giant breed Working From Canada

Newfoundland: Personality, Size, Traits and Care Guide

Originating from Canada, the Newfoundland is a giant working breed with a story worth getting to know. Common temperament keywords include sweet, patient, and devoted, and most well-socialised dogs of this breed live up to that reputation. Historically associated with the role of a draft and lifesaving water dog, the breed still carries traits shaped by that work. Below you will find a practical breakdown of the breed's needs, suitability for different households, and frequently asked questions.

Quick facts

Group: Working
Origin: Canada
Size: Giant
Life expectancy: 9–10 years
Male height: 28–28 in
Female height: 26–26 in
Male weight: 130–150 lb
Female weight: 100–120 lb
Coat type: flat water-resistant double coat with coarse moderately long outer coat and soft dense undercoat
Colours: black, brown, gray, landseer

Trait ratings

Energy 2/5

Exercise needs 2/5

Trainability 3/5

Grooming 4/5

Shedding 4/5

Good with kids 5/5

Apartment-friendly 1/5

Barking 2/5

Ratings are 0–5 general guidance from the breed dataset. Individual dogs always vary.

Personality and temperament

Temperament keywords commonly attached to the Newfoundland include sweet, patient, devoted, and calm. Energy levels are usually low, which directly affects how much daily stimulation the dog will look for. They can be playful in the right mood, especially with familiar people. They tend to be relatively quiet by breed reputation, though individual variation always applies.

Size and appearance

Visually, the Newfoundland is a giant breed whose proportions reflect its working background. Adult males typically stand around 28–28 inches at the shoulder, with females usually a little smaller at 26–26 inches. Weight ranges sit broadly at 130–150 lb for males and 100–120 lb for females, with variation by line and conditioning. Their coat is generally described as flat water-resistant double coat with coarse moderately long outer coat and soft dense undercoat. Common coat colours include black, brown, gray, landseer.

Coat and grooming

Grooming needs are generally considerable. Expect frequent brushing, scheduled professional grooming, and routine ear, nail, and teeth care. Shedding is on the heavier side, and a robust vacuum becomes a household essential. This is a noticeably drooly breed; keep a towel handy after meals and drinks.

Exercise needs

Daily exercise needs are generally modest. Around 30–45 minutes a day of walking and play, plus indoor enrichment, tends to suit them. Mental stimulation alongside physical exercise helps keep behaviour balanced.

Training

Trainability is generally reasonably responsive. With patient, reward-based methods and consistency, most dogs of this breed progress steadily through basic and intermediate training. First-time owners can manage with research and ideally some support from a qualified trainer.

Family suitability

This breed is often considered child-friendly when raised in family environments, though all interactions between dogs and young children should be supervised. They tend to get along with other dogs given proper introductions. Most are sociable with new people and warm up quickly to visitors.

Living environment

They typically do better in homes with garden access and space to move around. Climate-wise, the breed is more sensitive to heat and benefits from shade and cool times of day and tolerates cold conditions comfortably.

Pros and cons

Often loved for

✓Often considered good with children when properly socialised
✓Tends to be sociable with new people

Worth considering

!High grooming commitment
!Sheds noticeably
!Tends to drool
!Often does better with garden access

Who this breed is best for

The Newfoundland is generally a good fit for households that can match its needs: regular grooming commitment, and ongoing time, training and care across what is typically a 10–15 year commitment. As always, individual dogs vary — meeting specific dogs and speaking to experienced owners is the best way to confirm fit.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Newfoundland a good family dog?

Many Newfoundlands are considered family-friendly, particularly when raised around respectful children. That said, individual temperaments vary and supervision around young children is always recommended.

How much exercise does a Newfoundland need?

Shorter, regular walks plus light play and enrichment usually meet the Newfoundland's daily needs.

Does a Newfoundland shed a lot?

Newfoundlands tend to shed noticeably, with heavier seasonal periods. Frequent brushing and a good vacuum cleaner help keep things under control.

Is a Newfoundland easy to train?

Training the Newfoundland is workable with patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement.

Can a Newfoundland live in an apartment?

Newfoundlands typically prefer homes with more space and ideally a garden, though motivated owners can make apartment living work with effort.

How long do Newfoundlands live?

Average life expectancy for the Newfoundland is typically around 9–10 years. Individual lifespan depends on genetics, diet, exercise, veterinary care, and chance.

A note on this information. Breed descriptions on this site are general guidance based on publicly available data and editorial review. Every dog is an individual — temperament, health and behaviour vary within any breed. Information here is not veterinary, medical or professional training advice. For health concerns, behaviour problems, or major decisions, please speak with a qualified veterinarian or certified trainer.

Reference source: AKC · Reviewed 2026-04-13