The Newfoundland Dog Breed: A Comprehensive Guide

The Nurturing Newfoundland

The Newfoundland is one of the largest dog breeds in the world. These gentle giants are well-known and beloved for their bear-like appearance, their sweet and cuddly demeanor, and their unerring bravery and loyalty.

Bred for their ability to perform water rescues, Newfies (as they're affectionately called by fans of the breed) are incredibly devoted and are willing to put their lives on the line for their human companions.

Read more about the characteristics and care needs of this exceptional breed!

History of the Newfoundland

The Newfoundland was bred hundreds of years ago, beginning in Newfoundland, Canada, primarily to work with fishermen. The dog's affinity for swimming made it easy for the canine to dive into the water with a ship's line to connect it to land—and sometimes even haul small boats to shore.

Newfoundlands were also praised for their talents in hauling fishing nets, carting loads of fish to market, and having the strength and courage to return drowning men, women, and children to safety.

The breed's exact origins are unknown, but some theories suggest the intermixing of Mastiff breeds with the American black wolf (now extinct), or the intermixing of dogs brought over by the Vikings with the native wolves and European dog breeds already in Canada.

Famous Newfoundlands

A Newfie named Seaman joined explorers Lewis and Clark on their journey across North America between 1804 and 1806. Seaman hunted and protected the group from wildlife, chased off a charging buffalo, survived a kidnapping attempt by Native Americans, and endured surgery on a severed artery. He was the only animal to complete the entire expedition.

Another amazing Newfie is credited with saving Napoleon Bonaparte's life. When fleeing the island of Elba in 1815, Napoleon was thrown overboard by choppy waters. A fisherman's Newfoundland (name unknown) jumped after him and kept him afloat in the water until he could be rescued.

Physical Characteristics

• Weight: 100–120 pounds for females; 130–150 pounds for males
• Height: ~26 inches for females; ~28 inches for males
• Coat: Thick, waterproof double coat that is prone to shedding
• Color: Black, brown, gray, white & black (termed "Landseer")

Distinctive Features

• Massive, muscular build
• Heavy, fluffy coat
• Typically amber or dark brown, deep-set eyes
• Webbed feet for swimming

Temperament and Personality Traits

Newfies are among the sweetest and most devoted dogs around. Thanks to their long history of water rescues, these dogs are born with great patience and empathy.

With Family Members

J. M. Barrie's adorable nanny dog, Nana, from Peter Pan, despite being mistaken for a St. Bernard (and portrayed as one in several film adaptations), was actually intended to be a Landseer Newfoundland based on Barrie's own Newfoundland named Luath.

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It's not surprising that the Newfoundland was cast in a nanny role; Newfies are known for being very good and affectionate with children. A well-trained Newfoundland will make for one of the greatest family dogs you can have.

Despite their gentle nature, Newfies are very large dogs that can easily knock over young children. Play between children and animals should always be supervised for the safety of both.

With Other Animals

Newfoundlands extend their tolerance and affection to other animals as well, including pets such as cats and other small animals. While they don't tend to have a strong prey or chase drive, Newfoundlands should still be socialized as early as possible to ensure positive relationships with other animals.

Feeding and Grooming

Newfies are big, and they have big appetites. Typically, an adult will eat around 4–5 cups of dog food a day, divided into two meals.

Because this breed can be prone to bloating, it may be helpful to divide meals into even smaller portions given throughout the day, or to use a puzzle feeder to avoid very fast eating.

Ask your vet for specific dietary recommendations based on your dog's age, activity level, and health needs.

Coat Care

Newfoundlands' medium-length coats are prone to shedding, so brushing at least once a week can help to remove loose hairs and prevent matting. Given the size of the dog and how time-consuming it can be to bathe and brush them, many people opt for monthly appointments with a professional groomer.

Newfoundlands are also known to drool—a lot! Keep a damp cloth handy to wipe down their jowls and keep the drool from drying on their coats.

Training and Exercise Needs

Any big dog can become a handful if they aren't trained properly. It's important that socialization and training start early to ensure your dog grows into a happy adult.

Socializing your new dog consists of exposing them to new people and experiences, and it's very important in the puppy's first three months. A young dog that has had many varied and positive experiences is more likely to grow into a confident adult.

Obedience Training Tips

Newfies are smart dogs and do very well with consistent positive reinforcement. They are not particularly energetic or stubborn, but their large size makes early leash training a must; otherwise, they'll drag you around with their 100-plus-pound frames without even trying.

Discover if your Newfie is especially motivated by food, toys, or praise, and use their preferred rewards to reinforce good behavior.

