Newfoundland vs. Golden Retriever: 5 Key Differences Explained

Written by Niccoy Walker
Updated: June 23, 2023
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Are you looking for the ultimate family dog but can’t quite decide between a Newfoundland and a golden retriever? Both are playful, sweet, and great with children, so you would do well either way. But what about energy needs or grooming requirements? Every dog is different and has their own unique traits. Use this handy Newfoundland vs. golden retriever guide and learn about their differences in appearance, characteristics, and health factors.

Newfoundland vs. Golden Retriever: A Comparison

ComparisonNewfoundlandGolden Retriever
Height26 to 28 inches21.5 to 24 inches
Weight100 to 150 pounds55 to 75 pounds
Coat TypeStraight, medium-length, double coatSmooth, medium-length, double coat
SheddingModerateModerate to heavy
DroolingHeavyLow to moderate
ColorsBlack, brown, gray, black-and-whiteGolden, light golden, dark golden
TemperamentPatient, gentle, affectionateEnergetic, happy, intelligent
BarkingLowLow
Energy and Social NeedsModerately playful with well-balanced energy and social needsVery playful with well-balanced energy needs. Need lots of mental stimulation
TrainingModerateEasy
Life Expectancy9 to 10 years10 to 12 years

The Key Differences Between a Newfoundland and a Golden Retriever

While both are great family dogs, these breeds have different personalities and needs.

The five key differences between the Newfoundland and golden retriever are personality, appearance, size, energy needs, and grooming requirements. While both are great family dogs, they have different personalities and needs. Newfoundlands have well-balanced energy levels but can be difficult to train. Golden retrievers need more mental stimulation but are very easy to train. These breeds also differ in appearance, size, and grooming. Let’s dive deeper into their differences.

Appearance

Newfoundland chilling on the couch

Newfoundlands are gentle giants with loving personalities.

©iStock.com/rzoze19

Newfoundland vs. Golden Retriever: Height and Weight

Newfoundlands are giant, fluffy working dogs. Males average around 28 inches tall, while females are 26 inches. And their weight ranges from 100 to 150 pounds, with males weighing about 20 to 30 pounds more than females. These dogs are robust and feature square bodies with broad heads and floppy ears.

Golden retrievers are athletic and sporty with muscular and sturdy frames. They are medium-sized dogs, measuring between 21.5 and 24 inches tall and weighing 55 to 75 pounds. Males are typically a couple of inches taller than females and weigh 10 to 20 pounds more. They are stocky and solid, with broad heads, deep chests, and short, floppy ears.     

Newfoundland vs. Golden Retriever: Coat Type and Colors

Newfoundlands have straight, medium-length double coats. The undercoat is dense and soft, and the outer coat is coarse and flat with an oily feel that keeps them water-resistant. Due to their double coat, they shed more than dogs with single coats. Their daily shedding is moderate, and they require weekly grooming. However, they may need to be brushed more when they blow their coats during seasonal changes. Also, Newfoundlands are very heavy droolers, so you may be mopping up saliva daily. These Mastiff-type dogs can be black, brown, gray, or black-and-white.

Golden retrievers have smooth, medium-length double coats. Their undercoats are soft yet fuzzy and protect their skin from excessive temperatures and moisture. Golden retrievers can have short or wavy hair. This breed is a moderate to heavy shedder and requires weekly grooming. Despite the Newfoundland’s fluffy appearance, golden retrievers actually shed slightly more. However, they drool much less. These dogs come in a standard golden color but can also be light gold or dark gold.

Characteristics

Golden retriever stands on the grass and looks forward

Golden retrievers are energetic and intelligent.

©Burin P/Shutterstock.com

Newfoundland vs. Golden Retriever: Temperament and Social Needs

The Newfoundland is patient, gentle, and affectionate. These sweet dogs have earned a reputation as gentle giants and are excellent family pets. Despite their massive size, Newfoundlands are great with children of all ages and get along well with other dogs and pets. They are also friendly to strangers but have a protective nature and make excellent watchdogs. They adapt well to new routines and surroundings and do well in most environments. This breed can be playful but is also content with lounging around the house. And they have well-balanced energy and mental stimulation needs. The only downside to Newfoundlands is that they can be somewhat difficult to train due to their independent nature.

Golden retrievers are energetic, happy-go-lucky, and intelligent. As one of the ultimate American family dogs, this breed is lovey-dovey, excellent with children, and gets along well with other pets. They are also open to strangers and think everyone is their best friend. While they are loyal and obedient to their families, they don’t make the best guard dogs and only have a moderate protective nature. These dogs love to play all day, are highly adaptable, and need lots of mental stimulation. Thankfully, they have well-balanced energy needs and are very easy to train.   

Health Factors

Newfoundland vs. Golden Retriever: Life Expectancy and Health Problems

Newfoundlands and golden retrievers have comparable lifespans. The Newfoundland lives an average of nine to 10 years, while the golden retriever lives 10 to 12 years.

While a generally healthy breed, Newfoundlands are prone to some health problems owners should look out for. They can commonly get hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, heart disease, dilated cardiomyopathy, bloat, luxating patella, bone cancer, and elbow dysplasia.

Golden retrievers are also generally healthy dogs, but they can suffer from heart problems, cancers, hip and elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism, eye conditions, and skin irritation.

With proper diet, exercise, and routine exams, both breeds can live beyond their average lifespans.

The photo featured at the top of this post is ©

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About the Author

Niccoy is a professional writer for A-Z Animals, and her primary focus is on birds, travel, and interesting facts of all kinds. Niccoy has been writing and researching about travel, nature, wildlife, and business for several years and holds a business degree from Metropolitan State University in Denver. A resident of Florida, Niccoy enjoys hiking, cooking, reading, and spending time at the beach.

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