Newfoundland
Known in French as Terre-Neuve
- Height at the withers
- 63 to 74 cm
- Weight
- 45 to 68 kg
- Life expectancy
- 9 to 10 years
- Daily activity
- 60 minutes
- Origin
- Newfoundland, Canada
- FCI group
- 2 · Pinschers, molossers and Swiss mountain dogs
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- a family with young children
- a calm, mostly stay-at-home life
- living with a cat
- close neighbors: it barks little
Less suited to
- an apartment: it needs space
- allergy sufferers: it sheds a lot
- intense heat: be careful in summer
- people put off by drool
Overview
A massive, powerful working dog known for its outstanding water rescue skills and its gentle temperament. Often called “the gentle giant,” this breed has a thick, water-resistant double coat, webbed feet and a natural rescue instinct.
History and origins
Developed by fishermen on the island of Newfoundland for sea rescue, hauling nets and pulling carts. Descended from native water dogs and from European breeds brought over by fishermen.
Health
Life expectancy is 9 to 10 years, and the breed is rather fragile. The most common health problems in the breed:
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Subaortic stenosis
- Cystinuria
- Gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat)
- Dilated cardiomyopathy
Choose a breeder who has the parents health-screened for this breed, and ask to see the results.
Coat and care
Long double coat. Very heavy shedding, high coat care.
All ratings
Rated from 1 to 5, comparable across breeds. Green marks a strength for most households, orange something to plan for.
Lifestyle
- Energy
- Calm, 2 out of 5
- Apartment
- Difficult, 2 out of 5
- Home alone
- A few hours, 3 out of 5
Family and sociability
- With children
- Excellent, 5 out of 5
- With other dogs
- Good, 4 out of 5
- With cats
- Good, 4 out of 5
- With strangers
- Open, 4 out of 5
Training and temperament
- Ease of training
- Easy, 4 out of 5
- For a first-time owner
- Possible, 3 out of 5
- Guarding instinct
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Prey drive
- Very low, 1 out of 5
- Tendency to roam
- Very low, 1 out of 5
Care and neighbors
- Coat care
- High, 4 out of 5
- Shedding
- Very heavy, 5 out of 5
- Drooling
- A lot, 5 out of 5
- Barking
- Quiet, 2 out of 5
Climate and health
- Heat tolerance
- Very low, 1 out of 5
- Cold tolerance
- Excellent, 5 out of 5
- Hardiness
- Rather fragile, 2 out of 5
In our lists
Newfoundland FAQ
How big does the Newfoundland get?
The Newfoundland stands 63 to 74 cm at the withers and weighs 45 to 68 kg. It is a giant dog.
Does the Newfoundland shed a lot?
It sheds very heavily and its coat needs a lot of care. Plan on brushing several times a week, and more during the spring and fall shedding seasons. Its coat needs regular grooming, sometimes by a professional.
Can the Newfoundland live in an apartment?
It is difficult: it needs space and activity, and a home with a yard suits it better.
How much exercise does the Newfoundland need each day?
Allow about 60 minutes of activity a day: it is a calm dog.
Is the Newfoundland good with children?
Yes: patient and gentle, it is an excellent family dog, even with young children. Never leave a young child alone with a dog, whatever the breed.
How long does the Newfoundland live?
Life expectancy is 9 to 10 years, and the breed is rather fragile. The main health problems to watch for are hip and elbow dysplasia, as well as subaortic stenosis.
