FCI gives about 68 kg for males and 54 kg for females. AKC standard gives 130-150 lb (59-68 kg) for males and 100-120 lb (45-54 kg) for females. Wikipedia lists 65-80 kg for males and 55-65 kg for females. Range spans these sources.
Both FCI and AKC give an average height at the withers of 71 cm (28 in) for males and 66 cm (26 in) for females.
A big, heavy-boned, strongly muscled dog with a flat-lying, water-resistant double coat. The outer hair is fairly long, coarse and straight or slightly wavy, while the undercoat underneath is soft and thick. The face has short fine hair, the legs carry feathering and the tail is thickly furred. The feet are webbed, which helps it swim.138
Coloursblackbrown (chocolate to bronze)grey (AKC)white and black (Landseer)132
Personality what they are like
The Newfoundland's defining quality is a kind, soft temperament; its standard calls sweetness the single most important feature of the breed. It is calm, easygoing and friendly with almost everyone, including strangers, and has a long-standing reputation as a patient guardian of children. It is clever and keen to please but sensitive, so it learns best with gentle, reward-based training, and it can be a little unhurried in responding.3745
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Moderate. A daily walk or easy jog of up to about an hour suits most adults. Swimming is a favourite activity, and the breed also enjoys water rescue trials, draft (cart) work, obedience, rally, tracking and therapy work.648
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
The thick double coat sheds a fair amount and needs regular brushing: at least once or twice a week, and daily (as The Royal Kennel Club recommends) to keep it tidy, with more during seasonal shedding. Expect some drool, so a towel near the door is handy.64
Home where they are happiest
A home with room to move and ideally a large garden; The Royal Kennel Club suggests a country setting suits the breed. It is happiest in cool climates and needs shade, water and a cool resting spot in warm weather. Access to safe swimming water is a big bonus.64
Food basics what goes in the bowl
A complete, balanced diet made for giant breeds. Puppies benefit from a large-breed puppy food that keeps growth steady rather than fast. Adults should be fed to keep a lean body shape, with portions adjusted to activity.4
Company who they like around
A people-oriented family dog that wants to be part of household life. It is typically friendly with visitors and good with children, and does best with a family that includes it in daily routines rather than leaving it alone for long periods.746
The story where it all began
The breed took shape on the island of Newfoundland off Canada's east coast, where it worked alongside fishermen. Its exact roots are debated: the FCI points to local dogs mixed with mastiff-type dogs brought by Norse visitors after about 1100, later influenced by dogs of European fishermen, and notes the type was largely fixed by the time colonisation began in 1610; other writers suggest links to Great Pyrenees dogs brought by Basque fishermen. On the island, the dogs hauled nets and pulled carts of fish, logs and even mail, and pulled people from the sea. Early records describe a larger 'Greater Newfoundland' and a smaller St. John's water dog, the latter being an ancestor of modern retrievers such as the Labrador. The breed was taken to England in the 1700s, where it may have been made larger, and 19th-century paintings by Sir Edwin Landseer made the black-and-white form so famous that it now carries his name. The AKC recognised the Newfoundland in 1886, and today it still works as a water rescue dog on some European beaches and as a therapy dog.152946
Fun facts for the dinner table
1
Its feet are webbed, and together with a water-resistant coat and big lung capacity this makes it a powerful swimmer and rescuer.2
2
A Newfoundland called Seaman travelled with the Lewis and Clark expedition (1804-1806) as its only permanent non-human member, hunting squirrels and beavers and warning the party of bears and charging bison.10
3
Lord Byron wrote his poem 'Epitaph to a Dog' for his Newfoundland, Boatswain, who died in 1808, praising his 'beauty without vanity, strength without insolence'.9
4
Nana, the dog nursemaid in J. M. Barrie's 'Peter Pan', was inspired by a Newfoundland.2
5
Gander, the Newfoundland mascot of the Royal Rifles of Canada, was posthumously awarded the Dickin Medal in 2000 for carrying a thrown grenade away from wounded soldiers during the Battle of Hong Kong in December 1941.11
6
The black-and-white Landseer colour is named after the Victorian painter Sir Edwin Landseer, whose paintings made it popular.9
7
Several retriever breeds, including the Labrador (once called the 'Lesser Newfoundland'), trace ancestry back to Newfoundland-type dogs.9
8
A story holds that a Newfoundland saved Napoleon Bonaparte from drowning in 1815.5
Where the name comes from the story behind it
The breed name comes from the island of Newfoundland, now part of the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador, where the breed was developed.12
Famous ones stars of the breed
Seaman Accompanied Lewis and Clark on their 3-year expedition from the Mississippi to the Pacific and back.13
I wake slowly, blinking at the morning light. My human brings a bowl, and I wag my big tail gently. After breakfast, I waddle to the door and wait for my walk. We stroll along the lane, and I pause to greet every human with a friendly nudge. At the pond, I wade in and float like a furry boat. A child tosses a stick, and I paddle over, careful not to splash too much. Back home, I drip-dry on the grass, then lie on the cool kitchen floor, sighing with contentment.
