Discover Everything About Newfoundland
Learn about the breed characteristics, health, history, and find trusted breeders
At a glance
Newfoundland overview
The essentials — key facts, traits, and health priorities — before you dive deeper.
Health grade
Relative to other breeds
The Newfoundland receives a grade of C because, as a heavy giant breed, it faces several typical health challenges. Due to their high body weight, hip dysplasia (HD) and elbow dysplasia (ED) are serious risks that require strict breeding selection. Furthermore, heart conditions and hereditary cystinuria must be consistently monitored through targeted mandatory health tests.
Lifespan
8–10 yrs
Height
63–74 cm
Weight
45–70 kg
Practical
- Puppy price: 2,000 – 3,500 €
- Coat: Thick, water-repellent, with a dense undercoat
- Origin: Canada (Newfoundland)
Typical coat colors
- Black
- brown
- gray
- black
- white
Temperament
Daily life
What matters most
Especially with a Newfoundland, choosing the right breeder is the single most important decision you'll make. Serious breeders consistently test the parents for inherited conditions, prioritize healthy early socialization, and stay accountable long after handover. A cheap puppy without health screening tends to become the most expensive dog later on.
See HonestDog breeder standards →Is the Newfoundland right for you?
The Newfoundland is a deeply relaxed, extremely people-oriented giant—bred as a massive water rescue and draft dog for Canadian fishermen, capable of working with immense strength even in icy waters.
Perfect for you if:
- You have a house with a large, ground-level property—climbing stairs is impossible for this heavy build in the long run.
- You are looking for a companion for moderate, cool walks or swimming trips—as a water rescue dog, he truly thrives in and around the water.
- You want a calm, extremely tolerant family dog that takes hustle and bustle with stoic serenity.
- You have the time and patience for the extensive, regular grooming required for his dense double coat.
Less ideal if:
- You expect your family to be able to splash around in the lake undisturbed—his deeply ingrained rescue instinct will often lead him to persistently try to pull you to the shore.
- You live in a warm region without air conditioning—summer heat is the ultimate enemy for his hardware.
- You are looking for a light-footed, athletic partner for jogging or long bike rides.
- You are a neat freak—flying strings of drool and a soaking wet bear that tracks mud into the house are part of everyday life here.
The real vibes check
In everyday life, a Newfoundland is a deeply relaxed bear that stoically blocks the hallway—until you get to the water. If he decides that you need 'help' in the lake, he will pull you to the shore with the gentle, unstoppable force of a tractor, whether you like it or not. You will have to say goodbye to a spotlessly clean home, but in return, you gain a dog with a soul that is literally impossible to rattle.
Breed Profile
The Newfoundland dog is an impressive presence. Its large, strong body is covered in thick, long fur that protects it from the cold of its native Canada. Its head is broad and massive with deep-set eyes that have a warm and friendly aura. Its legs are powerful and strong, well suited for swimming - an activity that this breed is very comfortable with. It belongs to FCI Group 2, the Pinscher and Schnauzer - Molossoide "Swiss Mountain Dogs and other breeds.
| Height | 63 - 69 cm (Female), 69 - 74 cm (Male) |
| Weight | 45 - 55 kg (Female), 60 - 70 kg (Male) |
| Life Expectancy | 8 - 10 years |
| Character | Gentle, friendly, patient |
| Coat | Thick, water-repellent, with a dense undercoat |
| Coat Color | Black, brown, gray, black and white |
| Price | 2000 - 3500 € |
History
The breed, as the name suggests, comes from the island of Newfoundland in Canada. They have been kept as working dogs by the local fishermen since the 17th century. They pulled nets ashore, rescued fishermen who had fallen overboard and even retrieved drifted fish. Their swimming ability, height and strength made them perfect for these tasks. In 1886 the Newfoundland was recognized as a separate breed.
The Newfoundland was bred as a working dog for fishermen to haul in nets and rescue people who had fallen overboard.
Canada (Newfoundland)
1700
Character & Temperament
Despite their size, Newfoundlands are known for their gentle and friendly nature. They are very people-oriented and build a close bond with their family. Their patience and amiable nature make them excellent family dogs. They get along well with children and generally behave in a friendly and balanced manner towards other animals. The Newfoundland is a working dog by nature, but its temperament is rather calm and even-tempered. They have a medium activity level and require regular but not excessive exercise. Swimming is a particularly good activity for this breed because it suits their natural inclination while training their strong body. This dog can stay alone well provided it is well socialized and trained. However, he enjoys the company of his people and should not be left alone for long periods of time. When it comes to hunting behavior, the Newfoundland dog does not tend to show strong prey-catching behavior. His alertness is moderate. He will protect his home and family, but he is not an aggressive guard dog. Instead, he is more of a gentle giant who would rather make friends than make enemies. There are no differences in the Newfoundland's lines like some other breeds. All Newfoundlands, regardless of their specific pedigree, share the same basic characteristics and temperaments.
| Trainability Willing to learn with clear rules and regular training. | Balanced |
| Watchfulness Occasionally alerts but is fundamentally open. | Low |
| Openness to Strangers Neither pushily friendly nor suspicious. | Neutral |
| Hunting or Herding Drive Barely any prey drive — small animals trigger nothing. | Very low |
Fun Fact!
