Newfoundland

Canis Lupus

Last updated: April 6, 2023
Verified by: AZ Animals Staff
© Pandas/Shutterstock.com

The Newfoundland is an excellent swimmer with partially webbed feet.


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Newfoundland Scientific Classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
Scientific Name
Canis Lupus

Read our Complete Guide to Classification of Animals.

Newfoundland Conservation Status

Newfoundland Locations

Newfoundland Locations

Newfoundland Facts

Fun Fact
The Newfoundland is an excellent swimmer with partially webbed feet.
Litter Size
8
Diet
Omnivore
Common Name
Newfoundland
Origin
8
Slogan
Introduced by Vikings more than 1,000 years ago!
Group
Working Dog

Newfoundland Physical Characteristics

Skin Type
Hair
Lifespan
8-10 years
Weight
60kg (130lbs)

Newfoundland as a Pet:

General Health
Energy Level
Shedability
Trainability
Intelligence
Tendency to Chew
Size
Family and kid friendliness
Yappiness / Barking
High
Separation Anxiety
High
Preferred Temperature
Average climate
Exercise Needs
Low
Friendly With Other Dogs
High
Pure bred cost to own
At least $800 from a reputable breeder
Dog group
Working
Male weight
130-150 lbs
Female weight
100-120 lbs

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The Newfoundland is one of the few dog breeds with webbed feet and a water-resistant coat.

The Newfoundland (or the Newfie for short) is a very talented work and guard dog that originated from the Canadian province that bears its name. It was bred by early settlers to save drowning fishermen from the cold, frigid waters around Newfoundland; the webbed feet and thick fur made it an ideal rescue dog.

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The breeding process possibly involved dogs such as the Great Pyrenees, Portuguese Water Dog, Leonberger, and St. Bernard, all brought over from Europe. The results were the Lesser St. John’s Dog, which developed into the Labrador Retriever, and the Greater St. John’s Dog, which became the Newfoundland.

Most of the Newfoundland’s physical and behavioral characteristics were established by the 17th century: the broad skull, the large snout, the massive frame, and the droopy ears and skin around the face.

The thick, heavy double coat of fur is typically all-black, brown, or gray. There is also a black and white version called a Landseer. According to the American Kennel Club, the Newfoundland is one of the more popular types of large breeds in the United States.



3 Pros and Cons of Ownership

Black Newfoundland running in water

The Newfoundland is a large dog with a muscular build that is a good famiy dog.

©rzoze19/Shutterstock.com

Health and Entertainment for your Newfoundland

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Pros!Cons!
Excellent strength
This muscular breed is an excellent work and guard dog.
Immense weight
The Newfoundland is a real beast to manage.
Friendly and devoted
The Newfoundland is an affectionate companion for adults and children alike.
Health problems
This breed is prone to several health issues that contribute to a relatively poor lifespan.
Patient demeanor
This breed is diligent, steadfast, and easy to train.
High separation anxiety
You should not leave your Newfoundland alone for long periods of time.

Size and Weight

The Newfoundland has a large, muscular build that makes it well-suited for difficult tasks. Here is a more complete breakdown of its size and weight.

Height (Male)28 inches
Height (Female)24 inches
Weight (Male)130 to 150 pounds
Weight (Female)100 to 120 pounds

Learn more about the best big dog breeds here.

Temperament

The Newfoundland is a big, lovable companion with a kind and gentle personality. Owners have frequently said that it possesses a sweet and modest trait that adapts well to almost any lifestyle (though it does require enough living space to accommodate its massive body).

This breed is not a troublemaker, but it should not be left alone for long periods of time either indoors or outdoors due to its separation anxiety. If you want a dog that can be left to its own devices, then this is probably not the breed for you. As long as you shower it with enough love and attention, the Newfie has a calm and relaxed behavior. The only exception is that it can be a little protective of its family. This is not necessarily a bad trait, though, if you’re looking for a good guard dog. Newfoundlands are popular search and rescue dogs for the coast guards of England, France, and Italy.

Common Health Issues

The Newfoundland is unfortunately wracked with several health issues. Some of the more serious issues include: eye diseases like cherry eye and cataracts; subvalvular aortic stenosis, which narrows the blood flow out of the left ventricle of the heart; hypothyroidism, or low production of the thyroid hormone, resulting in lethargy and obesity; and hip and elbow dysplasia, which is a misalignment of the joints. Other issues include bloating, kidney or bladder stones, epilepsy, and tears or ruptures of the anterior cruciate ligament in the knee. Cancer is also one of the leading causes of death. The chance of any single condition arising is unlikely on its own, but you should look out for the signs so you can catch them early. To sum up the most serious health problems:

  • Eye Conditions
  • Cancer
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Tears and Ruptures
  • Dysplasia

Care

The Newfoundland’s big body requires quite a lot of maintenance and care, and it is expensive to own. For best results, you should obtain a Newfie as a puppy to socialize and train it as soon as possible. You should also take it in for annual health checkups to catch problems early.

