Newfoundland

Temperament & Personality

Newfoundlands are famously gentle and loyal. They are patient, sweet "gentle giants" who form strong bonds with their families. These dogs are calm and tolerant, especially with children, making them ideal family pets. Newfs tend to be watchful and protective without being aggressive; many owners note that their Newfoundland will alert them quietly to dangers or even bark to warn of a fire. They usually enjoy close contact with people (often following you around) and have a playful, affectionate side. Overall, Newfoundlands are loving, intelligent, and eager to please companions.

Care, Living Environment & Grooming

Newfoundlands are adaptable to home life but need space. Ideally, they have a large yard and access to water (they love swimming). Provide daily moderate exercise (walks or swimming); they benefit from activity but do not require vigorous workouts. Because they were bred in cold climates, Newfs prefer cooler weather and can overheat in summer—always provide shade and fresh water. Grooming is substantial due to their thick double coat: they shed year-round and "blow" coat in spring and fall. Daily or every-other-day brushing is recommended. Check and clean skin folds and ears regularly to prevent irritation.

• Brushing: At least 3-4 times per week with a slicker brush and metal comb, especially during shedding seasons, to remove loose fur and prevent mats.
• Bathing: Every 4-6 weeks (or when dirty), using a gentle dog shampoo. Ensure thorough drying to avoid hot spots.
• Nails: Trim every 3-4 weeks to prevent overgrowth.
• Teeth: Brush 2-3 times per week to maintain dental health.
• Ears: Check weekly; Newfs have floppy ears prone to moisture buildup, so gently clean with a vet-approved ear solution if needed.

Training & Socialization

Newfoundlands are known for their sweet, gentle disposition, which makes training a rewarding experience. Use positive reinforcement (treats, praise, play) and be patient, as Newf puppies mature slowly. Start obedience and potty training early with short daily sessions. Early socialization—introducing your Newfie to children, other pets, and new places—builds confidence and prevents shyness. Involve the whole family so your puppy learns to listen to everyone. Crate training can help with housebreaking by providing a safe den. Keep training fun and end on a positive note (for example, with play or treats). With consistent, gentle guidance, most Newfoundlands become eager learners and deeply loyal companions.

Health Considerations

Newfoundlands are generally healthy, but they have a shorter lifespan (around 8–10 years). As a large, working breed, they can be prone to certain conditions:

• Hip Dysplasia: Malformation of the hip joint leading to arthritis.
• Elbow Dysplasia: A similar joint issue in the elbow (common in large breeds).
• Subaortic Stenosis (SAS): A congenital heart defect; can cause murmurs, fainting, or sudden death.
• Cystinuria: A genetic kidney/bladder condition causing stone formation.
• Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (Bloat): Risky twisting of the stomach. Feed smaller meals and avoid exercise around mealtimes to help prevent it.

Newfs also often drool and shed heavily, so keep skin folds and ears clean to prevent irritation. Regular vet exams are important: ask about heart checks and hip evaluations, and watch for signs like limping or lethargy. Maintain a balanced diet and healthy weight to reduce strain on hips and heart. Many of these issues are genetic, so choose a breeder who screens for health tests. Consult your vet if you notice any concerning symptoms.

Cost of Ownership

Newfoundland puppies typically cost around $600–$2,000 ($1,200 on average). First-year expenses (food, supplies, spay/neuter, vet visits, training) can reach about $3,930. After that, expect roughly $2,305 per year for food and routine care. Over a 10–12 year lifespan, the average total cost is about $24,675. This covers basics; extra expenses like professional grooming, boarding, or pet insurance will raise costs. Newfs eat a lot – you might spend $80–$100 a month on dog food. Boarding or dog walking services can cost $20–$50 per day. Lastly, consider pet insurance or a savings plan to help manage potential health expenses.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Sweet-natured, loyal 'gentle giants'; ideal with families and children.
• Patient and calm (rarely aggressive), often protective of home.
• Excellent swimmers (love water) with natural rescue instincts.
• Intelligent and eager to please; generally trainable and attentive.

Cons

• Gigantic size requires space and a confident owner (can knock over small children).
• Heavy shedding and drooling; needs regular grooming and cleaning.
• High upkeep costs (big appetite, heavy grooming, potential vet bills).
• Shorter lifespan and predisposed to health issues (heart, joints).

Fun Facts

Newfoundlands originated in Canada and were bred to be water rescue dogs, famous for their swimming ability and strength. They have webbed feet and thick, water-resistant coats for this reason. Legend says a Newfoundland once saved a drowning sailor by towing him to shore!

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Newfoundlands good with children?

Yes. Your Newfoundland is likely to be gentle and patient with kids (hence their reputation as "nanny dogs"). They usually tolerate the antics of children and make devoted family pets. Always supervise interactions between dogs and young kids because of the dog's large size.

Do Newfoundlands drool a lot?

Yes, drooling is common for this breed. Their large jowls and tendency to carry water means they often leave wet spots. Keeping a towel handy and cleaning their chin can help manage the drool.

How much exercise does a Newfoundland need?

They need moderate daily exercise: about 30–60 minutes of walks or swimming. Newfs enjoy activity but also love to rest. Sufficient exercise keeps them fit, but don't overwork them, especially in hot weather.

Are Newfoundlands easy to train?

Generally yes. Newfs are eager to please and respond well to reward-based training. They can be a bit slow to mature, so start early with patience. Avoid harsh methods – gentle encouragement and consistency work best for this loyal breed.

References

1. Hill's Pet Nutrition – Newfoundland
2. WebMD – What to Know About Newfoundlands
3. PetBudget – Newfoundland Cost