Do Newfoundland dogs drool a lot?

Yes, they are one of the heaviest droolers. Loose jowls trap saliva, and when they shake their heads, slobber can reach ceilings, walls, and guests. This is non-negotiable - if you're house-proud, this breed isn't for you.

Are Newfoundlands good apartment dogs?

Generally no. While they're calm indoors, their giant size makes tight spaces and elevators difficult. Many landlords ban dogs over 50-75lbs, and they need immediate outdoor access for potty training and cooling off.

How much exercise does a Newfoundland need?

Moderate: 30-60 minutes of walking or swimming daily. Swimming is ideal (low impact on joints). Avoid high-impact running on pavement, especially before age 2 when joints are developing.

What is the life expectancy of a Newfoundland?

9-10 years. They are a short-lived giant breed. The combination of cardiac issues and orthopedic problems tends to limit their lifespan.

Are Newfoundlands easy to train?

Yes, they're eager to please with high biddability, but they can be slow to respond ('Newfie time'). Positive reinforcement is the only viable method - you cannot physically force a 150lb dog. Start training early while they're still manageable.

Do Newfoundlands shed heavily?

Yes. They shed year-round and 'blow coat' (heavy shedding) twice a year in spring and fall. During coat blow, you'll fill trash bags with fur. Their oily coat also leaves residue on walls and furniture.

Are Newfoundlands good with children?

Yes, they're famous 'nanny dogs' with patient, gentle temperaments. However, supervision is required during the adolescent 'bulldozer phase' (6-18 months) when they accidentally knock over small children due to lack of body awareness.

How much does a Newfoundland cost?

Puppies cost $2,000-5,000 from health-tested breeders. Annual care typically exceeds $3,000 due to $100-150/month food, $100-250/month insurance, and medications priced by weight (2-3x more than medium dogs).

Can Newfoundlands live in hot weather?

They struggle significantly. Their heavy, water-resistant double coat makes them extremely susceptible to heatstroke above 21°C (70°F). AC is mandatory in summer, and walks should only be early morning or late evening.

Are Newfoundlands hypoallergenic?

No. They produce high amounts of dander and saliva allergens. Combined with heavy shedding and slobber, they're one of the worst breeds for allergy sufferers.

Newfoundland Dog Breed: Temperament, Care & Facts | Dogfluence

Working

Size

Giant

Over 45kg

Grooming

High Maintenance

Daily grooming

Family

Great with Kids

Patient & gentle nature

Family-friendly

The Honest Truth

Before you fall in love, know what you're getting into.

DealbreakerVelcro-Level Separation Anxiety

Newfoundlands were bred to work closely with fishermen and do not tolerate isolation well. A 150lb dog with separation anxiety can destroy drywall, doors, and furniture in minutes. They need someone home most of the time.

DealbreakerThe Slobber Reality

This is non-negotiable. Loose jowls trap saliva - when they shake their heads, 'slobber strings' reach ceilings, walls, and guests. If you're house-proud or easily grossed out, this breed is incompatible with your lifestyle.

ChallengeAdolescent Bulldozer Phase

Between 6-18 months, they're large, clumsy, and energetic with no body awareness. They accidentally injure children or elderly owners simply by bumping into them. A puppy growing 10lbs/month is logistically immense.

DealbreakerGiant Breed Financial Burden

Everything costs 2-3x more: $100-150/month food, $100-250/month insurance, medications priced by weight. If a $3,000 vet bill is a disaster, do not get this breed.

Health Overview

View full health guide →

Erkrankung % der Rasse betroffen

Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis (SAS)Very High

Hip Dysplasia25.2%

Elbow DysplasiaHigh

Ask breeder for:

Cardiac (Cardiologist Echo) - CHIC requiredHips (OFA or PennHIP) - CHIC requiredElbows X-rays - CHIC requiredCystinuria DNA test - CHIC required

Ownership Costs

View full breakdown →

Initial Cost

$2,000-5,000

BudgetAveragePremium

Monthly Cost

$250-500

LowModerateHigh

Estimated Yearly Cost

$3,000-6,000

Includes food, insurance, vet visits, grooming, and supplies

Living Situation

Apartment Living

Poor - giant size makes tight spaces and elevators difficult. They need immediate outdoor access.

Work From Home

Excellent - quiet, calm, happy to sleep under desk (if they fit). They're cooperative workers who like being near people.

Alone Time

Low - 4 hours maximum. Pack-oriented dogs with separation anxiety tendency.

First-Time Owner

Good choice for beginners

With Other Pets

Dogs

Generally friendly

Cats

High safety - one of the safest giant breeds for multi-pet homes. Drive is 'chase to play' not 'chase to kill.'

Small Mammals

Generally safe, but supervise due to size difference

Birds & Reptiles

Generally safe with livestock but may accidentally squash chickens trying to play

Climate & Seasonal Care

Heat Tolerance 1/5

Cold Tolerance 5/5

Winter Needs

No gear needed

Summer Care

Limit exercise in heat

Seasonal Shedding

High

Winter: They thrive in snow and freezing water - no gear needed. They will lie in snowbanks happily. Summer: DANGER ZONE - prone to heatstroke above 21°C (70°F). Walks must be short and cool. Pavement tests mandatory. AC is not optional.

