Newfoundland
A lifeguard in a bear suit.
- Weight
- 100–150 lbs
- Height
- 26–28 in
- Lifespan
- 9–10 yrs
In short
The Newfoundland is a Working breed from Newfoundland, Canada, bred to haul nets and rescue people from cold water; adults weigh about 100–150 lbs and live 9–10 years. Newfies are famously sweet and patient, but they drool, shed heavily and overheat easily.
Is it right for you?
A great match if you…
- want a patient, kid-loving gentle giant
- live near water and love to swim
- can handle drool and heavy shedding
Think twice if you…
- live in a hot climate or small apartment
- want a tidy, drool-free house
- need a running or hiking partner
The daily plan
- Exercise
- 30–60 min a day
- Training
- 1–2 × 5 min sessions × length
- Treat limit
- 195–265 kcal all treats, 10% rule
At a glance
TrainabilityQuick study8.0/10
EnergyModerate4.0/10
Calm at homeCalm indoors10.0/10
SheddingHeavy shedder8.0/10
What sets it apart
-
01
Webbed feet
Large, webbed feet and a rudder-like tail make them strong swimmers.
-
02
Water-resistant coat
An oily double coat keeps out cold water but sheds heavily and holds heat.
-
03
The drool
Loose lips mean drool on walls, clothes and guests, especially after drinking.
Size & coat
| Specification | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 130–150 lbs | 100–120 lbs |
| Height | 27–29 in | 25–27 in |
| Lifespan | 9–10 yrs | |
| Coat | Flat, water-resistant double coat | |
Personality
Newfoundlands are gentle, patient and calm, often called nanny dogs. They are happiest near water and near their people. Expect a slow-moving housemate who leaves hair and drool everywhere.
With kids
Exceptionally patient with kids. Size and drool still need supervision with toddlers.
With other pets
Usually great with other dogs and cats.
With strangers
Friendly with most people, though their size deters strangers.
Alone time
Prefer company but can manage moderate alone time once mature and exercised.
Training
Newfies are sweet and willing, but sensitive, so calm, positive training works best. Manners matter early because they grow very large.
-
How often
1–2 sessions a day of about 5 minutes each, ending each one on a win.
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Socialize early (8–16 weeks)
Between 8–16 weeks, focus on handling, grooming and calm public outings. Practice drying and brushing early, as a wet adult Newfie takes time to groom.
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Self-control
Loose-leash walking and calm greetings matter most for a dog this heavy. Reward slack leash and sit-to-greet every time.
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What it works for
Food and praise both work. Use small, high-value pieces within 10% of daily calories; freeze-dried liver is one option.
Exercise
Newfies need moderate daily walks and swimming, not intense running. Water is their favorite outlet.
Exercise a day
30–60 min
CouchModerateAthlete
Good outlets
- Swimming
- Carting or drafting (adults only)
- Leisurely walks
Brain work
- Water rescue training
- Scent games
- Obedience and trick classes
Best home
House with a yard and access to water suits best; struggles in heat and small apartments.
Watch for Heat is the main risk, so exercise in cool hours, and avoid hard exercise while puppies grow.
Feeding
Adult maintenance for a typical Newfoundland (100–150 lbs) lands around 1,950–2,650 kcal a day. Feed to body condition, not the bag's chart alone, and keep treats inside the 10% rule.
