Newfoundland
A working dog of the Canadian coast bred to haul nets and rescue people from the water, the Newfoundland is a sweet, patient giant with strong 'nanny dog' instincts. It suits homes with space who'll manage heavy shedding, drooling and grooming, keep it cool in summer, and welcome a gentle, devoted companion that adores both children and water.
Newfoundland scorecard
Overview
The Newfoundland is a giant, sweet-natured working dog famous for its devotion to people, its love of water and its long-standing reputation as a gentle, patient family companion. Bred in the Canadian island of Newfoundland to work alongside fishermen, hauling nets and lines and carrying out water rescues, it combines great size and strength with a notably calm, kindly temperament. A heavy double coat, large head and powerful, slightly rolling gait give it an unmistakable, bear-like presence.
Newfoundlands are renowned for being exceptionally good with children, and the breed is often described as a natural "nanny dog" for its patience and gentleness, though as with any giant breed, supervision around small children is essential simply because of its size. They are devoted, biddable and eager to please, but they are also very large, shed heavily, drool and cope poorly with hot weather, so owners must be ready for the space, grooming, cost and practical demands that come with a gentle giant.
Good to know — a Newfoundland needs plenty of space and manageable for committed beginners. Every dog is an individual, so meet a few and chat to a good breeder or rescue before deciding.
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History & origins
The Newfoundland breed developed on the island of Newfoundland in eastern Canada, where it became an indispensable working dog for the fishing communities. There it was used to haul nets and equipment, to retrieve objects and lines from the water, and to assist in rescues, work for which its powerful build, dense water-resistant coat and natural swimming ability, including notably webbed feet, made it superbly suited.
The breed's strength, swimming prowess and famously gentle temperament earned it admiration well beyond Canada, and Newfoundlands became established in Britain and elsewhere, where they were valued both as working water dogs and as family companions. The breed is recognised today by the UK Kennel Club within the Working Group and by the FCI, and it retains its association with water rescue and its enduring reputation as one of the most good-natured of all the giant breeds.
Temperament & family fit
The Newfoundland is celebrated for its sweet, gentle and devoted character. It is typically calm, patient and affectionate, forming strong bonds with its family and being especially renowned for its tolerance and kindliness with children, the quality that earned it the "nanny dog" reputation. It is generally sociable and good with other dogs, and is far too soft-natured to make a guard dog in the aggressive sense, though its sheer size is a deterrent in itself.
Despite this placid temperament, the breed's size means sensible supervision is always needed around young children, who can easily be knocked over by a friendly giant. Newfoundlands thrive on human company and being part of family life, and a well-bred, well-socialised individual should be confident and good-natured rather than nervous or boisterous. Many retain a strong instinct towards water and may be drawn to swim or to "rescue" people in the water, a charming trait that nonetheless needs managing. Early socialisation helps these big, sensitive dogs grow into the steady, mannerly companions the breed is known for.
- Families with children of all ages
- Owners ready for consistent training
- Active homes with plenty of space
Training & intelligence
Newfoundlands are intelligent, biddable and eager to please, which makes them generally responsive to training, but their great size means good manners and lead skills are not optional: an adult is far too large and strong to manage if it has not learned to walk politely and respond to basic cues. Training should begin early, while the puppy is still a manageable size, and rely on calm, kind, reward-based methods, to which this sensitive, people-oriented breed responds well; harsh handling is both unnecessary and counter-productive.
Early and ongoing socialisation with people, other dogs and everyday situations helps produce the steady, well-adjusted adult the breed is famous for. As a giant, slow-maturing breed, exercise during the growth period should be controlled, and strenuous activity, jumping and over-exercise avoided while the joints are developing. Many Newfoundlands enjoy and excel at water work, and channelling their natural abilities through swimming and gentle activities provides excellent physical and mental enrichment.
- Start socialisation & handling early
- Reward-based methods only — no harsh corrections
- Keep sessions short, calm and consistent
Exercise needs
A healthy adult Newfoundland typically needs around 30 minutes (gentle, broken into shorter walks) a day (roughly 30–45 minutes), split across walks, play and a little training. A good sniffy walk, some play and a little training usually keeps them content. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need adjusted amounts — check with your vet.
Grooming & coat
The Newfoundland has a heavy, water-resistant double coat that needs regular and committed grooming, typically brushing several times a week, with more frequent attention during the heavy seasonal moults when it sheds profusely. Without this care the coat readily mats and tangles. The breed sheds a great deal and also drools, so owners should be prepared for hair and slobber around the home. Routine care should also include nail trimming, dental care, and regular checking and cleaning of the ears and eyes. Keeping the dog cool and the coat well maintained is especially important given the breed's dense coat and dislike of heat.
