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Newfoundland dogs, often called ‘Newfies,’ are known for their huge size, gentle nature, and amazing swimming skills.
Originally from Canada where they helped fishermen, these gentle giants are now kept as household pets and are loved for their loyalty, intelligence, and sweet personalities.
With their thick double coats, webbed feet, and natural love of the water, Newfoundland dogs are more than just pets. They are life-saving heroes with hearts as big as they are.
If you’re thinking about getting one of these dogs or are just curious about them, this guide will tell you everything you need to know about Newfoundland dogs.
The History of Newfoundland Dogs
The Newfoundland dog is famous for their incredible strength, gentle personality, and long history as a working breed.
Originally known as the ‘ship’s dog,’ Newfies helped fishermen in the North Atlantic by pulling in fishing gear, hauling ropes, and rescuing people from the water.
Newfies’ thick double coats and powerful build made them perfect for tough jobs at sea, while their gentle protectiveness and lovable nature made them popular in books and art.
The breed originated in Newfoundland, Canada, where it became popular in the 1700s. Different theories about its origins exist.
Some suggest they came from black ‘bear’ dogs brought by Vikings, native dogs of the Americas, or European breeds brought by explorers in the 1400s and 1500s.
Even though, in the late 1700s, owning a Newfie was restricted to help sheep farming, the breed survived thanks to dedicated locals.
By the 1800s, Newfoundlands were popping up everywhere – in books, paintings, and even on famous expeditions like the one Lewis and Clark took.
During the 19th century, Newfies were well-known as powerful working animals, particularly in St. John’s, Newfoundland. People relied on them to haul heavy loads and even deliver milk around town.
They officially debuted at the Birmingham Dog Show in England in 1860, which kickstarted their popularity in the dog show industry.
Many of today’s Newfies can trace their roots back to Siki, a famous English show dog from the 1920s. Their popularity hasn’t faded much, with around 1,000 dogs registered each year in the UK.
5 Fascinating Facts About Newfoundland Dogs
1. Newfoundland Dogs Are Exceptional Swimmers
Newfoundland dogs are good swimmers, thanks to their webbed feet and strong lungs. They were bred to help with water rescues and can swim long distances, even in rough water.
While they don’t work on ships much anymore, they’re still good in water. Their thick, oily double coat keeps them warm in cold water, making them perfect for water rescues.
2. Newfies can be docile but they need to exercise
Unlike many big breeds, Newfoundlands are great house dogs—they’re calm, relaxed, and happy to chill out at your feet for hours.
But too much relaxing can lead to a chubby Newfie, so it’s important to make sure they have a big yard or enclosed area to play in.
Make sure to include daily walks and the occasional swim, and your Newfoundland pup will stay in great shape.
3. Newfoundland dogs shed a lot
Some dogs are easy to groom. But that’s not the case with Newfoundlands. These big dogs shed all year. To keep their coat clean and healthy, you need to brush them.
A lot. Like, every single day. You’ll also want to get to know your dog’s groomer well since you’ll be seeing them regularly.
4. Newfies are extremely loyal
If you’re in search of a dog to show you unwavering loyalty, you won’t find a breed more devoted than the Newfoundland.
Newfies are known to stand between their humans and strangers to protect them. They’re also often called ‘nanny dogs’ because they’re gentle with the little ones.
5. Newfoundland puppies are foodies
Newfie puppies can gain 100 pounds in their first year. And to grow that much, they need a LOT of high-quality puppy food. If you’re getting a Newfie puppy, be prepared for a huge appetite.
Newfoundland Dog Puppies
Raising a Newfoundland dog puppy is a special experience. These cute little fluff balls grow up super-fast and are fully grown within two years.
Giving them the right food is crucial to help them grow healthy and avoid bone problems that can come with rapid growth.
It is also important to start training and socializing your Newfie puppy early so they grow up to be well-behaved adults.
Physical Characteristics of Newfies
Newfoundland dogs are famous for their huge size and unique looks. Adult males typically weigh 130 to 150 pounds and can be up to 28 inches tall.
Females are a bit smaller, weighing 100 to 120 pounds and standing about 26 inches tall. Their muscular build and broad chest contribute to their big body frame.
Newfoundland dog aesthetics can be seen in a thick double coat that keeps them warm and dry. The outer coat is long and a bit rough, while the undercoat is soft and provides extra insulation.
