Newfoundland Dog Breed Guide

Newfoundlands are large, heavy-boned canine athletes with thick, double water-resistant coats. Their nutrition should support joint health, lean muscle, skin and coat quality, longevity and controlled growth in puppies. Choose a complete and balanced dog food that's formulated for their age and activity level, limit treats to less than 10% of daily calories and work with your veterinarian to calculate calories and adjust portions as seasons or exercise change. A healthy body condition is one of the easiest ways to help a Newfoundland have a long, healthy lifespan.

A complete and balanced dog food should contain several key nutrients to support overall health. Whole-grain or complex carbohydrates provide continuous energy, while omega-3 fatty acids support the skin, coat, brain, kidneys, and joints. In puppy growth formulas, controlled levels of calcium and phosphorus are important for healthy skeletal development. Fermentable fiber and prebiotics promote digestive health and help maintain healthy stools, and antioxidants contribute to a strong immune system and healthy aging.

Puppies: Newfoundland puppies can take up to 24 months to mature into full-grown adults. While they are growing, they require nutrition that supports healthy development of bones and joints. A complete and balanced dog food should deliver an appropriate ratio of calcium to phosphorous, both of which are needed to support slow and steady growth and development.

Talk to your vet about when to switch a young Newfoundland to an adult formula.

Adults: Adult Newfoundlands do best with a nutrition routine that provides all essential nutrients while keeping body weight stable. Choose a complete and balanced dog food to maintain lean muscle and a healthy metabolism.

Seniors: Providing the right nutrition can help a giant breed dog like the Newfoundland age gracefully. For dogs that are older than 6 years, choose a dog food that supports aging joints and is easy to digest.

Weight and joint support: Extra weight increases inflammation and joint stress in large and giant breeds and negatively impacts long-term health and mobility. Talk to your vet about feeding amounts and monitor your Newfoundland's body condition monthly. Limit treats to under 10% of daily calories and keep a simple, consistent feeding routine.

The Newfoundland is a gentle giant with a heart of gold who takes his job as protector seriously. Beneath all that fur is a calm, loyal dog who loves water, children and being useful.  Whether hauling, swimming or simply leaning in for a loving, drooly hug, Newfoundlands are productive, loving family companions.

Before adopting any breed of dog, it's a good idea to speak to a veterinarian to determine if their health and care needs fit with your household, budget and lifestyle. Understanding common veterinary needs can also help you decide if they are a good fit for your home.

Best for: Families with time for training, grooming and daily exercise; homes with secure outdoor space and access to water play.

Good with: Children and other dogs when properly socialized and supervised. Always monitor children around dogs.

Less suitable for: Apartments without an exercise plan, hot climates or households unable to manage the care and cost of a giant dog.

Newfoundlands have moderate exercise needs and do best with low-impact exercise, so plan for 45 to 60 minutes of daily activity, divided into physical exercise and mental enrichment. Newfoundlands are A+ water dogs, and you can really show them love with supervised swimming sessions, water retrieval games and practice with life-saving drills. Drafting sports, scent work, problem-solving games and puzzle feeders also keep their minds engaged and their bodies working in healthy ways. Due to their size and calm demeanor, Newfoundlands can also make for excellent therapy dogs. 

Because they are a giant breed, growing puppies need age-appropriate, low-impact exercise that allows their developing joints to stay safe. Avoid long runs or repetitive jumping until your veterinarian confirms growth plates have closed. Hot weather requires extra caution, since the thick coat and heavy body of a Newfoundland can easily overheat. Keep Newfoundlands inside in air conditioning on hot days and limit exercise to water activities or play only during the coolest part of the day.

Keep in mind that Newfoundlands love feeling useful, so simple tasks like carrying a backpack, tidying up toys or helping bring in groceries can boost their confidence. Just expect the occasional enthusiastic splash or dramatic shake-off as part of the experience because a Newfie will always believe wet work is the best work.

Newfoundlands are eager to please but can also be stubborn. Start early and be consistent and clear in your expectations. They respond well to positive reinforcement, treat training and multiple short sessions. Working with a trainer is recommended for best results. Early socialization and clear, consistent cues help build confidence and curb fearful behavior. Remember that Newfoundlands thrive when training taps into their natural caregiving instincts. If you ask them to “help” with tasks like carrying items or guiding you toward a target, you will likely notice that their cooperation becomes both enthusiastic and heartfelt. Valuable skills for Newfoundlands include calm greetings without jumping, walking on a loose leash without pulling, well-behaved grooming and veterinary behavior and reliable recall around water. 

To ensure the best health for your Newfoundland, partner with your vet and breeder on health screening and preventive veterinary care. Newfoundlands are generally healthy, but as a giant breed with a thick fur coat, they do require a bit more maintenance than other breeds.

Cardiac disease: Newfoundlands have an inherited risk for a heart condition called subvalvular aortic stenosis (SAS). Ask your vet about screening for this condition in young dogs.^2,3

Urinary stones: Newfoundlands are known to have a genetic mutation that causes cysteine urinary stones. DNA testing is available through most vets.⁵

Developmental joint disorders: Hip and elbow dysplasia can occur in all large-breed dogs. Help support healthy development in puppies by providing proper nutrition and moderate exercise.⁶

Ear health: Pendulous ears combined with water play can predispose Newfoundlands to external ear infections. Dry ears after swimming, inspect weekly for redness or odor and seek veterinary care if you notice anything abnormal.

Matting: The thick, dense coat of a Newfoundland can be prone to mats if not routinely cared for. 

Heat sensitivity: The thick coat of a Newfoundland traps warmth; they are not suited for warm climates. 

Regular grooming is essential to keep a Newfoundland's coat and skin healthy and comfortable. Their dense double coat should be brushed several times a week with a slicker brush. During seasonal shedding, brush daily to prevent matting. A rake or deshedding tool is helpful, and it is recommended to have them professionally groomed during shedding season. Pay extra attention to fur behind the ears, armpits and hindquarters, where knots can develop quickly. 

Bathe as needed, taking care to fully rinse and dry the thick fur so moisture or soap does not linger against the skin. Many Newfoundlands enjoy a gentle blow-dry after swimming or bathing, which helps prevent moisture from getting trapped beneath the coat. 

Check ears weekly and clean with a veterinarian-approved cleanser after water activities to reduce the risk of infection. Trim nails every three to four weeks and brush teeth daily with an enzymatic toothpaste.

If you want a calm, affectionate, bear-sized roommate who loves to swim, the Newfoundland may be perfect for you. With proper care, you will have a kindhearted guardian of your home and your heart.