Are Newfoundlands easy to train?

Newfoundlands have high trainability. They are known for being sweet, patient, devoted. They respond well to positive reinforcement training.

Are Newfoundlands good with children?

Newfoundlands have very high compatibility with children. As with any breed, supervision and proper introductions are recommended.

How much exercise does a Newfoundland need?

Newfoundlands have low energy levels. 30-60 minutes daily. Swimming ideal. Moderate walks; avoid overheating.

How long do Newfoundlands live?

The average lifespan of a Newfoundland is 9-10 years with proper care, nutrition, and regular veterinary check-ups.

Working group · Canada

Newfoundland

Also called Newfie, Newf.

What makes them remarkable

This fisherman’s working dog hauled gear and became famous for rescuing people from the water.

Sweet
Patient
Devoted
Gentle
Trainable

Get the app 1-to-1 training

AI-generated illustration

Size: Giant
Weight: 45 to 68 kg100 to 150 lb
Lives: 9 to 10 years
Energy: Low
Trains: High
Barks: Low

Training

Training a Newfoundland

Working breeds. Calm structure beats force every time. These dogs shut down under pressure and thrive on predictability.

Excellent Trainability
Start here
One of the most trainable giant breeds. Eager to please and responsive to positive methods.
Water Work Natural
Bred for water rescue. Swimming is excellent exercise and comes naturally to them.
Drool Acceptance Required
They drool profusely, especially when excited or after drinking. Towels everywhere.

The app turns this into five to fifteen minutes a day.

Add your Newfoundland and it builds the plan around their age, where they came from and what they already know, one step at a time.

Download on theApp Store

Free to start. iPhone. No card needed.

At home

Living with one

Bred to guard, pull and rescue. Big, strong, and serious about their people and their patch.

Gets on with

ChildrenVery High
Other dogsHigh
StrangersHigh
CatsHigh

Breed averages. Early socialisation and the individual dog matter more.

Exercise: 30-60 minutes daily. Swimming ideal. Moderate walks; avoid overheating.
Grooming: Heavy maintenance. Regular brushing needed. Heavy seasonal shedding. Dries slowly after swimming.
Drool: Very High
Coat: Double coat, Flat, Water-resistant, OilyBlack, Brown, Grey, White and Black (Landseer)
In a flat: Needs more space than a flat gives.

Health

Things to ask a breeder or vet about

Hip Dysplasia
Moderate
Very common in giant breeds
Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis
Severe
Heart defect; cardiac screening essential for breeding dogs
Cystinuria
Moderate
Kidney stones; genetic test available

Where they come from

History

Developed in Newfoundland, Canada as working dogs for fishermen, hauling nets, pulling carts, and rescuing drowning victims. Famous for their lifesaving abilities; many historical accounts of Newfies rescuing people at sea.