A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.
Recognised by the official bits
FCI
Standard no. 50, Group 2 (Pinscher and Schnauzer, Molossoid and Swiss Mountain and Cattle Dogs), Section 2.2 Molossoid, mountain type; standard published 29.10.1996; country of origin Canada.1
AKC
Recognised in 1886; Working Group. Current standard approved 8 May 1990, effective 28 June 1990.14
The Royal Kennel Club
Listed in the Working group; not classed as a vulnerable native breed.6
Popularity Ranked 46th of AKC-registered breeds in 202515
The care rhythm a typical week and year
A typical home-care rhythm for a Newfoundland. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
BrushingDaily during heavy sheddingevery 3 days
Deshedding spring and autumnExtra brushing while the coat blowsevery day
Double coats insulate against cold and heat, so shaving is not recommended
Bathevery 10 weeks
Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
ExerciseAbout 45 minutes a dayevery day
Heat care summerWalk in the cool morning and eveningevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 6every year
Treats they will love homemade and simple
Simple Carrot Crunchies
Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.
You need
1 large carrot, washed and peeled
How
Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.
How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Newfoundland, and at what times?
Feed your Newfoundland at least two meals a day as an adult, and three to four smaller meals as a puppy, to keep their stomach comfortable. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests feeding at consistent times, like morning and evening, and adjusting portions to keep a lean body shape. Always follow the food label and your vet's advice for exact amounts.416Pet Wiki plan
What should a Newfoundland eat, and which foods are dangerous?
A complete, balanced diet made for giant breeds is best, with a large-breed puppy food for steady growth in puppies. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts, as well as alcohol, caffeine, and raw dough. Always avoid these and consult your vet for a safe diet plan.417Pet Wiki plan
How often should I bathe a Newfoundland?
Furry Diary's starting plan suggests bathing about every 10 weeks, but you can bathe more often if your dog gets very dirty or has skin issues. The ASPCA recommends at least once every three months. Use a gentle dog shampoo and avoid over-bathing to protect the natural oils in their double coat.18Pet Wiki plan
How often does a Newfoundland need brushing?
Brush your Newfoundland at least once or twice a week, and daily during heavy shedding seasons to keep the thick double coat tidy. Furry Diary's starting plan recommends brushing every three days, with extra daily brushing when the coat blows. This helps reduce shedding and keeps their fur healthy.64Pet Wiki plan
How do I trim a Newfoundland's nails, and how often?
Trim your Newfoundland's nails about every four weeks, or sooner if you hear them clicking on the floor. Use a dog nail clipper and cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick to avoid pain and bleeding. If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer for a demonstration.18Pet Wiki plan
How much exercise does a Newfoundland need?
A daily walk or easy jog of up to about an hour suits most adult Newfoundlands, with swimming being a favorite activity. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests about 45 minutes of exercise each day, and walking in the cool morning and evening to prevent overheating. They also enjoy activities like cart work and therapy work.64Pet Wiki plan
How do I look after a Newfoundland's teeth and ears?
Brush your Newfoundland's teeth two to three times a week, ideally daily, using a dog-safe toothpaste. Check their floppy ears weekly for moisture or dirt, and dry them gently without pushing anything into the ear canal. Regular care prevents infections and keeps them comfortable.18Pet Wiki plan
How long does a Newfoundland live?
Newfoundlands typically live between 8 and 11 years. With good care, a balanced diet, and regular vet checkups, they can enjoy a happy, healthy life. Senior years usually start around age 6, so adjust their care as they age.4526Pet Wiki plan
Is a Newfoundland good with children and other pets?
Yes, Newfoundlands are known for their kind, soft temperament and are excellent with children, often called patient guardians. They are typically friendly with other pets and strangers, making them a wonderful family dog. Always supervise interactions with very young children and other animals.3745
Can a Newfoundland be left alone?
Newfoundlands are people-oriented and prefer to be part of household life, so they do not do well when left alone for long periods. They may become anxious or destructive if isolated. It's best to have someone home most of the time or provide plenty of companionship and routine.746
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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