Dog Breed

Newfoundland

GiantAdventure DrivenNanny
Primary image of Newfoundland dog breed
Full Name
Newfoundland
Alternate Names
Newfie, Landseer Newfoundland, Irish Spot Newfoundland
Your PupScore
Take the best dog breed quiz to get your Pup Scores!
Life Span
8 - 10 years
Weight
100 - 150 pounds
Description

Giant, epic, physically intimidating... and... incredibly friendly. Despite their tremendous strength, the Newfoundland is very calm, patient, and empathetic. Because of these qualities, they have oftentimes been used as rescue dogs, especially for any water involved activities.

Not only are they good swimmers, but they have no problem swimming in near freezing cold water, as their thick skin and fur protects from the harsh weather.

If you're looking for a dog that truly resembles the Big Friendly Giant, then the "Newfie" is for you.

Origin
Canada
Bred For
All purpose water dog, fishing aid
Attachments
    Family Considerations
    Child Friendly

    Is the Newfoundland good with children?

    Yes! The Newfoundland is naturally friendly with children. As always, socialization is always important, but the Newfoundland is an excellent dog for anyone with small children.
    Stranger Friendly

    Is the Newfoundland friendly with strangers?

    Yes! The Newfoundland is naturally friendly with everyone. As always, socialization is always important, but the Newfoundland typically loves everyone they meet
    Dog Friendly

    Is the Newfoundland friendly with other dogs?

    Yes! The Newfoundland naturally loves other dogs. As always, socialization is always important, but the Newfoundland typically gets along with every dog it meets
    Likes to Cuddle

    Does the Newfoundland like to cuddle?

    The Newfoundland appreciates affection and that includes kisses and snuggles!
    Playfulness

    Does the Newfoundland like to play?

    The Newfoundland will almost always be ready for play! The Newfoundland is great for a family with children, or otherwise, an environment that is always ready for play.
    Service Dog Ability

    Does the Newfoundland make a good service dog?

    The Newfoundland can be a service dog with the proper training. Newfoundlands are not the most common service dog, but they certainly can be if their personality matches- smart, patient, and extremely dedicated to their owner.
    Overall Ease of Breed
    Ease for Novice

    Is the Newfoundland good for first-time owners?

    The Newfoundland is not the easiest breed for first-time owners, but can certainly still work out if the owner is willing to put the time into training and exercise.
    Training Potential

    How well can the Newfoundland be trained?

    The Newfoundland is about average when it comes to training potential. The Newfoundland can be seen in competitions and can have advanced training, but it would require much dedication and oftentimes professional training.
    Amount of Shedding

    Does the Newfoundland shed a lot?

    The Newfoundland is an average shedder. Newfoundland owners will probably still tell you it's a lot of shedding, but certain breeds shed even more.
    Ease of Grooming

    Is the Newfoundland easy to groom?

    The Newfoundland requires an average amount of grooming. Taking your Newfoundland to the pet salon will make your life easier, but its possible to groom a Newfoundland on your own as well.
    Exercise Need

    Does the Newfoundland need a lot of exercise?

    The Newfoundland requires an average amount of exercise. You should be ready to dedicate a couple of short walks or a larger dog park session each day for your Newfoundland to be happy and fulfilled.
    Personality
    Intelligence

    How smart is the Newfoundland?

    The Newfoundland is very smart. Above-average intelligence means they can pick up on cues and signals quickly when it comes to training. But it also means that they need to be challenged mentally, in addition to their standard exercise needs.
    Amount of Barking

    How much does the Newfoundland bark? Does the Newfoundland bark too much?

    The Newfoundland occasionally barks, but only for specific reasons such as when they need something, for protection, etc.
    Guard Dog Ability

    Is the Newfoundland a good guard dog?

    The Newfoundland is not typically used as a guard dog, although they can be alert and oftentimes notify you if there is a stranger at the door or otherwise something to be concerned over.
    Tolerates Being Alone

    Is the Newfoundland good at staying alone? Is the Newfoundland independent?

