy drool. Keep towels and a grooming routine.

Are Newfoundlands hypoallergenic?
No. Double-coated and heavy shedders.

How much exercise does a Newfoundland need?
About 45–75 minutes daily of low-impact work—swimming, hikes, scent games. Avoid high-impact pounding.

Newfoundland vs. Saint Bernard—what’s different?
Both are giants; Newfs are water specialists with webbed feet and an oily coat, typically steadier in water sports; Saints are classic alpine rescue dogs with different coat/outline.

Are Newfoundlands good apartment dogs?
Possible for very dedicated owners, but they’re large, shed/drool, and prefer space and easy outdoor access.

What health tests should breeders do?
Hips/elbows, cardiac (SAS) echocardiogram, cystinuria DNA, and CAER eye exams; discuss thyroid and bloat prevention.

How do I keep a Newf cool and comfortable?
Exercise at cool times, provide shade/water, use cooling mats, and never overexert in heat; don’t shave the coat.

‍