Newfoundland
Trait scores are tendency indicators from 0-100. Example: 42% alone tolerance roughly maps to around 4 hours alone.
Newfoundlands are massive, gentle water dogs from Canada bred to assist fishermen and perform water rescues. These sweet-natured giants are famously patient with children and have a natural inclination to protect and save people from water, though their immense size, constant drooling, heavy shedding, and love of water make them high-maintenance companions.
Verified source: American Kennel Club profile (2026-02-10)
Quick Facts
AKC VerifiedGroup
Working
Life Expectancy
9-10 years
Height
26-28 in
Weight
100-150 lb
Alone-Time Tolerance
About 5 hours
Exercise
60 min/day
AKC popularity rank: #47
Working context: Working breeds were built for jobs like guarding, pulling, and rescue. They are typically powerful and purpose-driven.
Source: American Kennel Club breed profile (verified 2026-02-10)
Finding Your Newfoundland
🏠 Consider Adoption First
Many wonderful Newfoundlands are waiting in shelters and breed-specific rescues. Adoption saves lives and gives deserving dogs a second chance.
Adoption Resources
Search for Newfoundlands in shelters and rescues near you.
Responsible Breeder Checklist
- Provides health clearances for both parents
- Allows you to visit the breeding facility
- Offers a written health guarantee / contract
- Provides references from previous buyers
- Asks you screening questions about your home
- Breeds only one or two breeds
Whether you adopt or buy from a breeder, always prioritize the dog's health and well-being. Avoid puppy mills and pet stores that source from irresponsible breeders. For Newfoundlands, ensure health testing for common breed-specific conditions.
Life Stage Simulator
Who This Breed Fits
Watch Out For
A Day in the Life
A purposeful walk and short training game helps them settle for the day.
Most do best with another activity block before winding down near their people.
Longer outings and enrichment games noticeably improve behavior and sleep quality.
People often underestimate how quickly behavior slips when routines are inconsistent.
Exercise & Activity
Plan on around 60 minutes of daily activity split between walks and mental games. Consistency matters more than occasional long outings.
Moderate
Moderate
Mental Enrichment Ideas
Health
Long-term outcomes improve with weight control, regular preventive care, and condition-specific monitoring for known breed risks.
Known Health Concerns
Abnormal hip joint development can lead to pain and arthritis over time.
Environmental allergies can cause chronic itching and recurrent skin or ear issues.
Plaque and periodontal disease are common without consistent home dental care.
Size, exercise demand, and care complexity determine boarding availability and price.
Behavior Reality Check
Good news! This breed typically has manageable behavior traits with proper training and socialization. Of course, individual dogs vary, but Newfoundlands generally don't present severe behavioral challenges.
Temperament & Traits
All traits rated on a 0-100 scale representing tendency scores.
Lifestyle & Activity
Moderate
Moderate
~6h alone capacity
High
Social & Compatibility
Very High
Very High
Very High
Moderate
Very High
Training & Behavior
Moderate
Moderate
Very High
Moderate
Maintenance & Care
Low
Moderate
Very Low
Very High
Environment & Adaptability
Low
Low
Very High
Very High
High
Grooming & Coat
Low
Moderate
Very Low
Very High
Coat care needs depend on coat type, but weekly brushing and routine nail, ear, and dental care are baseline requirements. Professional grooming frequency rises sharply for curly, silky, and wire coats.
Shedding varies by coat type; double-coated breeds and many mixes shed heavily during seasonal coat changes.
Common Barking Triggers
Lifestyle Planner
PROInteractive Cost Calculator
Adjust the options below to see how your choices affect ownership costs.
Monthly Cost Breakdown
Annual Cost Summary
Estimates based on breed size, grooming needs, and health risk. Actual costs vary by location, individual dog health, and lifestyle choices. Emergency vet visits and unexpected health issues not included.
10-Year Cost Calculator
PRONeighborhood Compatibility
Breed History
Origin
The Newfoundland originated in United Kingdom.
Original Purpose
Newfoundland lines were developed for draft, guarding, and utility work. That working role still shows up today in temperament, stamina, and day-to-day needs.
Breed Group: Working. Working breeds were built for jobs like guarding, pulling, and rescue. They are typically powerful and purpose-driven.
In modern homes, this history matters because it predicts what helps the dog thrive: enough movement, clear structure, and outlets that match their original instincts.
Fun Facts
Newfoundlands are massive water dogs (up to 200 pounds) bred by Canadian fishermen to haul nets and rescue drowning sailors.
The breed has a water-resistant double coat with partially webbed feet, making them exceptional swimmers capable of handling dangerous ocean conditions.
Newfoundlands have a legendary instinct for water rescue and will spontaneously jump into water to save drowning people, even strangers.
The breed nearly went extinct after WWI and WWII when fishing traditions declined, but devoted breeders saved them.
Newfoundlands are prone to hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and bloat (gastric torsion), requiring extensive health screening.
Famous Newfoundland Dogs
Seaman
Newfoundland on the Lewis and Clark expedition, noted in expedition journals.
Practical Next Steps
First-Month Supplies Checklist
Breeder Red Flags
Preparation Timeline
Week Before
Purchase all supplies, puppy-proof your home, choose a veterinarian, and set up training schedule.
Day 1
Gentle introduction to home, establish crate/bed location, first bathroom break routine, quiet time to adjust.
Week 1
Vet checkup, start basic training, establish feeding routine, begin socialization carefully.
Month 1
Continue consistent training - patience is key with this breed. Regular vet visits for vaccinations, establish grooming routine.
Training Priorities for Newfoundlands
- • Gradual alone-time training (high separation anxiety risk)
- • Patient, consistent training - this breed needs extra time
Recommended Products
Joint Supplements
Larger and active breeds often benefit from joint support supplements starting early.
Shop Supplements →Training Programs
Structured training helps this breed reach its potential and prevents behavior issues.
Explore Programs →Cooling Gear
Keep your dog comfortable in warm weather with cooling vests, mats, and accessories.
Shop Cooling Gear →Is Newfoundland right for you?
Use our breed matcher to see how Newfoundland compares to other breeds based on your lifestyle.
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Quick facts for Newfoundland are cross-checked against publicly available American Kennel Club breed pages.
AKC source: https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/newfoundland/ (verified 2026-02-10)
AKC sync coverage: 188/188 non-mix breeds as of February 10, 2026.
Last updated: February 10, 2026
Sources: American Kennel Club (AKC) breed profiles, Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI) breed standards, United Kennel Club (UKC) breed standards, Merck Veterinary Manual (canine health references), Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) screening guidance, AKC: https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/newfoundland/