Newfies 101

Working group

Mainly kept as a very large pet today, the Newfoundland was developed as an all-around working dog in what are now the Maritime provinces of Canada. Strong and enthusiastic swimmers, they were used both to haul carts on land and pull boats and nets in from the water. While many giant breeds are not friendly to those they do not know, the Newfie considers everyone a friend.

What we love about Newfies

You'll never have a dog who loves kids more

Energy level

50% energy level

Energy level: 50% (Moderate)

Bark level

  • Very vocal
  • Talkative

Bark level: As needed. This breed only barks when necessary

Size

26 to 28 inches tall
Extra large breed size

Size: 26 to 28 inches tall. This is a X large sized Dog.

Lifespan

9 to 10 years

Lifespan: 9 to 10 years average

Weight

100 to 150 lbs

Weight: 100 to 150 lbs typical range

Energy level
Moderate (50%)
Bark level
As needed
Height
26 to 28 inches
Lifespan
9 to 10 years
Weight
100 to 150 lbs

The Newfoundland stands 26 to 28 inches tall and weighs 100 to 150 lbs. Newfoundlands have a lifespan of 9 to 10 years. They are known for a moderate (50%) energy level and a as needed bark.

Frequently Asked Questions

How big do Newfoundlands get?
Newfoundlands stand 26 to 28 inches tall and typically weigh between 100 and 150 pounds.
How long do Newfoundlands live?
The average lifespan of a Newfoundland is 9 to 10 years.
Are Newfoundlands good for first-time dog owners?
Newfoundlands have moderate energy levels and can be suitable for first-time owners who are committed to regular exercise and training.
Do Newfoundlands bark a lot?
Newfoundlands typically only bark when necessary — they are not known to be excessive barkers.

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My pet’s health plannerSM

This Newfoundland health planner outlines the most common medical conditions at each life stage — from puppy through senior — along with their relative risk levels. Understanding these risks can help owners plan preventive care and choose the right pet insurance coverage.

Mature adult Newfie

5 years to 7 years

Risk level for common Newfie conditions

Mid-life Newfoundlands should be monitored for both joint and cardiovascular health. Cruciate ligament tear (knee) and Hip dysplasia pose very high risk.

80% on risk scale
Cruciate ligament tear (knee)
Very High Risk
80% on risk scale
Hip dysplasia
Very High Risk
60% on risk scale
Gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV)
Moderate Risk

Senior Newfie

8+ years

Risk level for common Newfie conditions

Senior Newfoundlands face increased risk for serious age-related conditions. Arthritis and Hip dysplasia and Cruciate ligament tear (knee) pose very high risk.

80% on risk scale
Arthritis
Very High Risk
80% on risk scale
Hip dysplasia
Very High Risk
80% on risk scale
Cruciate ligament tear (knee)
Very High Risk

Newfie puppy

0 to 15 months

Risk level for common Newfie conditions

Newfoundland puppies are most vulnerable during this early stage. Urinary tract infection and Gastroenteritis are at high risk.

70% on risk scale
Urinary tract infection
High Risk
70% on risk scale
Gastroenteritis
High Risk
60% on risk scale
Ear infection
Moderate Risk

Young adult Newfie

16 months to 4 years

Risk level for common Newfie conditions

As Newfoundlands grow into young adults, orthopedic and injury risks become more relevant. Gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV) and Hip dysplasia pose very high risk. Cruciate ligament tear (knee) is at high risk.

80% on risk scale
Gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV)
Very High Risk
80% on risk scale
Hip dysplasia
Very High Risk
70% on risk scale
Cruciate ligament tear (knee)
High Risk

Mature adult Newfie

5 years to 7 years

Risk level for common Newfie conditions

Mid-life Newfoundlands should be monitored for both joint and cardiovascular health. Cruciate ligament tear (knee) and Hip dysplasia pose very high risk.

80% on risk scale
Cruciate ligament tear (knee)
Very High Risk
80% on risk scale
Hip dysplasia
Very High Risk
60% on risk scale
Gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV)
Moderate Risk

Senior Newfie

8+ years

Risk level for common Newfie conditions

Senior Newfoundlands face increased risk for serious age-related conditions. Arthritis and Hip dysplasia and Cruciate ligament tear (knee) pose very high risk.

80% on risk scale
Arthritis
Very High Risk
80% on risk scale
Hip dysplasia
Very High Risk
80% on risk scale
Cruciate ligament tear (knee)
Very High Risk

Newfie puppy

0 to 15 months

Risk level for common Newfie conditions

Newfoundland puppies are most vulnerable during this early stage. Urinary tract infection and Gastroenteritis are at high risk.

70% on risk scale
Urinary tract infection
High Risk
70% on risk scale
Gastroenteritis
High Risk
60% on risk scale
Ear infection
Moderate Risk

Young adult Newfie

16 months to 4 years

Risk level for common Newfie conditions

As Newfoundlands grow into young adults, orthopedic and injury risks become more relevant. Gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV) and Hip dysplasia pose very high risk. Cruciate ligament tear (knee) is at high risk.

80% on risk scale
Gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV)
Very High Risk
80% on risk scale
Hip dysplasia
Very High Risk
70% on risk scale
Cruciate ligament tear (knee)
High Risk
Newfoundland standing — health planner for puppies through senior dogs

Nationwide can help you save on your Newfoundland's health care no matter what lifestage they’re in.

Puppy (0 to 15 months)
Urinary tract infection: High Risk, Gastroenteritis: High Risk, Ear infection: Moderate Risk
Young Adult (16 months to 4 years)
Gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV): Very High Risk, Hip dysplasia: Very High Risk, Cruciate ligament tear (knee): High Risk
Mature Adult (5 years to 7 years)
Cruciate ligament tear (knee): Very High Risk, Hip dysplasia: Very High Risk, Gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV): Moderate Risk
Senior (8+ years)
Arthritis: Very High Risk, Hip dysplasia: Very High Risk, Cruciate ligament tear (knee): Very High Risk
Newfoundland introduction

Nana, the dog in "Peter Pan," is based on Sir J.M. Barrie's Newfoundland, who had the black-and-white markings known as "Landseer," after the painter Sir Edwin Landseer.

Newfoundland coat care and colors

The Newfoundland isn't the easiest dog to keep well-groomed, thanks not only to their size and dense double coat but also to their love of water and tendency to drool. Keep a towel around for the drool and the damp, and acclimate these gentle giants to nail trims as young as possible.

Newfie exercise & training

Exercise level

Exercise level

The Newfoundland would rather swim than walk, and some still work in open-water rescue. If they've no access to swimming, regular walks will suit them fine.

Trainability

Trainability

This massive breed loves people and is generally happy to do as requested. Positive reinforcement training works best because they want to please. As with all giant breeds, the Newfie does best with early training, otherwise, you may be pulled down by a dog who may outweigh you.

Newfie fun facts

Top girl names for Newfies

100%

of Newfies are female

0%

of Newfies are male

Top boy names for Newfies

Nationwide loves Newfoundlands of every name, from Aaron to Zog the Destroyer

Explore pet insurance
Newfoundland gender distribution
GenderPercentage
Male0%
Female100%

Among Newfoundlands insured by Nationwide, 0% are male and 100% are female.

Newfoundland statistics: Gender ratio is 0% male and 100% female.

Other breeds like Newfies

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