Dog breed · Working
Newfoundland
A powerful water-rescue dog with a famously gentle disposition and a heroic swimming ability.
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Breed characteristics
- Group
- Working
- Origin
- Newfoundland, Canada
- Size
- Giant
- Weight
- 45–70 kg (100–155 lb)
- Height
- 63–74 cm
- Lifespan
- 9–11 years
- Coat
- Heavy, oily, water-resistant double coat
- Temperament
- SweetPatientCalmDevoted
History
Worked alongside fishermen hauling nets and pulling carts, and used historically for water rescue.
Appearance
Massive and heavily coated, usually black, brown, grey or Landseer black-and-white.
Exercise and activity
Moderate daily walks plus swimming, which suits the body far better than running.
Care and grooming
Brush two or three times weekly, dry thoroughly after swimming and manage drool.
Health considerations
- Subvalvular aortic stenosis
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Cystinuria
- Bloat
- Heat intolerance
Honest challenges
Before choosing a Newfoundland
- Treat the breed profile as a starting point, not a guarantee of temperament. Meet the individual and discuss its history, needs and behaviour with the rescue or responsible breeder.
- Check your routine can support the activity described here: Moderate daily walks plus swimming, which suits the body far better than running. Allow for age, weather, health and recovery rather than imposing a fixed target.
- Ask the breeder or rescue and your vet about problems reported in this breed (such as Subvalvular aortic stenosis, Hip and elbow dysplasia, Cystinuria, Bloat, Heat intolerance), which of them have recognised screening tests, and the parents' results where relevant. Screening reduces some uncertainty but cannot promise a healthy lifetime. Bloat has no screening test: learn its emergency signs and ask about prevention.
- Plan grooming, veterinary costs and care during holidays. Children and other pets still need careful introductions and supervision whatever a breed's typical rating.
Educational reference, not an individual diagnosis or a verified professional review. Read our editorial policy.
Guidance libraries and further reading
These organisations publish relevant guidance. Their links are further reading, not evidence that they have reviewed this page.
- RSPCA — animal care and welfare advice across species
- PDSA — veterinary charity pet health advice
- Dogs Trust — dog care, behaviour and welfare advice