Sweet and kind, this gentle giant is wonderful with children. They are also intelligent, quick to learn and tend to favour the couch over rigorous exercise.
If you have a large family at home, a Newfoundland is the dog for you. Sweet-tempered, patient and loving, they are an excellent companion and friend of children. Grown-ups needn’t feel left out though – they are devoted, loyal and dutiful to all.
They make star students and train easily but start while they are young. Be firm, consistent and assertive when laying down the rules, and you’ll have a giant who’s gentle and generous. They love spending time with their family and tend to suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for too long.
While they are sociable with other animals and guests and they enjoy being around the family, intruders better beware – they are intelligent and brave. A Newfoundland will protect and defend their family. They stop growing around 12-18 months, reaching their mature age at 24 months. They grow to a height between 66-71cms.
Fun fact: Newfoundlands are natural lifeguards.
Their coat is water-resistant, their feet are webbed,
and they mimic breaststroke when in the water. They have
a reputation for grabbing swimmers and towing them to safety.
Newfoundlands love the water and are strong swimmers. However, they don’t enjoy heat and can be A-grade couch potatoes when indoors. Make sure your pal gets sufficient exercise every day. Ideally a swim, but a long walk early in the morning or late afternoon is good too. They are a large dog and ideally suit large dwellings with a yard.
A Newfoundland drools. A lot. They are messy and their heavy coat is a haven for dirt and mud. Stock up on wipes and cleaners. Groom your Newfoundland’s thick, coarse, waterproof double coat by brushing it regularly. Wipe down their paws too. Do not bath them often to avoid stripping the coat of its natural oils. Trim their nails and brush their teeth regularly. They shed twice a year.
Scheduled six monthly health check visits with your vet are important to ensure that your dog is healthy and happy throughout all life stages. Newfoundlands are prone to bone developmental problems. However, they are a relatively healthy breed and if fed the correct diet, shouldn’t suffer from many ailments. Together with your vet, you can determine and maintain a preventative health care program based on the individual needs of your canine companion.
Size
They are a giant-sized breed weighing between 50-69kgs, with an average height between 66-71cms.
Space
A Newfoundland is best suited to a large yard, due to their size and energy levels.
Energy Levels
The equivalent of a gym-bunny, loving a good workout, but they also love napping. Daily runs and lots of games are ideal for keeping this breed fit.
Difficulty of Training
Newfoundlands are extremely intelligent dogs and eager to please, making training a breeze.
Family Suitability
They are great family pets and loyal companions.
Compatibility with other Pets
They love to meet new friends, including cats and dogs if socialised from a young age.
Need for Company
They have a high need for company and enjoy spending time with their family.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breed?
No
Coat and Grooming Needs
This breed is low-maintenance. They have a medium-long coat in black, brown, or white and black. Brush it weekly and trim occasionally.
Shedding
They shed moderately.
Tendency to Bark
They have a low tendency to bark, so don’t expect frequent conversation.