Working group · Canada
Newfoundland
Also called Newfie, Newf.
Giant dog, low energy, quick to learn.
- Sweet
- Patient
- Devoted
- Gentle
- Trainable
- Size
- Giant
- Weight
- 45 to 68 kg100 to 150 lb
- Lives
- 9 to 10 years
- Energy
- Low
- Trains
- High
- Barks
- Low
Training
Training a Newfoundland
Working breeds. Calm structure beats force every time. These dogs shut down under pressure and thrive on predictability.
Excellent Trainability
Start here
One of the most trainable giant breeds. Eager to please and responsive to positive methods.
Water Work Natural
Bred for water rescue. Swimming is excellent exercise and comes naturally to them.
Drool Acceptance Required
They drool profusely, especially when excited or after drinking. Towels everywhere.
The app turns this into five to fifteen minutes a day.
Add your Newfoundland and it builds the plan around their age, where they came from and what they already know, on video with Atlas and Shango.
Free to start. iPhone. No card needed.
At home
Living with one
Bred to guard, pull and rescue. Big, strong, and serious about their people and their patch.
Gets on with
- ChildrenVery High
- Other dogsHigh
- StrangersHigh
- CatsHigh
Breed averages. Early socialisation and the individual dog matter more.
- Exercise
- 30-60 minutes daily. Swimming ideal. Moderate walks; avoid overheating.
- Grooming
- Heavy maintenance. Regular brushing needed. Heavy seasonal shedding. Dries slowly after swimming.
- Drool
- Very High
- Coat
- Double coat, Flat, Water-resistant, OilyBlack, Brown, Grey, White and Black (Landseer)
- In a flat
- Needs more space than a flat gives.
Health
Things to ask a breeder or vet about
Hip Dysplasia
Moderate
Very common in giant breeds
Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis
Severe
Heart defect; cardiac screening essential for breeding dogs
Cystinuria
Moderate
Kidney stones; genetic test available
Where they come from
History
Developed in Newfoundland, Canada as working dogs for fishermen, hauling nets, pulling carts, and rescuing drowning victims. Famous for their lifesaving abilities; many historical accounts of Newfies rescuing people at sea.
- Nana · The Darling children's nursemaid dog
- Seaman · Travelled with Lewis and Clark on their expedition