- Brush several times a week
- Bathe every few weeks or as needed
- Check ears, nails and teeth weekly
Feeding considerations
Feed a complete, good-quality diet suited to the dog's age and size, taking particular care during the long growth of a giant-breed puppy, which needs correctly balanced nutrition to support slow, steady development rather than rapid weight gain that can stress immature joints. An adult Newfoundland eats a large amount of food, so running costs are significant. As a large, deep-bodied breed, sensible feeding practices, such as measured meals and avoiding vigorous exercise around mealtimes, are advisable, and the dog should be kept at a lean, healthy weight to reduce strain on the heart and joints. Discuss feeding routines and any concerns about growth or weight with your vet.
Newfoundland health & costs
Before bringing a Newfoundland home it pays to budget for the whole picture — food, insurance, grooming and routine vet care all add up. The figures below are typical UK estimates for a healthy adult; your real costs vary with where you live, your dog's health and the cover you choose.
Food
£850–1,200 / year
Complete food sized to weight & life stage
Insurance
£45–85 / month
Lifetime cover — varies by age, breed & area
Grooming
£400–700 / year
Regular professional grooming
Routine vet care
£200–450 / year
Vaccines, flea/worm, annual check
The Newfoundland is a giant breed with a typical lifespan of around nine to ten years, and prospective owners should be aware of several health conditions to which the breed is predisposed. Hip and elbow dysplasia, developmental joint disorders common in large and giant breeds, are recognised concerns, and responsible breeders screen breeding stock by hip and elbow scoring. Heart disease, particularly subvalvular aortic stenosis (a congenital narrowing affecting blood flow from the heart), is an important inherited condition in the breed, and heart testing of breeding dogs is advised.
The breed is also associated with a hereditary form of bladder and kidney stone disease (cystinuria), for which DNA testing is available, and, as a deep-chested giant, it can be at risk of bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus). Prospective owners should buy only from breeders who carry out the relevant health tests, including hip, elbow and heart assessments, and can discuss their lines openly. Regular veterinary check-ups, weight management, attentive grooming and prompt attention to any signs of lameness, heart problems or urinary trouble all help keep this gentle giant healthy, and pet insurance is sensible given the potential cost of treating a giant-breed dog.
Common health conditions to be aware of
- Hip dysplasia — a developmental malformation of the hip joint common in giant breeds that can lead to pain and arthritis; breeding dogs should be hip-scored.
- Elbow dysplasia — a developmental abnormality of the elbow joint that can cause lameness and arthritis; screening of breeding stock is advised.
- Subvalvular aortic stenosis — a congenital heart defect recognised in the breed, in which narrowing below the aortic valve obstructs blood flow; heart screening of breeding dogs is recommended.
- Cystinuria — an inherited condition causing bladder and kidney stones, for which DNA testing of breeding dogs is available.
- Gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat) — a life-threatening twisting of the stomach to which deep-chested giant breeds are prone; requires emergency veterinary treatment.
- Heat sensitivity — not a disease but an important welfare consideration, as the heavy double coat makes the breed very prone to overheating in warm weather.
These reflect typical, size- and coat-related risks for dogs like the Newfoundland; individual breeds carry their own predispositions. Always buy from health-tested parents and speak to your vet — this isn't a diagnosis.
Protect against surprise bills
A single emergency can run into thousands. Lifetime insurance spreads the risk.
Estimate insurance →How pet insurance works →Puppy & senior care
Bringing home a Newfoundland puppy
Puppies need controlled exercise (a rough guide is five minutes per month of age, twice a day) to protect growing joints, little-and-often meals of a complete puppy food, early socialisation, and a calm routine for toilet training and sleep. Book first vaccinations, microchipping and a vet check early.
New puppy checklist →Caring for a senior Newfoundland
As they age, watch weight, joints and teeth, switch to a senior diet if your vet advises, keep exercise gentle but regular, and consider orthopaedic bedding and ramps. Twice-yearly vet checks help catch issues early — larger breeds age sooner, so start senior care from around 6–7 years.
Orthopaedic beds & mobility →Pros & cons
The good bits
- Sweet, patient and devoted to children
- Calm, gentle nature and a love of water
Things to consider
- Giant size, heavy shedding and drooling
- Needs grooming and copes poorly with heat
Newfoundland health & care guides
In-depth, vet-sensible guides written for Newfoundland owners:
Compare the Newfoundland
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Frequently asked questions
How long do Newfoundlands live?
Newfoundlands typically live to around 8–10 years. As a giant breed their lifespan is naturally shorter than smaller dogs, which is the honest trade-off for so much gentle dog. Buying from health-tested parents, keeping your dog lean, raising puppies carefully, and staying on top of preventive vet care all help yours reach the upper end of that range.
What health problems are Newfoundlands prone to?
Newfoundlands are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, a heart condition called subaortic stenosis (SAS), and cystinuria (a hereditary condition affecting the urinary tract that is DNA-testable). As a deep-chested giant they're also at risk of bloat (GDV), a life-threatening emergency. Buying from a breeder who heart-, hip-, elbow- and DNA-tests their dogs reduces the impact of these issues.
