A Newfoundland dog in a fall setting.
A Newfoundland dog in a fall setting.

Newfoundland

avatarChristy McDowell, LVT, VTS (ECC)

Height26 - 28"
Weight100 - 150 lbs
TypeWorking
Life Expectancy9 - 10 years
Area of OriginCanada

Energy Level

Playfulness

Friendliness to dogs

Friendliness to strangers

exercise requirements

affection level

friendliness to other pets

watchfulness

Grooming Requirements

Vocality

The courageous, but gentle, Newfie is one of the largest working breeds. They are strong and brave enough to rescue drowning humans during daring missions, yet calm enough to play with and watch over children. Their giant heads and massive bear-like bodies make them quite distinctive.

Energy Level

Playfulness

Friendliness to dogs

Friendliness to strangers

exercise requirements

affection level

friendliness to other pets

watchfulness

Grooming Requirements

Vocality

Where Are Newfoundland Dogs From?

The Newfoundland is a giant-breed working dog that likely evolved centuries ago from breeding between native Indian dogs and Great Pyrenees or Viking dogs. The Newfie was developed to perform water rescues, and to assist fisherman with hauling nets and daily catches to market. Their heavy double coats and webbed feet were perfectly designed for swimming in the icy North Atlantic waters of their homeland.

Today, the Newfie is used extensively for water rescues; their unmatched courage in the water is impressive to behold. Not only suited for water work, they are also ideal babysitters and watchdogs, though they are not aggressive protectors. Their laid back attitudes and loyalty make them wonderful family pets.

Where Are Newfoundland Dogs From?

The Newfoundland is a giant-breed working dog that likely evolved centuries ago from breeding between native Indian dogs and Great Pyrenees or Viking dogs. The Newfie was developed to perform water rescues, and to assist fisherman with hauling nets and daily catches to market. Their heavy double coats and webbed feet were perfectly designed for swimming in the icy North Atlantic waters of their homeland.

Today, the Newfie is used extensively for water rescues; their unmatched courage in the water is impressive to behold. Not only suited for water work, they are also ideal babysitters and watchdogs, though they are not aggressive protectors. Their laid back attitudes and loyalty make them wonderful family pets.

Care

What Kind of Diet Does a Newfoundland Dog Need?

During their first year, Newfies need a large amount of calories and specific nutrients to keep up with their rapidly growing bodies. A high-quality, large-breed puppy food should be fed during this time. Once they reach adulthood, their metabolism slows considerably, and they should be given a large-breed formula food. They are prone to gastric dilatation volvulus (GDV or bloat), so it may be helpful to feed smaller, more frequent meals and to avoid exercise around mealtime.

Caring for a Newfoundland Dog

What Kind of Diet Does a Newfoundland Dog Need?

How Much Grooming Does a Newfoundland Dog Need?

Are Newfoundlands Healthy Dogs?

How Much Training Does a Newfoundland Dog Need?

Do Newfoundland Dogs Need A Lot of Exercise?

What Kind of Diet Does a Newfoundland Dog Need?

During their first year, Newfies need a large amount of calories and specific nutrients to keep up with their rapidly growing bodies. A high-quality, large-breed puppy food should be fed during this time. Once they reach adulthood, their metabolism slows considerably, and they should be given a large-breed formula food. They are prone to gastric dilatation volvulus (GDV or bloat), so it may be helpful to feed smaller, more frequent meals and to avoid exercise around mealtime.

What Are the Physical Characteristics of a Newfoundland Dog?

The Newfie has a large, heavy-boned body with medium-length shaggy fur. Their large, boxy heads and long, feathered tails make them easy to recognize. They average 28″ in height for males and 26″ for females. Their average weight is between 100 and 150 pounds.

Newfies have calm, yet expressive, dark brown eyes.  Their heads are large and broad, with small, naturally floppy ears. The muzzle is wide and slightly rounded on top, ending in a black nose.

Newfies are very strong, boasting heavily-muscled, massive bodies and a long, straight back. The chest is very deep, reaching to the elbows.

Yes, Newfies have tails, which are long, reaching to the hocks, and plumed. They are carried down when relaxed, and may have a slight curl at the tip.

Front legs are straight and shoulders are muscular. Newfies have cat-feet, with webbed toes to aid in swimming. Dewclaws may be removed.

The most common coat color for Newfoundland dogs is solid black, but they also come in brown, gray, and a combination of white and black called Landseer. Their double coat is very dense, which protects them from the cold waters of the North Atlantic.

Back legs resemble the front and are strong, straight, and heavy-boned. Dewclaws are typically removed.

Newfoundland Facts

1

Lord Byron had a Newfie named Boatswain, to whom he dedicated a monument at his estate in Newstead Abbey, England. Byron was so fond of Boatswain that the tomb he built for the dog was larger than his own.

2

It is rumored that the author of "Peter Pan," J.M. Barrie, created the character of Nana after his own Newfie.

3

A Newf named Seaman accompanied Lewis and Clark on a portion of their American expedition in the early 1800s, and his likeness can be seen in many monuments portraying the trip.

Other Breeds to Explore

Bernese Mountain Dog
Boxer
Choosing a Bullmastiff

References

  • Newfoundland Dog Breed Information and Personality Traits. Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Inc., 2020.
  • American Kennel Club. The Complete Dog Book. Random House Digital, Inc., 2006.
  • Morris, Desmond. Dogs: The Ultimate Dictionary of Over 1,000 Dog Breeds. Trafalgar Square, 2002.
  • Wilcox, Bonnie and Chris Walkowicz. The Atlas of Dog Breeds of the World. T.F.H Publications, Inc., 1995.
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