Newfoundlands were bred on the rugged coasts of Newfoundland to haul nets, move timber and save lives in icy waters. Picture a lifeguard in a bear suit, with a soft spot for kids and a love of a good paddle.
Start by taking the Which Dog Breed is Best for Me? Quiz to see if this gentle giant fits your life.
Exercise
Despite their sheer size, Newfoundlands don’t need hours of high-octane exercise. They thrive on steady, sensible activity and anything involving water.
- One good daily walk plus playtime is usually enough
- Swimming is their happy place; snow romps are a bonus
- They are far too large for a flat; a home with a garden or easy access to the countryside suits best
- Not ideal jogging partners; they prefer a relaxed plod to a sprint
Owner insight: Many owners say their Newfie will happily swim until you get tired, not them.
Pickles’ Aside: I’ll fetch the towel. You bring the snacks.
Temperament
True gentle giants, Newfies are affectionate, patient and deeply loyal. They’re famously kind with children, though their bulk means little ones can be toppled by accident, so supervise play.
- Devoted family dogs with a protective streak
- Playful and calm, brilliant with older kids’ games
- Hate being left alone for long periods and can develop separation anxiety
- Best for households where someone is around most days
Owner anecdote: One Newfie parent joked, “My dog thinks he’s a lapdog — pity he weighs more than my teenager.”
Training
Intelligent and eager to please, Newfoundlands respond beautifully to kind, consistent training. Food motivation helps, but so do praise and cuddles.
- Start manners early due to their size and strength
- Keep sessions short, upbeat and varied
- Reward the behaviours you like; ignore or redirect the rest
- Avoid harsh methods; they shut down under pressure
For tailored guidance, try the AI Dog Trainer, which provides step-by-step plans that keep training fun.
Owner insight: Many say recall can be slow… unless you have treats in hand. Then they’re Olympic sprinters.
Strangers / Watchdog Potential
Most Newfies are calm and polite with visitors. They’ll let you know when someone’s at the door, then usually switch to friendly host mode. They’re more watchdog than guard dog.
Owner insight: Expect a deep bark that sounds impressive, but tails that wag just as hard.
Other Animals
Generally sociable, Newfoundlands can live happily with other pets, but thoughtful introductions are key.
- Often best as the only dog in the home; avoid two males together
- Cats can be fine if raised alongside them
- Outdoors, many will cheerfully chase unfamiliar neighbourhood cats
Grooming
That famous double coat is thick, water-resistant and, yes, a shed-machine. Expect seasonal coat “blows” when hair comes out by the bucket.
- Heavy shedders; plan for hair on… everything
- Full coat blow 1–3 times a year, often lasting around three weeks
- Brush at least weekly, daily during shedding seasons
- Keep an eye on ears, and be prepared for drool cloths near water bowls
Owner anecdote: “We vacuum twice a day during coat blow. Still losing.”
Pickles’ Aside: It’s not tumbleweed, it’s décor.
Health
Like many giant breeds, Newfoundlands have some issues to be aware of:
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Heart conditions such as subvalvular aortic stenosis (SAS)
- Cystinuria (a kidney stone disorder)
- Bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus) risk
- Skin and ear troubles, especially with damp coats
Choosing the right breeder matters. Use the Best in Breeder Guide to ask smart health questions and check relevant tests.
Owner insight: Newfie parents often say the biggest health battle is keeping weight down — these dogs adore food.
Cost of Ownership (UK)
Owning a Newfie is a big commitment for your wallet as well as your sofa.
- Puppy price: £1,500–£3,000
- Food: £80–£130 per month
- Insurance: £60–£120 per month (giant-breed cover)
- Routine vet care: £300–£500 per year
- Unexpected vet bills: Keep a rainy-day fund; giant breeds can mean giant costs
- Grooming: Home kit £50–£80; professional sessions £70–£120
Yearly totals:
- Budget Year: ~£2,200
- Realistic Year: ~£3,800
- Chaotic Year: £6,000+ (injuries, surgeries or emergencies)
Famous Newfoundlands
- Nana in J. M. Barrie’s Peter Pan, the iconic storybook “nanny dog”
- Seaman, the Newfoundland who accompanied the Lewis and Clark expedition
- Queen Victoria is said to have kept Newfoundlands at court
Majestic Names (to suit their regal size)
- Atlas
- Titan
- Thor
- Valkyrie
- Majesty
- Everest
Water-Inspired Names (a nod to their rescue heritage)
- Splash
- Marina
- Buoy
- River
- Drift
- Neptune
Gentle Giant Names (soft and cuddly like your sofa-hog)
- Bear
- Moose
- Snuggle
- Marmalade
- Truffle
- Cloud
Funny Names (because humour suits a drooly Newfie)
- Sir Drools-a-Lot
- Slobberchops
- Biscuit Thief
- Sofa King
- Big Paws
- Chewbacca
Classic Newfoundland Heritage Names
- St. John (after Newfoundland’s capital)
- Avalon (the peninsula)
- Terra (from Terra Nova)
- Labrador (close cousins!)
- Coddy (from the cod fishing heritage)
Can’t see one you like? Check out our Dog Name Generator
Thinking of Bringing Home a Newfoundland?
If you want a devoted family companion who’ll guard the paddling pool and your children’s hearts, the Newfoundland is a dreamboat in shaggy form.
Get organised with the New Puppy Paw-rent Planner, and once your gentle giant arrives, celebrate them with a Cartoon Pet Portrait.
Pickles’ Aside: Sofa space negotiable. Lap privileges are non‑negotiable.
Breed Stats
- Origin: Newfoundland, Canada
- Weight: 50–54 kg
- Height: 64–70 cm
- Lifespan: 8–10 years
- Best Trait: Gentle, child-friendly “nanny” nature
- Challenging Trait: Heavy shedding (and a bit of drool)