Apartment fit
A Newfoundland can live in an apartment only with enough space, cool indoor temperatures, elevator access, and owners who can manage giant-dog logistics.
WorkingGiant
Canada
CanadaNewfoundland
Weight
100-150 lb
Height
26-28 in
Lifespan
9-10 yrs
Coat
Double Long
The Newfoundland is a giant Canadian working dog famous for water rescue ability, a heavy double coat, gentle temperament, and strong swimming power.
Giant Canadian water working breedFamous for rescue swimming abilityHeavy shedding double coatGentle and patient family temperament
Breed Names
Official, native, and commonly used variants
Newfie
GentlePatientSweetDevotedCalmWatchful
Weight
100-150 lb
Height
26-28 in
Lifespan
9-10 yrs
Coat
Double Long
At A Glance
Daily living snapshot
A quick read on energy, upkeep, and what day-to-day life with this breed usually feels like.
Energy
Moderate
Barking
Low to Moderate
Drooling
High
Shedding
High
Grooming
5/5
First-time owner
No
Overview
The Newfoundland is a giant working breed from Canada, developed around coastal work, hauling, and water rescue. Its massive body, webbed feet, thick water-resistant coat, and steady temperament all point to a dog built for cold water and practical strength.
The AKC standard lists males around 28 inches and 130 to 150 pounds, with females around 26 inches and 100 to 120 pounds. Recognized colors include black, brown, gray, and white-and-black Landseer pattern in the AKC standard. The coat is heavy and sheds substantially, and drool is common.
A well-bred Newfoundland can be famously gentle with family, but giant size still requires training, space, grooming, and budget. Heat sensitivity, joint health, heart disease, and bloat risk should be taken seriously. The breed is best for owners who want a calm giant companion and can handle the coat, water, drool, and cost.
Temperament & Personality
GentlePatientSweetDevotedCalmWatchful
This breed tends to suit homes looking for a gentle, patient, sweet companion, with daily rhythms shaped by moderate energy, low to moderate barking, and high drooling.
Coat type
Double
Coat length
Long
Shedding
High
Colors
Black, Brown, Gray, White and Black
Lifestyle Compatibility
Family Friendly5/5
Good with Kids5/5
Good with Dogs4/5
Good with Strangers4/5
Apartment Friendly2/5
Exercise Needs3/5
Grooming Needs5/5
Trainability4/5
Good fit if you want
- A family-friendly companion
- Room for routine exercise
- Confidence handling structure and training
Plan ahead for
- 3/5 exercise needs
- high shedding and coat upkeep
- low to moderate barking in daily life
Owner Fit & Everyday Behavior
Best for
- owners prepared for giant-breed care
- families wanting a calm, gentle companion
- cool climates or homes with climate control
- people who can handle grooming, water, and drool
Not ideal for
- hot homes without cooling
- people bothered by shedding or drool
- owners unable to manage a giant dog physically
- small apartments with stairs and no space
Common challenges
- heavy shedding
- drooling
- heat sensitivity
- joint and heart health management
Barking & behavior
The breed is usually not a nuisance barker, but its size makes calm greeting and leash manners important.
Training style
Use gentle, consistent training from puppyhood. Teach manners before adult weight makes pulling or jumping dangerous.
Grooming & shedding
Expect heavy brushing, seasonal coat blow, water cleanup, and regular ear and skin checks.
Care Guide
Exercise
Adult Newfoundlands need steady moderate exercise, swimming when safe, and controlled walks. Avoid heat and protect puppies from excessive impact while growing.
Grooming
Brush the heavy double coat several times a week and daily during shedding seasons. Dry the coat carefully after swimming and check ears, skin, and feet.
Training
Start polite greetings, leash manners, water safety, and handling early. A friendly giant still needs reliable manners before it reaches adult weight.
Nutrition
Feed a large or giant-breed diet and keep body condition lean. Discuss joint health, heart screening, and bloat-risk feeding routines with a veterinarian.
Behavior & Environment
Energy level
Moderate
Barking level
Low to Moderate
Drooling level
High
Watchdog ability
3/5
Guard dog ability
2/5
Climate tolerance
Cold weather5/5
Heat tolerance1/5
Health Considerations
Common concerns to discuss with your vet and breeder.
Hip dysplasiaElbow dysplasiaSubaortic stenosisCystinuriaBloat riskHeat stress
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Newfoundland a giant breed?
Yes. Adult females are often around 100 to 120 pounds and males around 130 to 150 pounds, with some individuals larger.
Is the Newfoundland good with children?
A well-socialized Newfoundland is often gentle and patient with children, but supervision is still needed because of its size.
Does the Newfoundland shed a lot?
Yes. The heavy double coat sheds year-round and heavily during seasonal coat changes.
Does the Newfoundland drool?
Yes, drooling is common, especially after drinking, eating, exercise, or warm weather.
Can a Newfoundland live in an apartment?
Some calm adults can manage apartment life, but size, coat, drool, heat sensitivity, and elevator or stair access make it difficult.
What colors can a Newfoundland be?
AKC standard colors include black, brown, gray, and white-and-black.
What is the biggest challenge of owning a Newfoundland?
The biggest challenge is managing giant size, heavy grooming, drool, heat sensitivity, and health costs responsibly.
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