Let's talk Newfoundlands

The gentle giants of the dog world, Newfoundlands may look rather formidable, but they also have one of the sweetest natures of any breed. Great with children and other animals, once trained, there’s little that fazes these docile dogs. Thanks to their powerful, muscular bodies and good coordination, they make excellent rescue animals—and they’re adept swimmers too. Made famous by J.M. Barrie in Peter Pan as the children’s nanny, the Newfoundland has long been a star of the canine world.

Official name: Newfoundland

Other names: Newfie, Nanny Dog

Origins: Canada

Black and white portrait of a sitting Newfoundland
 Drooling tendencies

 High

 Warm weather? Very low
 Grooming needs  Medium  Cold weather? Very high
 Shedding level  High  Suited to apartment living?  Very low
 Barking tendencies  Medium  Can stay alone?* Very low
 Energy level (high, low, medium) *: Medium  Family pet? * High
 Compatibility with other pets  High    

* We advise against leaving pets alone for long stretches. Companionship can prevent emotional distress and destructive behaviour. Speak to your veterinarian for recommendations.

Every pet is different, even within a breed; this snapshot of this breed’s specifics should be taken as an indication.

For a happy, healthy and well-behaved pet, we recommend educating and socialising your pet as well as covering their basic welfare, social and behavioural needs.

Pets should never be left unsupervised with a child.

All domestic pets are sociable and prefer company. However, they can be taught to cope with solitude from an early age. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or trainer to help you do this.

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Illustration of a standing black Newfoundland
Male
71 - 72 cm Height
68 - 69 kg Weight
Female
66 - 67 cm Height
54 - 55 kg Weight

 Baby age:  Birth to 2 months
 Puppy age:  2 to 8 months
 Adult age: 8 months to 2 years
 Mature age:  2 to 5 years
 Senior age:  From 5 years

Wet black Newfoundland wading through chin deep water

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Get to know the Newfoundland

All you need to know about the breed

One of the biggest dogs in the world, the Newfoundland is also renowned as one of (wo)man’s most beloved breeds. Known for being a hero of the dog community, they have long been established as one of the best all-round rescue animals. As at home in the mountains as they are at sea, they are a regular fixture among rescue teams all over the globe.

Good swimmers, the Newfoundland’s body was made for being in the water. As well as their waterproof coats and powerful, rudder-like tails, they also have unusual webbed feet. Their large lung capacity enables the dog to swim long distances too. They are also strong enough to bring a fully grown man back to the shoreline.

Despite their huge size, Herculean strength and apparent fearlessness, these noble giants are also known for being unexpectedly gentle dogs. With their easy-going personality, the Newfoundland is usually fine with children and other pets, once trained. Also very affectionate animals, Newfoundlands form a powerful bond with their human families, though this means they don’t do well left alone.

Their thick shaggy coats, while their crowning glory, do require a bit of care—and they will need at least an hour of moderate exercise each day. The Newfoundland also thrives on human interaction. But, overall, they are really quite easy dogs considering they often weigh more than their owners.

Not surprisingly, given their venerated background, Newfoundlands feature regularly in popular culture—from films and books to paintings. Perhaps the best-known example is that of ‘Nana’ in J.M. Barrie’s classic childhood story, Peter Pan. And in fact, Barrie and his wife Mary had a much-loved Newfoundland of their own.

In terms of their lifespan, Newfoundlands can also live up to a top age of 16. So, in summary, you’ll have a devoted, hardy and intelligent companion in a Newfoundland. Plus, their almost teddy-bear-like features and hangdog expression make them hard to resist.

Side profile of a black Newfoundland facing the left with tongue out

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2 facts about Newfoundlands

1. The Buffalo Soldier

In 1802, when Lewis and Clark began their famous trek across the American continent, they were accompanied by a Newfoundland called Seaman. During the expedition, he famously saved their lives by chasing off a charging buffalo.

2. A brush with fame 

The 19th-century artist Sir Edwin Landseer inadvertently helped to popularise the Newfoundland breed when he featured them in his paintings. In fact, such was his influence that the black-and-white variety was subsequently named after him. For more on the Newfoundland’s history, see below.