Despite their massive build, Newfoundlands are excellent swimmers and have historically been used as lifeguards!
What Awaits You
Newfoundlands are great swimmers and are often used in water work and also in water rescue. They are considered friendly but also stubborn and are therefore not necessarily suitable for beginners. Their life expectancy is rather low and, among other things, problems with the musculoskeletal system are very common.
Housing & Care
Newfoundlands can live in both urban and rural areas provided they have enough space to move around. They are very child-friendly and are well suited for families with children. Their gentle and calm nature also makes them good companions for other pets, including cats.
| Family Friendly Lives for its family — the born family companion. | Ideal family dog |
| Child Friendly Extraordinarily patient and loving — a true family dog. | Excellent with children |
| Dog Friendly Actively enjoys the company of other dogs. | Dog-friendly |
| City Friendly Can manage in the city, but only with very active owners. | Difficult in cities |
Owning a dog is not only a privilege, but also a responsibility. If you want to bring a dog into your life, you must be aware of the commitment that dog ownership entails!!
Training & Education
Raising a Newfoundland is usually a joyful experience as they are intelligent, eager to learn, and eager to please their owners. They respond well to positive reinforcement and gentle, consistent leadership. It's important to socialize them from a young age and get them used to different people, places and situations. This helps build their confidence and ensures they grow into well-adjusted, well-adjusted dogs. Newfoundlands are working dogs originally bred for swimming and rescue swimming. Therefore, they benefit from activities that stimulate their body and mind. This can include swimming, fetch, search games, and obedience training. They tend to have a calm and relaxed temperament and are not known for being "ball junkies." to become. Still, it's important to offer them a variety of games and activities to keep them mentally and physically healthy.
Nutrition & Care
A Newfoundland dog's diet should be balanced and nutritious, with a good balance of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals. They are prone to becoming overweight, so it is important to monitor their food intake and ensure they get enough exercise. Grooming the Newfoundland can be challenging as they have a thick, double coat that requires regular grooming. They shed quite heavily, especially during the shedding season in spring and fall. However, they are well adapted to the climate in Germany and their thick fur protects them from both the cold in winter and the heat in summer.
| Care Level Needs regular professional grooming — time-consuming and costly. | High-maintenance |
| Exercise Needs Needs 1–2 hours of real exercise daily. | Active |
| Shedding Regular shedding — dog hair on clothes is now normal. | Moderate |
| Trainability Willing to learn with clear rules and regular training. | Balanced |
This information is currently being reviewed by experts. If you discover an error, please send an email to info@honestdog.de!!
Health
Elevated risks
Health grade
The Newfoundland receives a grade of C because, as a heavy giant breed, it faces several typical health challenges. Due to their high body weight, hip dysplasia (HD) and elbow dysplasia (ED) are serious risks that require strict breeding selection. Furthermore, heart conditions and hereditary cystinuria must be consistently monitored through targeted mandatory health tests.
Grade is relative to other breeds — AI-generated by our veterinary-genetics model.
In daily life this can mean
You must strictly ensure slow growth, a healthy weight, and joint-friendly exercise to avoid overloading his skeleton, and you should plan for regular preventative check-ups.
The breeder's role
Reputable breeders have the hips, elbows, knees, and hearts of the parent animals tested and ensure well-fitting eyelids as well as bloodlines without a genetic predisposition for bladder stones.
No Health Tests Available
No specific health tests are currently available for this breed.
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Frequently asked questions about the Newfoundland
Is a Newfoundland the right dog for me?
The Newfoundland is an adaptable dog that adjusts well to various lifestyles. Research the temperament, grooming needs, and space requirements before deciding.
How long does a Newfoundland live?
The average life expectancy of a Newfoundland is 8-10 years. With proper care and regular vet visits, your dog can live a long, healthy life.
How much grooming does a Newfoundland need?
Newfoundland grooming requirements include regular brushing, nail trimming, and dental care. HonestDog provides detailed grooming tips for every breed.
Is a Newfoundland good for families with children?
The Newfoundland can be a great family dog. Proper training and socialization are key. HonestDog provides family suitability information for every breed.
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