Best Dog Food

The Newfoundland requires some 4 to 5 cups of high-quality dry food divided into two meals every single day. The exact amount will depend on the dog’s age, size, and activity level. Obviously, younger and active dogs will require more food. If the dog begins to put on a lot of pounds, then you should carefully manage its calorie intake. For an ideal member of this breed, you should be able to feel but not see the ribs through the skin. If you need some advice about your dog’s diet, then you should consult your vet. The Newfie’s weekly food cost may be higher than most other breeds.

A Newfoundland owner’s best bet is to look for dog food specially formulated for large or giant breeds. A great dog food for Newfoundlands is Royal Canin Giant Breed Adult Dry Dog Food.

Since it’s designed for the biggest dog breeds, it has everything your Newfoundland needs from taurine for the eyes and heart, to glucosamine, chondroitin, DHA, and EPA to give those joints the extra help they deserve. Plus, antioxidants promote immune and cellular wellbeing, and the protein is well-balanced with fiber for carefree digestion.

Check out Royal Canin Giant Breed Dog Food on Chewy or Amazon.

Best for Giant Breeds
Royal Canin Giant Breed Adult Dry Dog Food
  • Recipe for extra large breeds 100lbs or more
  • Glucosamine, chondroitin, and EPA & DHA for bone and joint health
  • Nutrients include taurine for heart health support
  • Proteins and fibers to promote healthy digestion
Check Chewy Check Amazon

Maintenance and Grooming

The Newfoundland is content with weekly brushes for most of the year and daily brushes at the height of the shedding season. If the dog has been spayed or neutered, then it may need to be brushed a few times a week all year long. Regular nail trimming and ear cleaning should be given as well. And you may need to clean up the dog’s constant drooling.

Training

The Newfoundland is a breeze to train. With its loyal and diligent personality, it easily follows commands and doesn’t get riled up. You should be aware, however, that it responds best to gentle and positive training methods. Negative training or shouting is counterproductive and might only discourage it from working with you. But if you treat it right, then the Newfie can excel at obedience and agility training. It’s also an excellent work dog that can be trained to pull carts, haul wood, and pull in nets. Also, thanks to the webbed feet, immense lung capacity, and oily double coat, the Newfie can be trained as a rescue dog to save drowning victims and take them to shore.

Exercise

The Newfoundland requires about 30 minutes of moderate exercise every single day. Even though it is mostly an indoor dog (and probably not ideal for people who want a highly athletic breed), the Newfoundland does enjoy swimming, hiking, and long walks. Swimming is probably the ideal exercise for this breed. Not only is the Newfoundland an excellent swimmer, but the exercise is low impact and won’t strain its body. Because of the long double coat, you will want to make sure your dog is properly cool and hydrated in the warmer months.

Puppies

Black and white Newfoundland (Landseer) puppy

A Newfoundland puppy grows fastest between four and seven months of age.

©Waldemar Dabrowski/Shutterstock.com

The Newfoundland grows very quickly between the ages of four and seven months. Because the fast growth places so much strain on its joints and bones, you should let your puppy run and play on soft grass rather than pavement and other hard surfaces. Swimming is also ideal for the reasons stated above. In order to maximize its health, you should feed the puppy with enough protein to support its growing body. It is always a good idea to purchase your puppy from a reputable breeder who screens for possible health issues.

Children

Few other breeds of dog are quite as kind and gentle with children as the Newfie. Although its immense size is somewhat intimidating to smaller children, the Newfoundland’s protective nature has rightly earned it a stellar reputation as a very good nanny dog. This breed is also highly tolerant of rough play. There are a few things you should keep in mind, however. No matter how close they are, you should always try to supervise every interaction between your children and dog so you can intervene if things go awry. Second, you should teach your children not to disturb a sleeping or eating dog. Learn more about the best dog breeds for families with children here.

Similar Dogs

The Landseer is the closest related dog to the Newfoundland. It has almost all of the same traits and physical characteristics. Besides the Landseer, you can also check out the following working dogs:

  • Saint Bernard – Originating from the Swiss Alps, this kind and gentle behemoth was bred for rescue work by the Great St. Bernard Hospice at some point in the 17th century. The coat comes in two different varieties, smooth or rough, either of which has a mixture of white and brown markings. The Saint Bernard differs from the Newfoundland in that it is a larger dog on average.
  • English Mastiff – As another large and powerful breed with a kind and gentle nature, the English Mastiff has often drawn comparisons to the Saint Bernard. The short coat tends to be light brown or tan around the body and black around the muzzle, ears, nose, and eyes.
  • Great Dane – Also known as the German Mastiff, this breed is a friendly dog that thrives on physical affection from its owner. Descended from hunting dogs in the Middle Ages, it tends to have floppy ears, a large snout, and a square body with a short coat of fawn, black, brindle, or harlequin.

