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Newfoundland
Working breed from Newfoundland, Canada
Breed overview
Reviewed · Database recordAbout the Newfoundland
The Newfoundland is a giant-sized working dog breed originating from Newfoundland, Canada. Its recognition status varies by registry. Known for a gentle, loyal, devoted, calm, and intelligent temperament, this breed has a medium-length, flat, dense coat. Energy level is moderate (3/5), trainability is high (4/5), and grooming needs are above average (4/5). Shedding is moderate (3/5). The breed is highly suitable for children (5/5) and generally compatible with other dogs (4/5), but less suited to apartment living (2/5). Adult weight is estimated between 59–68 kg for both sexes, height 71–76 cm, and lifespan 9–10 years. These figures are modelled estimates, so individual variation is expected.
Quick facts
Newfoundland at a glance
Sizegiant
Breed groupWorking
OriginNewfoundland, Canada
Lifespan9–10 years
Male weight59–68 kilogram
Female weight59–68 kilogram
Male height71–76 centimetre
Female height71–76 centimetre
Origin and history
Where the breed comes from
The Newfoundland was developed by fishermen on the island of Newfoundland, Canada. Its history is tied to water rescue, hauling nets, and cart pulling. The breed is thought to descend from indigenous water dogs and European breeds brought by fishermen. Major kennel clubs recognized the breed in the 19th century, though specific dates and details of recognition vary by registry. The breed's exact origins are not fully documented, but its working heritage is well established.
Physical characteristics
Structured dataSize, build and coat
Female
59–68 kilogramAdult weight71–76 centimetreAdult heightCoat typesMedium, Flat, DenseCoat colorsPendingRecognitionvaries by registryData methodai assisted draft
Temperament
Typical breed tendencies
Gentleloyaldevotedcalmintelligent
Breed tendencies are general guidance. Individual behavior depends on genetics, socialization, training, health and environment.
Exercise, training and maintenance
1–5 methodologyDaily care profile
Moderate compared with other breeds
Typically responsive to training
Higher coat-maintenance demand
Moderate compared with other breeds
Family suitability
Home and household fit
Supervise every dog–child interaction.
Introductions and socialization still matter.
Exercise, enrichment and noise tolerance affect fit.
Climate suitability
Modelled tendency · medium confidence
Modelled tendency · medium confidence
Modelled tendency · medium confidence
A general morphology-based tendency. Individual dogs still require shade, shelter, water, acclimation and weather-appropriate activity. Method: climate-morphology-v1.
Health overview
Veterinary sources requiredHealth considerations
No Newfoundland-specific screening programme or peer-reviewed disorder-prevalence study is currently attached to this profile. This is not evidence that the breed has no health risks. Owners should use routine preventive veterinary care and discuss screening appropriate to the individual dog's history, examination and family line.
Veterinary disclaimer: This profile is educational and does not replace examination, diagnosis or treatment by a veterinarian.
Feeding overview
Nutrition and feeding
Research in progress
Reviewed feeding guidance will appear after an approved source is imported and editorially reviewed.
Decision support
Potential advantages and challenges
Potential advantages
- Typically responsive to consistent training.Supported by trainabilityScore: 4
- Can be a strong family match when socialized and supervised.Supported by childSuitability: 5
- Commonly described as loyal.Supported by temperaments.loyal: true
Potential challenges
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Growth chart
Newfoundland puppy growth
Modeled estimates
Open interactive chart From puppy weight to adult size
Compare male and female growth, check weight by age and estimate mature size.
Adult male weight59–68 kilogramAdult female weight59–68 kilogramGrowth modeladult-range-size-model-v1
Preview only. Open the complete chart to adjust age, current weight and measurement units.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions
What is the size and lifespan of a Newfoundland?
Newfoundlands are giant dogs. Estimated adult weight is 59–68 kg for both males and females, and height is 71–76 cm. Estimated lifespan is 9–10 years. These are modelled estimates, so individual dogs may vary.
What is the temperament of a Newfoundland?
The breed is described as gentle, loyal, devoted, calm, and intelligent. However, individual temperaments can vary, and not every dog will display all these traits consistently.
How much exercise does a Newfoundland need?
Energy level is rated 3 out of 5, indicating moderate exercise needs. Regular daily activity is recommended, but the breed is not hyperactive.
What are the grooming requirements?
Grooming score is 4 out of 5, meaning above-average maintenance. The medium-length, flat, dense coat requires regular brushing to manage shedding (rated 3/5) and keep the coat healthy.
Is a Newfoundland good for families with children?
Child suitability is rated 5 out of 5, indicating high compatibility. However, supervision is always recommended due to the breed's large size.
Can a Newfoundland live in an apartment?
Apartment suitability is rated 2 out of 5, suggesting it is not ideal. The breed's large size and moderate energy level make a house with space more appropriate.
Where does the Newfoundland originate from?
The breed originates from Newfoundland, Canada. It was developed by fishermen for water rescue, hauling nets, and cart pulling.
Data transparency
✓ Published · VerifiedSources and review status
APIThe Dog API ↗The Dog API Terms of Service (effective 2023-07-01)
VETERINARY SOURCEWSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines and Toolkit ↗Copyright; factual citation and original summary only
Image source: The Dog API. Last reviewed 7/20/2026.