Newfoundland characteristics
| Trait | Rating | How common |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Giant | 6% of breeds |
| Energy level | Low | — |
| Trainability | High | 30% of breeds |
| Friendliness | Very High | 22% of breeds |
| Good with children | Very High | — |
| Grooming needs | Very High | 18% of breeds |
| Shedding | Very High | 12% of breeds |
| Barking | Low | 32% of breeds |
| Protectiveness | Low | 24% of breeds |
| Adaptability | Medium | 41% of breeds |
| Typical lifespan | 9 years | — |
| Hypoallergenic | No | — |
“How common” is the share of the 321 breeds we score that sit in the same band. Ratings describe the breed, not any individual dog.
Is the Newfoundland right for you?
The Newfoundland is a genuinely giant dog that needs a spacious home — its size alone means more room, a bigger car and higher food costs. In terms of temperament, it is renowned for its patience and gentleness with children and is not especially protective and is welcoming to visitors. Day to day, the Newfoundland needs light but regular activity to stay content, which is the single biggest factor in whether it will suit your routine.
Exercise and daily routine
The Newfoundland needs light but regular activity to stay content. With low energy and medium athleticism, a consistent daily routine keeps this breed physically and mentally satisfied. Skipping exercise is the most common cause of problem behaviour, so match the Newfoundland to a lifestyle you can realistically maintain.
Grooming, shedding and upkeep
The Newfoundland demands daily coat care plus professional grooming to stay in shape and sheds heavily year-round and needs frequent vacuuming to keep up. It is not considered hypoallergenic, so allergy sufferers should spend time around the breed first. Be aware this is also a breed that drools noticeably.
Temperament and training
The Newfoundland is quick to learn and a pleasure to train and speaks up only now and then. It would rather have company and manages only brief spells alone, so plan for company or gradual alone-time training if you work away from home. Early socialization and positive, reward-based training bring out the best in this breed.
What stands out about the Newfoundland
Most breed descriptions call everything “loyal and intelligent”. These are the ratings where the Newfoundland genuinely differs from the rest of the catalogue — the things worth knowing before you commit.
- Drooling: Very high — the Newfoundland drools more than almost any breed we score — expect cloth on hand and marks on your walls. Only 3% of breeds we score share this rating.
- Prey drive: Very low — the Newfoundland has unusually little prey drive. Only 3% of breeds we score share this rating.
- Size: Giant — the Newfoundland is a giant breed, which changes the car, the vet bill and the space a dog needs. Only 6% of breeds we score share this rating.
- Energy: Low — the Newfoundland needs less exercise than most breeds. Only 11% of breeds we score share this rating.
What a week with a Newfoundland actually costs you
| Exercise | Short daily walks are enough; it will not push you for more. |
|---|---|
| Coat | Daily brushing plus regular professional grooming. Skipping it does not just look bad — coats in this class mat, and matting hurts. |
| Time alone | Wants company. Long days alone are where the problems start. |
| Noise | Quieter than most breeds. |
Where the Newfoundland fits — and where it does not
Each verdict below comes from the ratings in the table above, so you can check the reasoning rather than take it on trust.
| Household | Verdict | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Apartment living | Depends | Size alone rules out small flats, though the temperament can suit one. |
| Families with young children | Good fit | Very high child tolerance, and sociable with people generally. |
| First-time owners | Good fit | High trainability without an unusually strong will makes the learning curve forgiving. |
| Homes with cats | Good fit | Very low prey drive makes cohabitation straightforward in most cases. |
| Long working days | Depends | Low independence — this breed wants company and shows it when it does not get any. |
| Allergy households | Poor fit | Very high shedding and no low-allergen coat recorded. |
Guides the Newfoundland is ranked in
The Newfoundland earns a place on 9 of our lifestyle shortlists:
Perfect for
- Water rescue
- Gentle families
- Cold climates
- Patient owners
Things to consider
- Heavy shedding
- Extreme drooling
- Large size
Not sure which breed is right for you?
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Find your perfect matchFrequently asked questions
- Is the Newfoundland good with children?
- Yes — the Newfoundland is known for being very good with children and makes an excellent family dog.
- Does the Newfoundland shed a lot?
- The Newfoundland has very high shedding.
- How much exercise does the Newfoundland need?
- With low energy, the Newfoundland needs relatively little exercise — short daily walks are usually enough.
- How long does the Newfoundland live?
- The Newfoundland typically lives around 9 years.
- Can the Newfoundland live in an apartment?
- The Newfoundland is a larger breed and does better in a home with more space, though it can adapt with enough daily exercise.
- Is the Newfoundland easy to train?
- The Newfoundland is quick to learn and a pleasure to train. Consistency, early socialization and reward-based methods work best.
- Can the Newfoundland be left alone during the day?
- The Newfoundland would rather have company and manages only brief spells alone. Build up alone time gradually and provide enrichment to prevent boredom.