Exercise

These mellow dogs don't require a ton of physical activity, but they should still receive at least a half hour of moderate physical activity every day to stay healthy and at an appropriate weight, as Newfies can easily pack on the pounds.

They love swimming, so playing fetch in a body of water or engaging in water training can be particularly fun for this breed.

Their strong bodies are also adept at cart-pulling, and very well-trained Newfies have been known to provide wagon rides for children!

Life Span and Health Concerns

Newfoundlands, despite being a giant breed, tend to be generally healthy dogs. That being said, their large size does contribute to a shorter average life span than many other breeds, with most Newfies reaching 9 to 10 years of age.

Their size also puts them at risk of some particular illnesses that may lead to mobility issues that can make them very difficult to care for. Make sure to do plenty of research before buying a Newfie puppy from a breeder to ensure their dogs are healthy.

• Hip/elbow dysplasia: An inherited disease that causes improper joint development, arthritis, stiffness, and lameness in the hips and elbows. Excess weight can worsen symptoms. Reduce the risk by choosing a good breeder and providing your dog with the proper nutrition and exercise.
• Dilated cardiomyopathy: A cardiac disease that results in the enlargement and weakening of the heart muscle, making it harder to pump blood. Diet, medication, and rest may improve symptoms, but this condition can lead to heart failure if left untreated.
• Cystinuria: An inherited condition in which cystine stones are formed in the bladder, sometimes leading to life-threatening urinary blockages. Symptoms include bloody urine, frequent urination and UTIs, and straining when urinating. DNA tests are available to screen for the responsible gene.

Adoption and Ownership

If the Newfoundland sounds like the perfect companion for you and your family, do plenty of research and seek out reputable breeders or adoption/rescue agencies in your area.

Breeders and Adoption Options

• Newfoundland Club of America: Clubs like the NCA provide lots of breed information and typically offer a way to search for breeders by state or region.
• National Kennel Clubs: The American Kennel Club (AKC) in the US and the Kennel Club in the UK (along with other countries' national kennel clubs) should provide listings of available litters from breeders who follow ethical breeding practices.
• Rescue Organizations: Your local rescue/adoption organizations, like Colonial Newfoundland Rescue in the DC, Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia area, will help you find Newfies who need a loving home.

Be wary of unethical breeders; they're still out there. And remember that paying a high price for a certain breed or a particular puppy does not guarantee that the dog is in good health.

Large and Lovable

Newfoundlands have a lot of love to give, but there's no denying that caring for these large dogs can be a big undertaking.

Before adopting a Newfie, make sure that you have enough room, patience, knowledge, and care to devote to a giant dog (with a giant heart) who will surely show you the same devotion and more.

Newfoundland FAQs

Are Newfoundland dogs good with children?

Yes, Newfoundland dogs make great family pets and are known for being patient and gentle with children—and just about everyone. They are large dogs, though, so make sure to supervise play to avoid accidents.

Do Newfoundland dogs require a lot of exercise?

Newfoundlands are not the most active breed, but they do require a moderate amount of daily exercise (about half an hour to an hour) to stay fit and healthy. Daily walks are recommended, and they're sure to love the occasional swim and playtime.

Are Newfoundland dogs prone to any health issues?

Yes, Newfoundlands (like any other dog breed) are prone to certain health issues, including hip/elbow dysplasia, dilated cardiomyopathy, cystinuria, and bloat. Going to regular vet appointments can help prevent and manage these conditions.

How do I find a reputable breeder or adoption agency for Newfoundland dogs?

Search online for breeders or adoption organizations that are affiliated with the American Kennel Club (or your country's national dog club). Look into reviews they have received from other pet owners.

How much should I expect to spend on a Newfoundland dog?

If you're purchasing a purebred puppy from a breeder, you can expect to pay around $1,000 to $2,500 for a Newfoundland, depending on where you're located and the breeder's reputation.

Remember that you'll also be paying for food, health care, grooming, toys, and more down the road.

Sources & Further Reading

• Newfoundland Dog Breed Information
  Right breed for you? Newfoundland information including personality, history, grooming, pictures, videos, and the AKC breed standard.
• Newfoundland Dog Breed Information & Characteristics
  The Newfoundland Dog is a large, gentle giant known for its calm and affectionate nature, as well as its water rescue abilities
• Newfoundland (Newfie): Dog Breed Characteristics & Care
  The Newfoundland is giant dog breed with a big heart and a working spirit. Learn more about the Newfie, including its history, health, and care needs.
• Newfoundland Dog - Wikipedia