Newfies 101

Working group

Mainly kept as a very large pet today, the Newfoundland was developed as an all-around working dog in what are now the Maritime provinces of Canada. Strong and enthusiastic swimmers, they were used both to haul carts on land and pull boats and nets in from the water. While many giant breeds are not friendly to those they do not know, the Newfie considers everyone a friend.

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Energy level
Energy LevelEnergy Level
Bark level
  • bark-very-vocalVery vocal
  • bark-talkativeTalkative
  • bark-as-neededAs needed
Size
26 to 28 inches tall
Group Size X large
Lifespan
9 to 10 years
020
Weight
100 to 150 lbs
0150

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Mature adult Newfie

5 years to 7 years

Risk level for common Newfie conditions

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Cruciate ligament tear (knee)

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Hip dysplasia

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Gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV)

Senior Newfie

8+ years

Risk level for common Newfie conditions

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Arthritis

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Hip dysplasia

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Cruciate ligament tear (knee)

Newfie puppy

0 to 15 months

Risk level for common Newfie conditions

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Urinary tract infection

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Gastroenteritis

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Ear infection

Young adult Newfie

16 months to 4 years

Risk level for common Newfie conditions

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Gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV)

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Hip dysplasia

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Cruciate ligament tear (knee)

Mature adult Newfie

5 years to 7 years

Risk level for common Newfie conditions

risk-level-bar

Cruciate ligament tear (knee)

risk-level-bar

Hip dysplasia

risk-level-bar

Gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV)

Senior Newfie

8+ years

Risk level for common Newfie conditions

risk-level-bar

Arthritis

risk-level-bar

Hip dysplasia

risk-level-bar

Cruciate ligament tear (knee)

Newfie puppy

0 to 15 months

Risk level for common Newfie conditions

risk-level-bar

Urinary tract infection

risk-level-bar

Gastroenteritis

risk-level-bar

Ear infection

Young adult Newfie

16 months to 4 years

Risk level for common Newfie conditions

risk-level-bar

Gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV)

risk-level-bar

Hip dysplasia

risk-level-bar

Cruciate ligament tear (knee)

Newfoundland image

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Newfoundland introduction

Nana, the dog in "Peter Pan," is based on Sir J.M. Barrie's Newfoundland, who had the black-and-white markings known as "Landseer," after the painter Sir Edwin Landseer.

Newfoundland coat care and colors

The Newfoundland isn't the easiest dog to keep well-groomed, thanks not only to their size and dense double coat but also to their love of water and tendency to drool. Keep a towel around for the drool and the damp, and acclimate these gentle giants to nail trims as young as possible.

How often does my Newfoundland need to be groomed?

Newfoundlands require bathing as needed, regular nail trimming or grinding and weekly combing and brushing down to the skin to remove debris and prevent mats. However, you may need to keep a towel handy to clean up any drool!

What type of brush is best for Newfoundlands?

To groom a Newfoundland, you'll need a wide-toothed metal comb, a metal pin brush, a slicker and a coat rake for heavy shedding periods.

What kind of coat does my Newfoundland have?

The Newfoundland has a water-resistant double coat.

Newfie exercise & training

Loves walks

Exercise level

The Newfoundland would rather swim than walk, and some still work in open-water rescue. If they've no access to swimming, regular walks will suit them fine.

Class clown

Trainability

This massive breed loves people and is generally happy to do as requested. Positive reinforcement training works best because they want to please. As with all giant breeds, the Newfie does best with early training, otherwise, you may be pulled down by a dog who may outweigh you.

Newfie fun facts

Top girl names for Newfies

100%

of Newfies are female

0%

of Newfies are male

Top boy names for Newfies

Nationwide loves Newfoundlands of every name, from Aaron to Zog the Destroyer

Other breeds like Newfies

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