Newfoundland Breed Facts and Information

Coat & Grooming: Newfoundlands have a super thick, long, oily double coat that enables them to withstand frigid water temperatures and break through ice. While their coat is nearly impervious to water, it's a magnet for burrs, mud and other debris. They need to be brushed multiple times per week, otherwise their dense coat is at risk for uncomfortable matting and dread locks. Additionally, Newfoundlands are notorious droolers. A drool towel is a must-have accessory.

Coat length: Long

Grooming: Frequent

Shedding: Newfoundlands generally do not shed excessively, but their regular shedding may be more noticeable because of the sheer volume of fur on this giant dog. As with other double-coated breeds, they will blow their coat twice per year, in preparation for the warmer and colder seasons. Outside of these prime shedding seasons, a significant amount of dead hairs are trapped within the Newfoundland's thick layers.

Training: Newfoundlands have above-average working intelligence, and training should begin with puppies. Though they're quick learners and eager to please, Newfies can have a bit of a stubborn streak and are sensitive. Patience and empathy is a must when working with this gentle giant. Leash training is also very important to begin at an early age, to ensure easy, obedient walks when they're fully-grown.

Well-trained Newfoundlands excel as working dogs. They can be assigned to pulling carts, providing therapy assistance, and performing water rescues - even from helicopters.

Barking: Understanding your dog: Although Newfoundlands keep a close eye on their family and property, they aren't easily alarmed, and are not big barkers. The breed is very social, and bonds deeply with its family. If they become very lonely, chronic barking can develop outside of the breed norm. As big dogs, they can put a lot of weight into those 'woofs', resulting in a deep and resonant bark.

Temperament & Behavior: Newfoundlands are best known for two main characteristics: their enormous size and sweet dispositions. They are loyal and loving, and thrive in the heart of family life. The breed should be obliging, willing to perform tasks on command, yet intelligent and confident enough to act independently when the situation requires it.

Although the breed is famously sweet, there are always individual exceptions. Young males in particular can be difficult to train and raise, as some have a tendency towards dominance and can be stubborn. No matter the gender, or immediate challenges, it's very important that Newfies are taught obedience and are well socialized with people and other dogs from a young age.

Behavior with kids: Most Newfies love to play patiently with children. Their protective and nurturing instincts are so strong they're often referred to as 'nannies'. As with any dog, be sure to supervise your Newfoundland around unfamiliar kids and adults.

Protection: As a huge, powerful breed, Newfies look imposing. Although not typically aggressive, they are watchful and protective of their family, especially children.

Here is the completed Breed Care section for the Newfoundland:

HOW TO CARE INTRO

title: How to Care for a Newfoundland

description: Bringing a Newfoundland into your home means committing to a lifestyle that balances their moderate exercise needs with intensive grooming, early training, attentive health monitoring, and a nutrition plan suited to their giant size.

BREED CARE ACCORDION

GROOMING icon: grooming.svg

Coat & Grooming: Newfoundlands have a super thick, long, oily double coat that enables them to withstand frigid water temperatures and break through ice. While their coat is nearly impervious to water, it's a magnet for burrs, mud and other debris. They need to be brushed multiple times per week, otherwise their dense coat is at risk for uncomfortable matting and dread locks. Additionally, Newfoundlands are notorious droolers. A drool towel is a must-have accessory.

Coat length: Long

Grooming: Frequent

Shedding: Newfoundlands generally do not shed excessively, but their regular shedding may be more noticeable because of the sheer volume of fur on this giant dog. As with other double-coated breeds, they will blow their coat twice per year, in preparation for the warmer and colder seasons. Outside of these prime shedding seasons, a significant amount of dead hairs are trapped within the Newfoundland's thick layers.

TRAINING & BEHAVIOR icon: training.svg

Training: Newfoundlands have above-average working intelligence, and training should begin with puppies. Though they're quick learners and eager to please, Newfies can have a bit of a stubborn streak and are sensitive. Patience and empathy is a must when working with this gentle giant. Leash training is also very important to begin at an early age, to ensure easy, obedient walks when they're fully-grown.

