Life expectancy: 8–10 years
Size: 28 inches (male); 26 inches (female)
Coat: Double coat
Temperament: Gentle, good-tempered, affectionate, protective
Exercise needs: Around an hour daily
Origin/native country: Canada
Bred as a working dog to assist fishermen in north-east Canada, Newfoundlands have proven valuable in many other aspects of life. They’ve been put to work as water rescue dogs and have also been used as therapy dogs. They’re rather adept at drafting (pulling a cart) too, given their strength.
But will the many positive qualities of one of the largest dog breeds in the world work for you? In this guide, compiled with the assistance of expert vet Dr Rebecca MacMillan, we take a look at a Newfoundland’s suitability as a sensible pet, noting both their positive points and limitations. In doing so, we examine how much time and effort you’ll need to put in and whether they’re good with families.
How big do Newfoundlands get?
Newfoundlands are a giant breed of dog so you will need to ensure you have plenty of room for them to move around your home (and, ideally, a large home).
“Females typically reach 26 inches and 100–120 lbs in weight,” Dr MacMillan says. “Males are usually larger, reaching an average height of 28 inches and 130–150 lbs.”
Do Newfoundlands need a lot of exercise?
Although Newfoundlands enjoy pulling carts and swimming, their daily needs are not excessive.
“These dogs have moderate exercise requirements and require around an hour of exercise each day, depending on their age and health,” says Dr MacMillan.
That said, their stamina means they can go on for longer and they can prove to be an ideal companion to take on a hike or a long walk. As mentioned, Newfoundlands are also among the dog breeds that excel at swimming so you’ll enjoy watching them power through water thanks to their muscular build, broad shoulders, thick cold-resistant coat and webbed paws.
Don’t leave this breed outdoors all day, though, especially so when the weather is warm because those coats will cause them to swelter. You also need to take care when exercising a Newfoundland puppy to ensure their joints and bones don’t become damaged.
Are Newfoundlands easy to train?
Most people underestimate them, but Newfoundlands show above-average intelligence. It’ll take between 15–25 repetitions for them to learn and understand a new command and they’ll obey a first command 70% of the time, according to canine psychologist Stanley Coren in his book The Intelligence of Dogs.
“They are keen to learn and will pick up training relatively easily as long as you are consistent,” says Dr MacMillan. “But it is important to train your Newfie properly as no one wants a 140lb dog pulling them on the leash! Make sure you use a positive approach with plenty of treats and praise, as Newfies thrive on pleasing their owners.”
You may want to consider learning how to crate train a dog if you take on a Newfoundland. The breed is prone to separation anxiety because it forms a strong bond with human companions and a crate shows there can be a quiet, safe place for solitude.
Do Newfoundlands make good family pets?
As one of the most loyal dog breeds, Newfoundlands make great family dogs. They’re known to be calm and they very rarely show signs of aggression. In fact, these sweet-tempered nanny dogs won’t even bark unless they’re provoked, making them big softies at heart. It’s why they work well as therapy dogs and why they’re consider one of the best dogs for introverts. If you have children, you’ll likely have very few issues.
“These gentle giants are affectionate and love human company,” affirms Dr MacMillan. “With the right early socialization, these dogs will be great with children, but they may accidentally knock very little ones over due to their size. As with any dog breed, they should always be supervised around minors.”
If a Newfoundland does have behavioral problems, it’s going to be most likely due to them being poorly socialized and understimulated.
Do Newfoundlands need a lot of grooming?
The main problem with a Newfoundland is that they are among the biggest droolers so you will need to have a towel handy. You’re also going to have to give their heavy coat a regular brush otherwise you run the risk of their hair becoming matted. If you don’t keep on top of the hair, you’re going to have to get even more active with the best vacuum cleaners than you otherwise would.
“This breed will shed a lot so prepare for plenty of hair and slobber in your home,” says Dr MacMillan. “Newfoundlands have a thick double coat that sheds all year round and it needs regular brushing to keep tangles and mats at bay. Two or three times a week should be enough most of the time, but they could need daily brushing during heavy shedding periods.”
Common health problems in Newfoundlands
Newfoundland are a generally healthy breed but they are prone to the certain health conditions. These include gastric dilatation volvulus (GDV).
“This is where the stomach bloats and twists on itself,” Dr MacMillan says. “GDV is an emergency and needs immediate veterinary attention otherwise it could be fatal.”
As we’ve noted, giant breeds with thick coats don’t do well in warm weather either.
“They are more susceptible to heatstroke so I always urge owners to be very careful when exercising these dogs in warm weather,” Dr MacMillan adds.
What’s more, this breed is also prone to a congenital heart issue called subaortic stenosis, as well as dilated cardiomyopathy.
“Both conditions can cause a heart murmur, exercise intolerance, and collapse,” she says.
And Newfies frequently suffer from ectropion, a condition that causes the eyelids to roll outwards.
“This breed has characteristically droopy eyes, which can cause the eyelids to sag away from the eyeball,” Dr MacMillan continues. “This can lead to issues like dry eyes and bacterial infection.”
Should I get a Newfoundland?
If you have sufficient room for such a large breed and you’re after a dog that is loyal and gets on extremely well with children then, yes, definitely consider a Newfoundland.
This is a breed that can accompany you on many adventures and shower you with love and affection. You’ll also find Newfoundlands to be protective and that, accompanied by their large size, can be an asset if you’re looking for a dog that can also look out for the interests of your family and property.
Of course, if you want a more active, agile dog or if the sight of excessive drool and hair all over the furnishing brings you out into a cold sweat, steer clear.
Read next: More facts about Newfoundlands
Edited by Georgia Guerin.
