Landseer vs Newfoundland: full comparison
| Trait | Landseer | Newfoundland |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Giant | Giant |
| Energy level | Low | Low |
| Trainability | High | High |
| Friendliness | Very High | Very High |
| Good with children | Very High | Very High |
| Grooming needs | Very High | Very High |
| Shedding | Very High | Very High |
| Barking | Low | Low |
| Protectiveness | Low | Low |
| Adaptability | Medium | Medium |
| Typical lifespan | 10 years | 9 years |
| Hypoallergenic | No | No |
Size and living space
The Landseer is a genuinely giant dog that needs a spacious home — its size alone means more room, a bigger car and higher food costs. By comparison, 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. Because they are a similar size, neither has a clear space advantage — both will suit the same kind of home.
Exercise and energy needs
The Landseer needs a modest daily walk and some light play to stay happy. The Newfoundland needs a modest daily walk and some light play to stay happy. Their exercise needs are broadly the same, so this is unlikely to be a deciding factor.
Grooming and shedding
The Landseer is a serious grooming commitment, with daily brushing and regular salon visits and sheds heavily year-round and needs frequent vacuuming to keep up. The Newfoundland is a serious grooming commitment, with daily brushing and regular salon visits and sheds heavily year-round and needs frequent vacuuming to keep up. Grooming upkeep is similar for both.
Temperament, training and family life
The Landseer is quick to learn and a pleasure to train, is generally quiet, barking only occasionally and has a reputation for being wonderfully tolerant with kids. The Newfoundland is quick to learn and a pleasure to train, is generally quiet, barking only occasionally and has a reputation for being wonderfully tolerant with kids. On guarding instinct, Landseer shows limited protectiveness and is friendly to callers, whereas Newfoundland shows limited protectiveness and is friendly to callers.
Which is better for…
- For apartment or apartment living, Landseer and Newfoundland are an even match — either can work well.
- For families with young children, Landseer and Newfoundland are an even match — either can work well.
- For first-time dog owners, Landseer and Newfoundland are an even match — either can work well.
- For being left alone during the workday, Landseer and Newfoundland are an even match — either can work well.
- For allergy sufferers, Landseer and Newfoundland are an even match — either can work well.
Which should you choose?
Choose the Landseer if you want a longer-lived breed.
Choose the Newfoundland if you simply prefer the breed — it's very closely matched with the Landseer on temperament, size and care.
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Find your perfect matchFrequently asked questions
- Is the Landseer or the Newfoundland better for families with children?
- Both the Landseer and the Newfoundland are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
- Which sheds more, the Landseer or the Newfoundland?
- The Landseer and Newfoundland shed a similar amount (very high).
- Which is easier to train, the Landseer or the Newfoundland?
- Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
- Is Landseer or Newfoundland bigger?
- Landseer and Newfoundland are a similar size (Giant).
- Which barks more, Landseer or Newfoundland?
- Both bark a similar amount (low).
- Which is better for apartment living, Landseer or Newfoundland?
- For apartment or apartment living, Landseer and Newfoundland are an even match — either can work well.