Famous

History is filled to the brim with examples of famous Newfies. Here is just a small sample of them:

  • A Newfoundland named Seaman was part of the 8,000-mile Lewis and Clark expedition of North America in the early 19th century. One incident in particular stands out. On the night of May 29th, 1805, Meriwether Lewis wrote in his dairy that Seaman scared off a large buffalo bull that came close to the tent.
  • Napoleon the Wonder Dog was a star of Van Hare’s Magic Circus starting in 1862. He toured the country and dazzled onlookers with entertaining tricks and routines.
  • Sable Chief served as the mascot of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment in World War I.
  • Nana is the fictionalized Newfie in J.M. Barrie’s Peter Pan, based on his own dog Luath (though the 1953 animated Disney film changed it to a St. Bernard).
  • Presidents Ulysses S. Grant, James Buchanan, and Rutherford Hayes all kept a Newfoundland. So did the poets Emily Dickinson and Lord Byron.
  • Swansea Jack (1930 to 1937) saved between 23 and 27 people from drowning, which earned it the title |Dog of the Century” in its native Wales.

The website thepaws.net suggests 10 unique names for your Newfoundland:

  • Tex
  • Penny
  • Maggie
  • Drachen
  • Gracie
  • Mercy
  • Bruno
  • Romy
  • Garnet
  • Lurch

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What's the right dog for you?

Dogs are our best friends but which breed is your perfect match?

X-Small
Small
Medium
Large
Xtra-Large

If you have kids or existing dogs select:

Kids
Other Dogs

Should they be Hypoallergenic?

Yes
No
How important is health?
Which dog groups do you like?
How much exercise should your dog require?
What climate?
How much seperation anxiety?
How much yappiness/barking?

How much energy should they have?

The lower energy the better.
I want a cuddle buddy!
About average energy.
I want a dog that I have to chase after constantly!
All energy levels are great -- I just love dogs!
How much should they shed?
How trainable/obedient does the dog need to be?
How intelligent does the dog need to be?
How much chewing will allow?

Newfoundland FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

Are Newfoundlands good pets?

If you’re willing to invest the time, budget, and energy into its care, then the Newfoundland is an excellent companion and work dog.

Are Newfoundlands aggressive?

The Newfie is a sweet and gentle giant. It may be a little protective of its family, but this breed almost never acts out in an aggressive manner unless seriously provoked.

How long do Newfoundland dogs live?

The typical life expectancy for a Newfie is around 10 years of age. If the dog is particularly healthy, then it can live up to 15 years.

Are Newfoundland dogs healthy?

The Newfoundland does suffer from some unfortunate health problems that may limit its lifespan. Some of this may result from the dog’s immense size. Once you take on the responsibility of caring for the Newfie, you should look out for early signs of health problems.

How big do Newfoundlands get?

The Newfie tends to grow no larger than 150 pounds and 28 inches at the shoulder. The largest specimen ever recorded was a beefy 260 pounds and over 6 feet from nose to tail.

Are Newfoundlands herbivores, carnivores, or omnivores?

Newfoundlands are Omnivores, meaning they eat both plants and other animals.

What Kingdom do Newfoundlands belong to?

Newfoundlands belong to the Kingdom Animalia.

What class do Newfoundlands belong to?

Newfoundlands belong to the class Mammalia.

What phylum to Newfoundlands belong to?

Newfoundlands belong to the phylum Chordata.

What family do Newfoundlands belong to?

Newfoundlands belong to the family Canidae.

What order do Newfoundlands belong to?

Newfoundlands belong to the order Carnivora.

What type of covering do Newfoundlands have?

Newfoundlands are covered in Hair.

What genus do Newfoundlands belong to?

Newfoundlands belong to the genus Canis.

What is an interesting fact about Newfoundlands?

Newfoundlands were introduced by Vikings more than 1,000 years ago!

What is the scientific name for the Newfoundland?

The scientific name for the Newfoundland is Canis Lupus.

How many babies do Newfoundlands have?

The average number of babies a Newfoundland has is 8.

What is the difference between a Newfoundland and a Leonberger?

The main differences between Leonbergers and Newfoundlands are origin, coat color, head shape, temperament, and swimming motion.

What's the difference between the Newfoundland and the Bernese Mountain Dog?

The Newfoundland is larger than the Bernese Mountain Dog in both height and weight. Additionally, the Bernese Mountain Dog is from Switzerland, while the Newfoundland is from Canada.

What's the difference between the Great Pyrenees and the Newfoundland?

The key differences between Great Pyrenees dogs and Newfoundlands include size, appearance, lifespan, drooling level, and barking level.

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us? Contact the AZ Animals editorial team.

Sources
  1. American Kennel Club, Available here: https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/newfoundland/
  2. American Kennel Club, Available here: https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/7-facts-about-the-newfoundland/
  3. The Paws, Available here: https://www.thepaws.net/162-best-newfoundland-dog-names/

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