Breed Origins

Origin

Newfoundland, Canada - bred for immense strength, water-resistant coat, webbed feet, and gentle disposition

Original Purpose

Hauling fishing nets in freezing North Atlantic waters and pulling carts of catch - the 'St. Bernard of the Water'

Field/Working Lines

Working lines may be slightly leaner with less exaggerated coat, prioritizing swimming ability

Show/Conformation Lines

Heavier bone and more profuse coats. Landseer (black/white) sometimes considered separate breed in Europe (FCI), slightly more active than solid blacks.

Living With a Newfoundland

Odor Level

Strong

Coat Feel

Coarse/Oily - not silky. Feels slightly greasy (protective lanolin-like oils). Leaves residue on walls and furniture.

Surrender Risk: Medium

'He got too big' - owners underestimate reality of 150lb dog in a hallway
Medical costs - giant breed vet bills are shocking to unprepared owners
Grooming/mess - drool and hair become unmanageable for some

Exercise Menu

30-60 min/day

Physical

30 minutes

Mental

20 minutes

Swimming15-30 min

The ultimate low-impact exercise - they were bred for this. Best option for joint health.

Slow Walks20-30 min

On soft surfaces (grass/dirt) - avoid pavement especially before age 2

Draft Work15-20 min

Pulling carts - taps into their heritage and provides mental fulfillment

Water Rescue Training20-30 min

Channel their natural instincts - they need a job to feel fulfilled

AVOID: Jogging/running on pavement (especially before 2 years old), high-impact jumping, any strenuous activity in heat above 70°F. They are 'weekend warriors' who can relax but need steady activity to prevent obesity.

Life Stages

Puppy0-24 months

Temperamentally sweet but logistically immense. Puppy grows 10lbs/month. 'Land shark' biting on a giant breed HURTS. Joint protection is demanding - no stairs, no jumping until 2 years. Must solidify leash manners before they reach 50lbs.

Adolescent6-18 months

Peak energy age: 1-3 years

Adult2-7 years

Prime years - energy stabilizes but remains active

Senior7+ years

Decline can be rapid. Be prepared to assist a 150lb dog who cannot stand up - harnesses and ramps become daily tools. Quality of life decisions are complex due to physical impossibility of managing an immobile giant dog.

First Year Reality Check

6/10

Puppy Difficulty

Easy

House Training

Medium

Crate Training Success

6-18

Destructive Phase (months)

This breed commonly experiences adolescent regression - training may temporarily regress around 6-18 months

Travel & Adventure

Car Travel

Good

Hiking Companion

Camping

Suitable

Beach Friendly

Yes

Cabin Eligible

Too large

Hotel Friendly

May exceed limits

Need large SUV or minivan - don't fit in sedans. Ramps necessary to protect joints when entering/exiting. Good for flat, cool hikes - not suitable for steep scrambles or hot days. Ultimate swimming companion (5/5).

Safety & Containment

Dog Park

Suitable

Off-Leash

Reliable

Escape Risk

Low

Min Fence Height

5 feet

Resource Guarding

Low

Small Animal Safe

Yes

Not jumpers but can lean through weak fences. Generally good recall but water can override training - they WILL enter any body of water including mud puddles and decorative ponds.

Breeding Information

Avg Litter Size

(range: 6-10)

Low

C-Section Rate

Medium

Whelping Difficulty

Low

Puppy Mortality

Special Abilities

Therapy Dog Potential Deep Pressure Therapy

Training Guide

Recommended Method

Positive reinforcement ONLY - you cannot physically force a 150lb dog to comply

Learning Speed

5-15 repetitions

Training Tips

Start training early while they're still manageable size
Use social connection and food as motivators
Harsh methods cause them to shut down completely
Be consistent - a giant dog that ignores commands is dangerous

Common Challenges

Inconsistency - if they learn they can ignore a command once, they will persist
Physical strength - must solidify leash manners before they reach 50lbs
'Newfie time' - they assess before acting, not robotic like Malinois

Health Warning: Bloat Risk

Newfoundlands are a deep-chested breed at HIGH risk for Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV/Bloat), a life-threatening emergency.

Prevention: Massive weight (up to 80kg) puts immense strain on joints. Slippery floors (tile/hardwood) are dangerous - rugs are MANDATORY to prevent splaying and CCL ligament tears. Consider gastropexy surgery to reduce bloat risk.

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Care Tips for Newfoundlands

Tip #1

Provide 30-60 minutes of daily exercise including swimming (low impact on joints) and walks on soft surfaces - avoid high-impact activities before age 2.

Tip #2

Brush thoroughly at least 2-3 times weekly using line brushing technique to prevent matting close to skin. Professional grooming every 6-8 weeks unless you're highly skilled.

Tip #3

AC is mandatory in summer - they cannot cool themselves efficiently. Walk only in early morning/late evening when temps exceed 21°C (70°F).

Tip #4

Budget for the 'Giant Breed Tax': $3,000+ annual costs including $100-150/month food, $100-250/month insurance, and medications at 2-3x the price of medium dogs.

Breed Characteristics

Trainability

Patient Training

Energy Level

Balanced

Grooming Needs

High Maintenance

Size

Giant

Hypoallergenic

Apartment

Not Ideal

Kids

Great

Weight

Over 45kg

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