    The Newfoundland is not very independent and does not do great when left behind for longer than a couple of hours. This is one of the most important things to consider when getting a new dog.
    Home and Environment Considerations
    Good for Apartment Living

    Is the Newfoundland a good apartment dog?

    The Newfoundland is not a good dog for apartment living for several reasons. It is still possible to make it work if the owner is dedicated to plenty of training and daily exercise, but it may be challenging.
    Size

    How big is the Newfoundland?

    The Newfoundland is one of the biggest dog breeds in the world. In the "giant" category!
    Tolerates Heat

    How much does the Newfoundland tolerate hot weather? When is it too hot for a Newfoundland?

    The Newfoundland can tolerate some heat, but should not be over-exposed to hot weather. In general, they can live in hot weather climates, but would do best with air conditioning or at least a fan in their home, especially where they sleep.
    Tolerates Cold

    How much does the Newfoundland tolerate cold weather? When is it too cold for a Newfoundland?

    The Newfoundland does very well in cold weather, and loves the snow. They were built for it!
    Potential to Run Away

    Does the Newfoundland try to run away?

    The Newfoundland does not have a large drive to run away. They can still be distracted and run, so precautions should be taken, but overall they have a less than average urge to run away.
    Physical Characteristics
    General Health

    Is the Newfoundland a healthy dog? The health of a Newfoundland should be measured not just by how many years they live, but also by how many health issues they've had. It is important to know which health conditions your breed is prone to- hip problems, eye problems, bloating, and arthritis are all common dog health problems.

    The Newfoundland is healthy, but has an average number of health risks that should be taken into consideration.
    Energy Level

    How energetic is the Newfoundland?

    The Newfoundland has some energy and requires daily walks, but overall the Newfoundland has less energy than average.
    Amount of Drooling

    How much does the Newfoundland drool?

    The Newfoundland drools a decent amount, especially if that irresistible food is nearby.
    Prey Drive

    Does the Newfoundland have a large prey drive? Does the Newfoundland like to chase birds, cats, and other small animals?

    The Newfoundland has some prey drive, so should not be left alone with very small animals such as birds, mice, or gerbils, but with some gradual introduction should be fine living with a cat in the same home.
    Athleticism

    Is the Newfoundland atheltic?

    The Newfoundland is athletic and has average levels of endurance. They need a lot of exercise, and can be an exercise partner as long as it's nothing too extreme.
  • Secondary image of Newfoundland dog breed
  • Secondary image of Newfoundland dog breed
  • Secondary image of Newfoundland dog breed
  • Secondary image of Newfoundland dog breed

1 of 5

  • Thumbnail image 0 of Newfoundland dog breed
  • Thumbnail image 1 of Newfoundland dog breed
  • Thumbnail image 2 of Newfoundland dog breed
  • Thumbnail image 3 of Newfoundland dog breed
  • Thumbnail image 4 of Newfoundland dog breed
  1. Working
  2. Water Dog
  3. Newfoundland
The Newfoundland is a purebred dog that belongs to the Water Dog sub group, which falls under the larger Working dog breed group.
Working group: Working dogs encompass a wide range of different breeds- but they all were bred to assist people, so they are used to working hard. It is important for them to feel they have a "job" as their roles traditionally have varied from rescuing people to pulling sleds. Because of their large size and intensity, they may be a handful for first time dog owners. On the other side, they can be trained well, so any owner who can exercise and dedicate to training their working dog, will be well rewarded. A common misconception may be that the working dog's jobs are only in physically challenging jobs; actually working dogs can also make excellent service dogs, since they are also kind and attentive to their owners.
Water Dog sub-group: Water dogs are athletic dogs that have been bred to retrieve and serve their owners under conditions that require swimming. They have thick coats that keep them warm but dry easily, and their feet are thick with webbed toes. They are happy, and always ready to make their owners happy. They are intelligent, want to make their owners happy, and are healthy dogs, truly making them excellent pets. They require frequent exercise and stimulation, but in return you will get an excellent dog. They would make an excellent alternative to the Golden Retriever- with similar personalities and upsides, just not as well known.

Newfoundlands for adoption

Similar Breeds