Newfoundland Dog Colors
Some of the common Newfoundland dog colors include black, brown, gray, beige, or the classic black-and-white look, which is called Landseer.
Black
Brown
Beige
Gray
Landseer
Irish Spotted
White & Brown
Newfoundland Dog Temperament and Personality
Even though Newfoundland dogs are huge, they have an easy-going temperament and can make wonderful family pets.
Their friendly nature isn’t just for people – they get along great with other pets too, making them a perfect addition to homes that already have pets.
But they do need a good amount of yard space to play in, and if possible, they should have a safe place to swim. These dogs are alert and trustworthy, and they’re known for being patient with kids.
These rare dog breeds are protective and are known to stand between their family and strangers. They don’t bark a lot, but they’ll keep a watchful eye and are ready to step in if needed.
Newfoundlands are a smart breed, and many dog owners say their dogs have alerted them to fires in the house or even rescued them from their pools.
Newfoundland Dog Intelligence
Newfies are really smart dogs, especially when it comes to social situations and working. They learn fast and love to please, so they’re great at advanced training for water rescue or therapy work.
Due to their laid-back nature, they might sometimes take time when doing things. Being patient and using positive reinforcement is the best way to help them reach their full potential.
Newfoundland Dog Health & Lifespan
Most Newfoundland dogs live for about 8 to 10 years, which is normal for such a giant breed because of their size and the health issues they’re prone to.
But there are always exceptions, like Lucy, who’s believed to be the oldest Newfoundland ever, at 17 years old as of 2025
Newfoundland dogs are generally healthy, but as a (prospective) owner, you should watch out for the following health problems:
1. Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV) or Bloat
GDV, also known as bloat, is a serious and often deadly condition in dogs. It happens when the stomach quickly fills up with gas or food, causing it to expand and put a lot of pressure on the surrounding organs.
In bad cases, the stomach can twist, which cuts off blood flow to the stomach and spleen.
Common signs of bloat include trying to vomit but nothing comes out, a swollen belly, drooling a lot, and suddenly collapsing.
Dogs with deep chests, like Newfoundlands, are more at risk. To lower the risk, your vet will recommend a prophylactic gastropexy.
2. Cataracts
Newfie dogs can get cloudy spots on their eye lenses, known as cataracts. It’s a good idea to have their eyes checked by a certified veterinary. Surgery is an option to remove them if needed.
3. Bone Cancer (Osteosarcoma)
Osteosarcoma is an aggressive type of bone cancer that’s often seen in big dogs like Newfoundlands.
It’s the most common type of bone cancer in dogs. Usually, the first sign is lameness or limping, and a vet will typically use X-rays to confirm it.
Treatment usually involves managing pain, sometimes amputating the affected leg, and chemotherapy to try to stop the cancer from spreading.
4. Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is a health problem where the hip joint doesn’t develop properly, making it loose. Factors like how fast a dog grows, hormone changes and diet can play a role.
This condition can eventually lead to degenerative joint disease and osteoarthritis. Dogs with hip dysplasia might show signs of pain, have trouble standing up, or start limping.
Keeping your dog from gaining too much weight is important to reduce stress on their joints. Vets often suggest low-impact exercises and supplements like omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine, and chondroitin.
5. Elbow Dysplasia
Elbow dysplasia is caused by the elbow joint not developing correctly. It’s often connected to genetics, rapid growth, injuries, or diet.
Some of the common symptoms include pain, limping, and lameness, which can eventually lead to arthritis.
Treatment depends on how bad the condition is but often involves surgery to ease pain and help the dog move around better.
6. Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM)
DCM is a serious heart problem where the muscle of the left ventricle gets thin and weak, so it can’t pump blood very well.
Symptoms can show up slowly or rapidly and can eventually lead to congestive heart failure. This condition needs immediate and serious medical care.
Newfoundland Dog Grooming Needs
Newfoundland dogs have a thick, medium-length double coat that helps keep them warm in cold water.
When it comes to grooming, you should plan to brush them at least once a week to get rid of loose fur and stop the tough mats from forming.
Newfies tend to shed more when the weather changes in the spring and fall, so you might need to brush them every day during the high-shedding months for proper fur control.
