LargeCanada

Newfoundland

"The Newfoundland is a grand, gentle water rescuer from Canada, cherished for its calm nature and profound loyalty as a quintessential family companion."

Your Height:

180 cm

Shoulder Height: 73 cm

Age8-10 years

Average life expectancy with species-appropriate husbandry and good health.

Height

Shoulder Height: 70-76cmHead Height: ~90cm (est.)

The standard size measured from the ground to the highest point of the shoulder (withers).

Weight65-80 kg

Ideal body weight for a healthy, adult breed.

Cost/Month€130+

The sum of food, insurance, and basic care per month.

Character Profile

Activity Level

A measure of the daily urge to move and the necessary mental stimulation.

A rather calm and relaxed companion that enjoys leisurely walks and swimming, but is not high-energy.

Trainability

The willingness of the breed to cooperate with humans and learn commands quickly.

He is intelligent and eager to please, making training relatively easy with gentle and consistent guidance.

Family Friendliness

Describes patience and adaptability when dealing with children and family bustle.

Known as a 'Nanny Dog' – extremely patient, gentle, and particularly affectionate with children.

Sociability

Behavior towards strangers and other dogs/pets.

A very peaceful giant who generally gets along excellently with other dogs and pets.

Beginner Friendly

Indicates how well the breed is suited for first-time owners without much experience.

His gentle nature is great for beginners, but the sheer size and high maintenance costs are demanding.

Apartment Friendly

Considers barking behavior, space requirements, and the general need for rest indoors.

Absolutely unsuitable for apartments due to his enormous physical size and weight.

Grooming Effort

Time required for brushing, bathing, and nail care. Long-haired breeds often need daily care.

The dense, water-resistant coat with plenty of undercoat requires almost daily brushing to prevent matting.

Shedding

How much loose hair the breed loses in the house. Important for allergy sufferers and cleaning effort.

Sheds year-round and tends to drool, which significantly increases the cleaning effort in the home.

Did you know?

Keeping a pet of this size costs over 80€ per month on average. Plan your finances wisely.

Character & Training

The Newfoundland is the quintessential 'gentle giant,' characterized by stoic composure and a peaceful soul. Despite its massive size, this breed is remarkably sensitive and empathetic. While training requires consistent and patient leadership, the breed’s inherent intelligence and eagerness to please make it highly capable. Harsh methods should be strictly avoided; instead, focus on positive reinforcement to nurture its loyal heart and cooperative spirit during daily interaction.

Living & Exercise

Life in a small apartment is unsuitable for this grand canine; a spacious home with a fenced garden is essential. Being natural-born swimmers, proximity to bodies of water is a significant advantage for their physical and mental health. They are not built for high-intensity sports, especially in humidity, but they enjoy long, leisurely strolls. Most importantly, they crave human companionship and should never be isolated from the heart of family life.

Health & Grooming

Their dense, water-resistant double coat demands daily brushing to prevent matting and manage heavy shedding. As with many giant breeds, they are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, as well as certain cardiac issues. Their deep chests also put them at risk for gastric torsion, requiring careful meal management and rest. Owners must provide cool environments during summer, as their thick fur makes them highly susceptible to dangerous overheating.

History

Originating from the island of Newfoundland, Canada, these dogs were indispensable partners to local fishermen, pulling heavy nets and rescuing sailors from freezing waters. This maritime heritage is reflected in physical traits like their webbed feet. Since their introduction to Europe in the 18th century, they have transitioned from hardworking utility dogs to beloved family protectors and world-renowned water rescue specialists.

Similar Breeds

Based on character, activity level, and grooming needs – not by appearance.