Reviewed by Dr. Fiona Lee
It should come as no surprise that the Newfoundland dog breed hails from Canada.1 In fact, the Newfoundland is just one of five dog breeds indigenous to Canada.2
Newfoundlands are strong swimmers, so Canadian fishers often had the dogs aboard their boats and relied on them to save fishers who fell into the frigid North Atlantic waters. And the working dogs, nicknamed Newfs or Newfies, didn't just perform water rescues—they also proved useful for hauling fishing nets to shore and pulling carts full of fish to market.1
Although the Newfoundland breed became popular as the “lifeguards of the high seas,"3 their patient nature and sweet temperament allowed the dogs to transition from devoted working dogs to popular companions.1
Newfoundlands are large, beautiful dogs that turn heads, but potential owners must consider the specific care the breed needs to thrive. Newfs shed and drool (a lot!) and their working dog roots remain strong, which means proper exercise and mental stimulation are essential.1 New dog owners need to be prepared before adopting a Newfie.
History of the Newfoundland dog breed
It's believed that the Newfoundland descends from Pyrenees sheepdogs and black, curly-coated retrievers. The breed reportedly traveled across the ocean from France to Eastern Canada aboard fishing boats between 1506 and 1662.4
The dogs have played significant roles in history. A Newfoundland dog named Seaman reportedly accompanied Lewis and Clark on their cross-country expedition and proved to be an excellent hunter, watchdog and companion.5 And a Newfoundland reportedly rescued Napoleon Bonaparte when he went overboard while crossing choppy seas on a boat in 1815.6 The breed also inspired artists and writers, serving as companions to poets Lord Byron and Emily Dickinson and posing for paintings.3
Characteristics
One of the biggest questions about the breed is, “How big do Newfoundland dogs get?" The answer is… big.
The size of a Newfoundland dog depends on gender, but ranges from 26 to 28 inches tall and between 100 and 150 pounds.1 Their flat, water-resistant, double coats include a soft, dense undercoat and an outer coat that is coarse and long, with hair that can be straight or have a slight wave.7
Newfies can have several coat colors, including solid black, brown or gray, with white markings on their chins, chest, toes and the tips of their tails. Some dogs may have a little bronze on a black or gray coat, and others may have a white base coat with black markings.7
Certain physical characteristics have allowed Newfoundland dogs to excel in their role as working dogs and lifesavers. The breed is muscular and strong, their coats are waterproof and their toes are webbed, making them strong swimmers who can withstand cold water temperatures and have the strength and stamina to perform water rescues.7
Temperament and personality
A Newfie's temperament has been called the most important single characteristic of the breed.7 The epitome of a gentle giant, the Newfoundland dog personality is best described as devoted, affectionate, sweet and patient. The dogs get along well with children and other pets, making them excellent family dogs.1
Although the Newfoundland loves meeting new people and turning strangers into friends, the breed also has a protective nature. Newfies don't bark much, but their stature makes strangers think twice about approaching.1
And while the Newfoundland might be a giant lapdog, their size can present some challenges (like the ease at which a giant breed can steal food from countertops). It wouldn't take much for an enthusiastic Newfie to topple a child or pull someone down on a walk. Their sheer size and protective nature can also make them imposing. Socialization and training are essential to ensure the Newfoundland grows up to be a polite, well-mannered companion.1
Newfies are eager to please, which makes them easy to train. The breed is also sensitive and trusting, so training should focus on positive reinforcement, not harsh corrections.1
What to expect when owning a Newfoundland
The Newfoundland might have originated as a working breed, but the gentle giants have evolved into affectionate companions who love spending time with their families. Newfies need an indoor home that offers at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity exercise like hiking, swimming, pulling carts or participating in dog sports like agility, dock diving or flyball.1
Grooming is an ongoing task. Newfies have thick double coats that require brushing with a slicker brush and long-toothed comb at least once a week to prevent painful mats from forming in their coats. No amount of grooming will control the drooling, so the breed is best suited to those who don't mind slobbery kisses (or just general drooling).1
Food and diet for Newfoundland dogs
Newfies are large dogs with large appetites. These dogs need large breed dog food that is formulated for their life stage. Newfoundland puppies need large breed puppy food, and adults need large breed adult dog food.8
Follow the guidelines on the packaging to determine how much food a Newfoundland should eat every day. Don't overfeed Newfies because it could cause them to become overweight or obese and stress their joints.8
Like other large breed dogs, Newfies are prone to a life-threatening condition called bloat.9 Feeding them two smaller meals (as opposed to one large meal) and putting kibble in a slow-feeder bowl to prevent them from eating too fast could reduce the risk.10
A procedure called a gastropexy that tacks the stomach to the right side of the body wall to prevent it from twisting may be recommended for breeds that are prone to bloat.11
Health considerations
All dogs need regular veterinary checkups and preventive care, and Newfies are no exception. The breed has a big appetite, and their stature puts them at greater risk of health issues like hip and elbow dysplasia, cruciate injuries, bloat and obesity.9
The large breed dogs have an average life span of nine to 10 years1 and can suffer from some common diseases and illnesses. The major health issues for Newfies include:9
- Allergies
- Bloat
- Cataracts
- Cruciate injuries
- Cystinuria
- Ear infections
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Obesity
- Pyometra
- Skin problems
Pets Best is here to help
Before adopting a Newfoundland, make sure it's the best breed for your lifestyle. Newfies need regular vet care, an appropriate diet, exercise, training and mental stimulation.1 The gentle giants will offer loyalty, companionship and lots of slobbery kisses in return.
Pets Best offers dog insurance plans that can help pet parents cover the cost of unexpected health issues that arise with their Newfoundland. Policyholders have access to veterinary experts through the free 24/7 Pet Helpline, so they can get answers to questions to help ensure their Newfoundland receives the best care.
Picture Credit: "Theo" by Vanessa W.
Sources/Citations
- “Newfoundland," American Kennel Club, https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/newfoundland/, accessed January 17, 2024.
- “Newfoundland Dog," D. Amarascu (3/2021), The Canadian Encyclopedia, https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/newfoundland-dog, accessed January 17, 2024.
- “The Historic Newfoundland Dog," Newfoundland Club of America, www.thenewfoundland.org/index.html, accessed January 17, 2024.
- “History of the Breed," E.H. Morris (1/1925), Newfoundland Club of America, https://www.thenewfoundland.org/morris.html, accessed January 17, 2024.
- “Seaman," H. Carl Camp (8/2018), National Park Service, https://www.nps.gov/people/seaman.htm, accessed January 17, 2024.
- “The Canine Ups and Downs of Napoleon Bonaparte," (11/2017), National Purebred Dog Day, https://nationalpurebreddogday.com/the-canine-ups-and-downs-of-napoleon-bonaparte/, accessed January 17, 2024.
- “Official Standard of the Newfoundland," (6/1990), American Kennel Club, https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/Newfoundland.pdf, accessed January 17, 2024.
- “What to Know About Newfoundlands," D. Segal (4/2022), WebMD, https://www.webmd.com/pets/dogs/what-to-know-about-newfoundlands, accessed January 17, 2024.
- “Health Concerns," Great Lakes Newfoundland Club, https://www.glnewfclub.org/health-longevity, accessed January 17, 2024.
- “Bloat (or GDV) in Dogs: What is it and How is it Treated?" J. Grognet (10/2022), American Kennel Club, https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/bloat-in-dogs/, accessed January 17, 2024.
- “Gastropexy," M. Weir and C. Barnette, VCA Animal Hospitals, https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/gastropexy, accessed January 17, 2024.