Are Newfoundlands good family dogs?
Yes — Newfoundlands are famous gentle giants, devoted, patient and sweet-natured, with a reputation as a 'nanny dog' around children. They're loving and calm indoors and bond closely with their family. The realities to plan for are their sheer size, the strength behind that gentleness, heavy drooling, and the space and supervision a giant breed needs around small children.
Do Newfoundlands drool a lot?
Yes — drooling is a well-known Newfoundland trait, thanks to their large, loose jowls. Expect strings of drool after drinking, eating or exercise, and on hot days. Most owners keep a 'drool cloth' to hand and accept it as part of life with the breed. It's normal, but a sudden change in drooling can be worth a vet check, especially given the bloat risk in this breed.
Do Newfoundlands shed a lot?
Yes — heavily. Newfoundlands have a thick, water-resistant double coat that sheds year-round and 'blows' more dramatically twice a year. Expect to brush several times a week, daily during a moult, to manage loose hair, prevent matting and keep the skin healthy. The coat is a big grooming commitment and is central to caring for the breed well.
How big do Newfoundlands get?
Newfoundlands are a giant breed. Males typically stand around 71cm at the shoulder and weigh roughly 64–69kg; females are smaller at about 66cm and 50–55kg. They're powerfully built and strong, so careful raising of growing puppies, good training and a lean body condition all matter when caring for a dog of this size.
Are Newfoundlands good swimmers?
Yes — Newfoundlands are natural swimmers bred for water rescue and working alongside fishermen. They have a water-resistant double coat and webbed feet, and many love the water instinctively. Always supervise around water, introduce swimming gradually, and rinse and dry the coat well afterwards. Their swimming heritage is part of why they're such a calm, capable and willing breed.
Do Newfoundlands cope with hot weather?
Not well — their thick double coat is built for cold water, not heat, so Newfoundlands are sensitive to warm weather and prone to overheating. In summer, exercise in the cool of the morning or evening, provide shade and fresh water, never leave them in a hot car or conservatory, and watch closely for signs of heatstroke. Never shave the coat, which protects against heat as well as cold.
At what age is a Newfoundland a senior?
As a giant breed, a Newfoundland is generally considered senior from around six years old. It's a sensible point to move to twice-yearly vet checks, keep a close eye on the joints, heart and weight, and adapt exercise and bedding to support a large, ageing body. Early changes are worth taking seriously in a breed with a naturally shorter lifespan.
How can I help my Newfoundland live longer?
Keep them lean, feed measured meals to reduce bloat risk, and don't over-exercise growing puppies, whose joints are still developing. Choose a puppy from heart-, hip-, elbow- and DNA-tested parents, protect them from heat, groom regularly, and book prompt vet checks for any change in breathing, energy, appetite or mobility. Routine preventive care makes a real difference in a giant breed.
Are Newfoundlands good with children?
Excellent with children of all ages. As a general guide, Newfoundlands tend to be patient and tolerant. Whatever the breed, always supervise dogs and young children and teach kids to interact gently.
How much exercise does a Newfoundland need?
As a healthy adult, a typical Newfoundland needs around 30 minutes (gentle, broken into shorter walks) of exercise a day (30–45 minutes), split across walks plus play. A good sniffy walk plus some play and training usually keeps them happy. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need less — ask your vet.
Do Newfoundlands shed a lot?
High shedding. Coat upkeep is high upkeep — plan on frequent brushing and regular trips to a groomer.
Are Newfoundlands easy to train and good for first-time owners?
Manageable for committed beginners. Newfoundlands are best for owners ready to commit to consistent training and plenty of activity. Reward-based training and early socialisation help any dog.
Do Newfoundlands bark a lot?
Very quiet. They are usually fairly easy-going about barking, though any dog will bark if bored or under-exercised.
Are Newfoundlands good with other dogs?
Sociable with other dogs. Early, positive socialisation with other dogs from a young age makes a big difference.
Do Newfoundlands suit flats or smaller homes?
Needs plenty of space. A Newfoundland really needs plenty of space and a lot of daily activity — not ideal for a small flat.
Sources
- The Kennel Club (UK) — Newfoundland breed information: https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/breeds/newfoundland/
- PDSA — Dog health and giant-breed care advice: https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice
- Blue Cross — Dog breeds and care advice: https://www.bluecross.org.uk/advice/dog
- Royal Veterinary College (RVC) VetCompass — canine health research: https://www.rvc.ac.uk/vetcompass
- Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) — Newfoundland breed standard: https://www.fci.be/en/nomenclature/NEWFOUNDLAND-50.html
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Every dog is an individual — temperament and needs vary. Please research thoroughly, meet dogs in person, and consider adopting from a rescue. This is general guidance, not a substitute for advice from your vet or a qualified trainer.