Well-trained Newfoundlands excel as working dogs. They can be assigned to pulling carts, providing therapy assistance, and performing water rescues - even from helicopters.

Barking: Understanding your dog: Although Newfoundlands keep a close eye on their family and property, they aren't easily alarmed, and are not big barkers. The breed is very social, and bonds deeply with its family. If they become very lonely, chronic barking can develop outside of the breed norm. As big dogs, they can put a lot of weight into those 'woofs', resulting in a deep and resonant bark.

Temperament & Behavior: Newfoundlands are best known for two main characteristics: their enormous size and sweet dispositions. They are loyal and loving, and thrive in the heart of family life. The breed should be obliging, willing to perform tasks on command, yet intelligent and confident enough to act independently when the situation requires it.

Although the breed is famously sweet, there are always individual exceptions. Young males in particular can be difficult to train and raise, as some have a tendency towards dominance and can be stubborn. No matter the gender, or immediate challenges, it's very important that Newfies are taught obedience and are well socialized with people and other dogs from a young age.

Behavior with kids: Most Newfies love to play patiently with children. Their protective and nurturing instincts are so strong they're often referred to as 'nannies'. As with any dog, be sure to supervise your Newfoundland around unfamiliar kids and adults.

Protection: As a huge, powerful breed, Newfies look imposing. Although not typically aggressive, they are watchful and protective of their family, especially children.

HEALTH icon: health.svg

Life Span: On average, Newfoundlands live to be around 9-10 years old.

Inherited health issues: Many health conditions have been associated with Newfoundlands either through methods of inheritance or occurring at an increased frequency within the breed. Responsible breeders typically perform genetic screening for many of these conditions in an attempt to decrease the incidence of some health issues. These conditions may include, but are not limited to, the following: Aortic stenosis, Dilated cardiomyopathy, Congenital idiopathic megaesophagus, Cranial cruciate ligament rupture, Elbow dysplasia, Hip dysplasia, Cataracts, Ectropion, Entropion, Glaucoma, Macroblepharon, Prolapse of the gland of the third eyelid, Ectopic ureter, Cystine urolithiasis and Primary ciliary dyskinesia.

Preventive care: As a giant breed dog, Newfoundlands are more predisposed to developing an array of joint conditions, including hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and cranial cruciate ligament rupture. While there are no definitive methods to prevent these issues, keeping your Newfie at a healthy body weight is the most important way to decrease extra stress on their joints. Fish oil supplements can also be helpful to decrease the inflammation in the joints that can occur as a result of arthritis.

Even if your Newfoundland appears to be healthy at home, maintain regular wellness visits with your veterinarian to assure that there are no other subtle issues present. Heart, eye, and urinary issues occur more commonly with this breed than many others, so your veterinarian will be able to thoroughly assess these organ systems so that any problem can be approached before it becomes more severe.

Nutrition: As a giant breed dog, Newfoundlands will consume a large volume of food to maintain their nutritional needs. Since they can become couch potatoes, closely monitor your dog's weight to assure that you are feeding properly portioned meals in an attempt to maintain a healthy body weight. Consider feeding a balanced diet formulated for large breed dogs, particularly for growing puppies.

Daily Consumption: Average daily consumption for an adult Newfie is 3.5-5 cups daily

Energy Level: Enjoys some moderate exercise every now and then

Exercise: The Newfoundland possesses many charming natural traits. They're easy to house train, and friendly towards people and all kinds of other pets. They're incredibly fond of children, and vice versa. As babysitters, they're playful, patient, watchful and protective.

Although Newfoundlands are not a high-energy breed, they need frequent periods of exercise and mental stimulation to satisfy their working drive. They are excellent swimmers, and swimming is a great low-impact way to exercise growing puppies and adults. If swimming is not an option, regular walks or play time in the backyard make excellent alternatives.

Climate: The Newfoundland coat is too dense to be comfortable in hot or humid weather. They're better suited to temperate and cool climates.

Living space: Newfoundlands may be a giant breed, but they can adapt well to smaller spaces if they're given enough exercise. Generally, it's ideal to have enough room for them to romp outside and stretch their legs.