Newfoundland

Newfoundland dog

Massive Canadian water dog known for its strength, gentleness, and swimming ability.

Size Weight Height Lifespan
Giant 100 - 150 lbs 26 - 28 inches 9 - 10 years
(These are estimates and may vary.)

Origin: Canada



Own a Newfoundland? Share what activities they enjoy to help other dog owners.

Running Digging Swimming Exploring Playing with Toys Obedience Training Tracking Herding Fetch Hiking Socializing Tug Of War Frisbee Chewing Agility Training Cuddling Guarding Hunting

Know a Newfoundland? Share their personality traits to help other dog owners.

Clever Protective Affectionate Stubborn Confident Fearless Friendly Docile Energetic Calm Patient Aggressive Gentle Sociable Adaptable Playful Independent Clever Agile Loyal

May be a good fit if you:

  • Want a dog that is generally responsive to consistent, positive training.
  • Are looking for a breed that generally does well with children.
  • Want a dog that generally gets along well with other dogs.

Things to consider:

  • This breed may not do well when left alone for long periods.
  • Regular shedding means you may need to be comfortable with loose hair around the home.

The Newfoundland developed on the Canadian island of Newfoundland, where large working dogs became invaluable partners to fishermen. Their exact ancestry is debated, but by the 18th and 19th centuries Newfoundland dogs were well known for their strength, thick coats, swimming ability, and willingness to work in cold Atlantic water. Fishermen used them to retrieve objects, carry lines between boats and shore, and help haul nets and other loads. Their reputation as water rescuers grew naturally from this work. One Newfoundland named Seaman accompanied Meriwether Lewis and William Clark on their famous expedition across North America beginning in 1804, reportedly serving as a hunter and guard along the journey. The breed also became popular in Britain, where breeders helped establish the large, heavy Newfoundland familiar today. Its swimming adaptations include a powerful build and notably webbed feet. Stories of Newfoundlands rescuing people from drowning became a major part of the breed's reputation, and they are still used in organized water-rescue training today. Despite their enormous size, generations of close cooperation with fishermen helped establish the calm, people-oriented temperament for which the breed is now known.

Frequently Asked Questions About Newfoundland

The Newfoundland is not generally considered hypoallergenic. Individual allergy reactions can vary.

The Newfoundland tends to shed regularly, so loose hair and routine coat care should be expected.

The Newfoundland tends to need significant regular grooming and coat maintenance.

The Newfoundland generally has a moderate energy level.

The Newfoundland generally benefits from a moderate amount of daily exercise.

The Newfoundland is generally highly trainable and tends to respond well to consistent, positive training.

The Newfoundland generally tends to do well with children when properly socialized and supervised.

The Newfoundland generally tends to get along well with other dogs when properly socialized.

The Newfoundland is generally considered relatively approachable for first-time dog owners.

The Newfoundland may live in an apartment if its exercise, space, and enrichment needs are met.