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History of the breed

Hailing from the Canadian island of the same name, the origins of the Newfoundland go back several centuries. Their ancestors are thought to have been a cross between a local indigenous breed and the large black ‘bear’ dogs brought over by the Vikings. As time went on, they were also crossed with other breeds introduced by European fishermen. By the early 1600’s, the Newfoundland resembled the breed that we know and love today.

Throughout this time, Newfoundlands have always been a dog associated with water. Born swimmers, they were a fixture on Canadian fishing boats for generations, playing a role in countless water rescues. Stories of the breed’s bravery are documented throughout history and, even today, the Newfoundland is an integral member of many international rescue teams.

Aside from their more heroic work, Newfoundlands were also utilised by fishermen to help pull their full nets out of the water. Elsewhere, with their considerable strength, they were used to haul carts. Over time, their popularity spread far and wide and the first Newfoundland club was founded in England in 1886. They were recognised by the American Kennel Club that same year.

close-up black and white portrait of a Newfoundland

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From head to tail

Physical characteristics of Newfoundlands

1. Head

Majestic head is characterised by a high forehead, small ears and expressive, dark eyes.

2. Colouring

Colouring can vary from brown, black, gray, and white and black.

3. Body

Impressively large bodies are deep and broad with a level topline. 

4. Tail

Longish, powerful tails can sometimes have a slight curve at the tip.

5. Coat

Flat, water-resistant double coat is moderately long with a soft, dense undercoat.

Newfoundland with two front paws standing on a rock and tongue out

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Things to look out for

From specific breed traits to a general health overview, here are some interesting facts about your Newfoundland
Three Newfoundlands sat in a row on grass

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Caring for your Newfoundland

Grooming, training and exercise tips

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Despite their large size, Newfoundlands don’t need quite as much exercise as you might think. An hour of moderate activity every day should be enough to keep them stimulated and healthy, though they’ll appreciate more when possible. Given their backgrounds as working animals, the Newfoundland enjoys outdoor activities and will be happy to trot alongside you on a walk or a hike—though hot weather is best avoided. Also, did we mention that they like swimming? So, if you can factor that into their routine, so much the better. The Newfoundland will also enjoy a good game of anything in the garden, as long as it’s with you, and they can do well at some canine sports.

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The Newfoundland has a distinctive longish coat that comprises two parts. On the top is a thick waterproof layer while underneath there is a soft dense undercoat. In terms of grooming your Newfoundland, it’s best to brush their coat at least a couple of times a week to avoid that shaggy-dog look. During the Newfoundland’s shedding periods, however, they will need brushing daily. Be prepared for some drooling too. Your Newfoundland will also benefit from a bath every now and again, with nails clipped as needed. As with all drop-eared dogs, their ears should be checked weekly for any debris or signs of infection. The Newfoundland also needs regular dental check-ups, to support good oral health, as well as their teeth being brushed at home.

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Given their rescue-dog credentials, it’s perhaps no surprise that the Newfoundland is an intelligent breed that learns quickly. Also, with their calm and docile personality, the Newfoundland is one of the easier dogs to train. Nonetheless, your Newfoundland will benefit from puppy training classes, as much for the early socialisation. Later, they will also thrive in adult obedience sessions. For Newfoundland puppies destined to become rescue dogs, they will need to be carefully introduced to water by the age of four months and then given special training. In all cases, the Newfoundland responds best to gentle guidance and positive reinforcement.

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All about Newfoundlands

This is definitely a breed of dog where their bark is worse than their bite, figuratively speaking on that last part. Known for their calm and relaxed personality, Newfoundlands are generally good with kids and other animals, once trained, and rarely show any sign of aggression to anyone. However, they will come between their owner and a stranger if they sense danger.

As one of the largest types of dogs, the Newfoundland has a deep, loud bark to match—and that’s how they communicate. However, they don’t woof more than any other breed and, in some cases, can bark a lot less. Like all breeds, it depends on the individual dog.

Sources

1 - Veterinary Centers of America https://vcahospitals.com/ 

2 - Royal Canin Dog Encyclopaedia. Ed 2010 and 2020

3 - Banfield Pet Hospital https://www.banfield.com/

4 - Royal Canin BHN Product Book

5 - American Kennel Club https://www.akc.org/