You’ll probably need to bathe your Newfie every month or two unless they get very dirty. A lot of owners take their Newfie to a groomer because their large size can make them hard to bathe at home.
Newfoundland dogs can also drool quite a lot, so you might need to wipe them down regularly with a pet wipe.
Also, you’ll need to trim their nails every month or so, depending on how much they wear down naturally. It’s also a good idea to brush a Newfie’s teeth daily.
Newfoundland Dog Exercise & Activity Levels
Newfoundland dogs should get at least half an hour to an hour of exercise every day to stay fit and happy. Most love long walks and hikes, and they adore swimming.
Also, training in dog sports, like dock diving, or other activities, such as search and rescue, can give them a sense of purpose and provide both mental and physical stimulation.
While Newfoundlands generally handle cold weather well, their thick coat can make them overheat in hot weather.
Make sure to keep outdoor activities short when it’s warm, and ensure your big fluffy dog always has a cool place to rest.
For indoor games, these webbed-footed dogs need a home with plenty of space for them to move around freely.
Newfoundland Dog Training & Socialization
Being intellectually gifted, you can expect Newfies to be good with training. Due to their massive size, both training and socialization are important, so you can keep them under control.
It’s best to start training and socializing your Newfie puppy early. Get them used to basic tricks and introduce them to other people, animals, and situations while they’re young.
Just like other dogs, Newfoundlands do best with consistent, positive training methods. Being harsh with them can make workouts harder.
Newfoundland Dog Living Conditions
Newfoundlands can adapt to different living situations, but because of their size, they need enough space to move around comfortably.
They do best in homes with big yards and access to cool or shaded spots since they don’t do well in the heat.
These gentle giants can live happily indoors as long as they get regular exercise and social interaction with their favorite humans.
Newfoundland Dog Diet & Nutrition
A good way to make sure your dog is getting all the nutrients they need is to feed them kibble or wet food that meets the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) standards.
Make sure your dog has access to fresh drinking water, and feed them good quality, balanced dog food.
Newfoundlands are at risk for bloat, and this can happen if they eat too fast. To help prevent it, you could try feeding them smaller meals more often throughout the day.
To help Newfoundland puppies grow at a healthy rate, it’s important to make sure they’re getting the right balance of fat, protein, and carbohydrates in their diet.
There are foods designed for large and giant-breed dogs that meet AAFCO standards, and these can provide all the nutrition your Newfie puppy needs.
Adding omega-3 fatty acids (DHA/EPA) to a Newfoundland’s diet can be beneficial. You can find omega-3s in skin and joint supplements, fish oil, and some special dog foods.
These fatty acids are natural anti-inflammatory supplements. They’re good for the heart, skin, coat, joints, and kidneys, and also help with wound healing.
It’s always best to talk to your vet to figure out the perfect diet for your Newfie. They will also give you a feeding guideline for portion control.
It might also be a good idea to ask your vet about whether your Newfoundland dog’s food should have grains or not.
Studies have found evidence that grain-free diets might be linked to a heart condition called dilated cardiomyopathy, which Newfoundlands are more likely to get.
Newfoundland Dog Pregnancy & Litter Size
Female Newfoundlands can have a gestation period of about 63 days. They usually have litters of 8 to 10 puppies although some may have more or less.
In 2007, a Newfoundland named Elsa had a litter of 17 puppies! That’s one of the biggest litters ever recorded for this breed.
Taking good care of the momma dog during pregnancy, including feeding her a nutritious diet and taking her for regular vet checkups, is important for both her health and the health of her puppies.
After the puppies are born, it’s equally important to give the mother a clean and quiet place to nurse and recover.
Conclusion
That’s everything you need to know about Newfoundland dogs, from their history to their care requirements.
If you’re looking for a Newfie, you can check local animal shelters and breed-specific rescue organizations for one that needs a home.
Keep tabs with a Newfoundland dog club of your choice for additional tips on how to care for this lovely fluffy breed.
Laura is the founder of Furs'n'Paws. She is a also a pet writer and expert with more than 20 years of experience of working with dogs and cats. She developed a very strong love for animals at a young age. Her passion led her to establish a thriving pet sitting and dog walking business in Dubai. As an expert in pet training, behavior, and nutrition, Laura is committed to helping pet owners and pet lovers by offering high-quality information on a wide range of topics.
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