Puppy (to 12 mo)
- Daily calories
- 2,450–3,325 kcal
- Protein
- 26–30%
- Fat
- 16–20%
- Treat limit, all treats
- 245–335 kcal
- Saylor's liver, suggested
- 12–17 pieces a day
Adult Maintenance
- Daily calories
- 1,950–2,650 kcal
- Protein
- 24–28%
- Fat
- 14–18%
- Treat limit, all treats
- 195–265 kcal
- Saylor's liver, suggested
- 10–13 pieces a day
Active / Working
- Daily calories
- 2,700–3,650 kcal
- Protein
- 26–30%
- Fat
- 18–22%
- Treat limit, all treats
- 270–365 kcal
- Saylor's liver, suggested
- 14–18 pieces a day
Senior
- Daily calories
- 1,725–2,325 kcal
- Protein
- 24–28%
- Fat
- 12–16%
- Treat limit, all treats
- 175–235 kcal
- Saylor's liver, suggested
- 9–12 pieces a day
Compare every life stage
| Life stage | Daily calories | Protein | Fat | Treat limit (all treats) | Saylor's liver, suggested / day |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Puppy (to 12 mo) | 2,450–3,325 kcal | 26–30% | 16–20% | 245–335 kcal | 12–17 pieces |
| Adult Maintenance | 1,950–2,650 kcal | 24–28% | 14–18% | 195–265 kcal | 10–13 pieces |
| Active / Working | 2,700–3,650 kcal | 26–30% | 18–22% | 270–365 kcal | 14–18 pieces |
| Senior | 1,725–2,325 kcal | 24–28% | 12–16% | 175–235 kcal | 9–12 pieces |
The treat limit is the 10% rule for every treat combined. Saylor's liver is suggested at about 2% of daily calories, as a small topper: liver is very rich in vitamin A, so it should not become a staple. Check with your vet if your dog has a health condition or a special diet.
Health & grooming
Subvalvular aortic stenosis, hip and elbow dysplasia, cystinuria and bloat are the main concerns. Choose a breeder who screens hearts and keep the dog lean.
| Watch for | Ask the breeder or vet for | When |
|---|---|---|
| Subvalvular aortic stenosis (SAS) | Cardiac exam by a veterinary cardiologist (OFA) | Once, in breeding dogs |
| Hip dysplasia | OFA or PennHIP hip evaluation | Once, in breeding dogs (ask the breeder) |
| Elbow dysplasia | OFA elbow evaluation | Once, in breeding dogs |
| Cystinuria | Cystinuria DNA test | Once, in breeding dogs |
Official health tests for breeding dogs
The OFA's CHIC program asks Newfoundland breeders to test for these. Ask to see the results before you buy a puppy.
- Hip evaluation
- Elbow evaluation
- Heart exam
- Cystinuria
Grooming Heavy, with big seasonal sheds
Brush 2–3 times a week and daily during sheds. Dry thoroughly after swims, trim nails every 2–3 weeks, check ears weekly and brush teeth several times a week.
History
1700s–1800s
Fishermen’s dog
Fishermen on the island of Newfoundland used these dogs to haul nets, carry loads and retrieve from the water.
1800s
Famous rescues
Newfoundlands gained fame for rescuing people from shipwrecks, and Lord Byron’s Newfoundland Boatswain became well known.
1886
Recognition
The AKC recognized the Newfoundland in 1886, and water-rescue tests remain popular today.
Questions owners ask
Are Newfoundlands easy to train?
Fairly easy. Newfies are willing and sweet, so calm, positive training works well. Start manners early before they get too big.
Are Newfoundlands good with kids and other pets?
Yes. They are famously gentle with kids and usually great with other dogs and cats, though their size needs supervision.
How much exercise does a Newfoundland need?
About 30–60 minutes a day of walks and swimming. Avoid intense exercise in heat and while puppies grow.
Do Newfoundlands shed?
Yes, heavily. Brush 2–3 times a week and daily during sheds, and expect drool too.
What health problems do Newfoundlands have, and how long do they live?
Heart disease (SAS), hip and elbow dysplasia, cystinuria and bloat are the main concerns. Newfoundlands typically live 9–10 years.
Is a Newfoundland good for apartments or first-time owners?
Not for apartments. First-time owners can do well with the gentle temperament if prepared for size, hair and drool.
Freeze Dried Beef Liver Dog Treats
Back in stock soon
We're restocking. When it's back, a Newfoundland needs only 10–13 pieces a day, well inside the 195–265 kcal treat limit.
See the productWhere the Newfoundland ranks
Health tests follow the OFA's CHIC program. The treat limit is 10% of daily calories for all treats combined. Every dog is different, so use this as a starting point and ask your vet about yours.
Breeds like the Newfoundland
Closest in size, energy, trainability, calm at home and shedding.
