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Dog Breed

Newfoundland

Breed Overview

Breed Name: Newfoundland

Origin: Canada (Newfoundland)

Breed Group: Working

Physical Characteristics

Size: Giant

Height: Male: 28 inches (71 cm), Female: 26 inches (66 cm)

Weight: Male: 130–150 lbs (59–68 kg), Female: 100–120 lbs (45–54 kg)

Coat Type: Thick, water-resistant double coat; flat and slightly wavy

Coat Colors: Black, brown, gray, or Landseer (white with black markings)

Grooming Needs: High (frequent brushing, especially during shedding seasons)

Shedding: High

Behavioral Traits

Temperament: Gentle, sweet, calm, loyal, patient

Intelligence Level: High

Energy Level: Moderate

Health Information

Lifespan: 9–10 years

Common Health Issues: Hip and elbow dysplasia, heart disease (subvalvular aortic stenosis), bloat, cystinuria

Care

Nutrition Needs: High-quality, large/giant breed diet; feed smaller meals to help prevent bloat

Exercise Needs: Moderate – daily walks, swimming, and light activity

Space Requirements: Best with a yard; needs space due to size but calm indoors

Noise Sensitivity: Low (usually quiet and gentle)

Socialization and Training

Socialization Needs: High

Socialization Tips: Very trainable and eager to please; responds well to gentle, consistent training

Good with Children: Yes, usually friendly and tolerant

Good with Other Dogs: Yes, usually friendly and tolerant

Good with Other Pets: Yes, gentle nature makes them a great multi-pet companion

Training: Very trainable and eager to please; responds well to gentle, consistent training

Description

The Newfoundland is a gentle giant and water rescue specialist, known for its massive size, sweet temperament, and natural swimming ability. Originally bred in Canada to help fishermen and save people from drowning, Newfoundlands are calm, affectionate family dogs who are especially gentle with children, earning them the nickname "nanny dogs."

Their thick, waterproof coat requires frequent grooming to manage heavy shedding, especially during seasonal changes. Though they’re large, Newfoundlands are very trainable and eager to please, excelling in obedience, therapy work, and water rescue sports. They need moderate daily exercise and plenty of space to stretch out.

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History

Origin: The Newfoundland dog originated on the island of Newfoundland, now part of Canada, where it was developed as a working dog for fishermen. Its ancestry likely includes native North American dogs crossed with large European breeds such as the Great Pyrenees, brought by Basque and French fishermen in the 16th and 17th centuries. By the early 1600s, the breed’s distinct physical and mental traits were established, shaped by the harsh climate and demanding work of the region. There were two main types: the larger, long-coated “Greater Newfoundland” (the modern Newfoundland) and the smaller, smooth-coated “Lesser Newfoundland” or St. John’s Water Dog, the latter being a progenitor of modern retrievers.
Development: Newfoundlands were bred for strength, swimming ability, and a gentle temperament, making them invaluable to fishermen. Their webbed feet, thick water-resistant double coat, and powerful build allowed them to haul fishing nets, retrieve gear, and perform water rescues in the icy North Atlantic. Over time, the breed was further refined by interbreeding with dogs brought by European settlers, resulting in the blockier head and floppy ears seen today. The breed’s reputation for lifesaving is legendary, with stories of Newfoundlands rescuing people from drowning and serving as loyal companions on historic expeditions, such as Lewis and Clark’s journey across America.
Recognition: The Newfoundland was recognized by the United Kennel Club (UKC) in 1919 and is now acknowledged by all major kennel clubs worldwide, including the American Kennel Club (AKC) and The Kennel Club (UK). The breed is celebrated for its working abilities, gentle nature, and iconic appearance—large, with a thick, water-resistant coat (black, brown, gray, or black-and-white “Landseer”). The Newfoundland is the provincial mammal of Newfoundland and Labrador and has inspired numerous works of art and literature.
Today, the Newfoundland is cherished as a gentle giant and loyal family companion, renowned for its calm demeanor, intelligence, and affinity for children. The breed remains a premier water rescue dog, used in lifesaving operations worldwide due to its strength, swimming skills, and instinctive rescue behavior. While its working role has diminished, the Newfoundland’s legacy endures in its influence on other breeds (notably retrievers) and its continued popularity as a loving, protective pet. However, its large size, fondness for water, and grooming needs mean it is best suited to homes with ample space and active families. The breed’s average lifespan is 9–10 years.

Ideal Owner

Families or individuals with space and time, looking for a gentle, affectionate giant

Similar Breeds

Saint Bernard, Leonberger, Bernese Mountain Dog, Great Pyrenees