Newfoundland
The Good
- No aggression whatsoever
- Tolerant attitude towards other pets
- Loves children of all ages
- Not afraid of strong cold weather
The Real
- Frequent grooming of their coat
- Large size requirements
- Excessive trust towards strangers
- Prone to certain health conditions
Gallery
Breed Overview
Meet the Newfoundland - affectionately known as "Newfie" or "water dog" - one of Australia's most beloved gentle giants. These magnificent dogs originated from the rugged shores of Newfoundland, Canada, where they worked alongside fishermen as water rescue specialists. Their webbed paws and thick, water-resistant double coat made them natural swimmers, capable of saving drowning sailors in frigid waters.
Weighing between 45-68 kilograms and standing up to 71 centimetres tall, Newfoundlands are truly impressive in size, yet remarkably graceful in movement. Their sweet, soulful expression perfectly captures their temperament - these dogs are renowned for having one of the most docile and friendly personalities in the canine world.
In Australian homes, Newfies adapt beautifully to family life, earning their reputation as patient "nanny dogs" for children. They're equally content living in suburban Melbourne homes or sprawling Queensland properties, though they do appreciate having space to stretch their legs. Their calm demeanour makes them surprisingly suitable for various living situations, from beachside apartments on the Gold Coast to country properties in Tasmania.
What truly sets Newfoundlands apart is their incredible devotion to their families and their instinctive desire to help others. Whether it's carrying shopping bags, pulling the kids in a cart, or simply providing comfort during tough times, these noble giants seem to understand exactly what their humans need. Just be prepared for some serious drooling and year-round shedding - it's a small price to pay for such an extraordinary companion.
History
The Newfoundland's story begins on the rugged island of Newfoundland, Canada, where these remarkable dogs earned their place in maritime history. Their exact origins are mysterious, but a few theories exist. Some believe they descended from medieval European dogs related to modern mastiffs, possibly mixed with local black shepherds and Great Pyrenees brought by settlers.
The earliest documented references to these dogs date back to the 18th century. Canadian fishermen quickly recognised their extraordinary swimming abilities and gentle temperament, employing them for water rescues, pulling fishing nets, and hauling heavy loads across challenging terrain.
English sailors brought these remarkable dogs to Britain, where selective breeding began in earnest. Initially, breeders favoured the black and white 'Landseer' specimens, but later focused primarily on the solid black dogs we know today. The breed's popularity soared in 1860s England, particularly after a Newfoundland owned by the Prince of Wales won first place at a prestigious dog show in 1864.
The first breed standard was established in 1865, and by the 1880s, clubs were forming in Britain and America. Today, most Newfoundlands worldwide trace their lineage back to those carefully bred English bloodlines, maintaining the heroic spirit that made their ancestors legendary maritime rescue dogs.
Traits & Characteristics
Newfoundland characteristics and temperament traits.
Caring Guide
Newfoundlands are generally healthy dogs, but like many large breeds, they're predisposed to certain conditions that Australian owners should be aware of. The average lifespan is 9-10 years, which is typical for giant breeds.
The most serious concern is gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), or bloat – when the stomach twists and traps air. Symptoms include retching without vomiting, a swollen abdomen, and pacing. If you notice these signs, get to your nearest emergency vet immediately. To help prevent it, feed smaller, frequent meals in a slow-feeder bowl and avoid exercise around mealtimes.
Hip and elbow dysplasia are common, where joints don't develop properly, leading to arthritis. Maintaining a lean body condition helps manage these conditions. In hot climates like Perth or Brisbane, watch for signs of heat stress on days over 30°C, such as excessive panting and lethargy, and always provide access to shade and cool water.
Osteosarcoma, an aggressive bone cancer, unfortunately affects this breed more than others. Early signs include lameness or limping, requiring prompt veterinary attention. Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) affects the heart muscle, causing symptoms like rapid breathing and lethargy.
Cystinuria, a hereditary condition causing urinary stones, is another to watch for. Responsible Australian breeders screen their breeding stock for hip and elbow dysplasia, cardiac issues, and cystinuria through DNA testing. Regular health checks with your vet and choosing a reputable breeder are your best strategies for a healthy Newfie.
Feeding a Newfoundland properly is crucial for maintaining their health and preventing serious conditions like bloat. These gentle giants have hearty appetites but slower metabolisms than smaller breeds, making portion control essential for Australian owners.
Choose high-quality commercial food that meets AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) standards, specifically formulated for large or giant breeds. These foods contain appropriate protein, fat, and carbohydrate ratios to support healthy growth in puppies and maintain adult condition. The kibble size should be around 1.5 centimetres in diameter - large enough that your Newfie actually chews rather than just swallowing.
Feed adult Newfoundlands twice daily, ideally after walks or exercise sessions. This timing reduces the risk of bloat, as exercising on a full stomach can be dangerous. Divide their daily portion into two meals rather than offering one large serving.
To prevent bloat and GDV, use slow-feeder bowls, puzzle feeders, or lick mats to encourage slower eating. Avoid raised food bowls, which may actually increase bloat risk. Never allow vigorous exercise within an hour before or after meals.
Portion sizes depend on your dog's weight, activity level, and metabolism. Working or highly active Newfies need about one-third more calories than couch potatoes. In Australia's varied climate, dogs swimming regularly at the beach or hiking in cooler regions may need increased portions, while less active suburban dogs require careful monitoring to prevent weight gain.
Always provide fresh water, especially important with dry kibble. Consult your Australian vet about the best feeding schedule and any supplements your individual Newfie might need. Remember, maintaining a lean body condition is one of the most important things you can do for your Newfoundland's long-term health and joint comfort.
That magnificent Newfoundland coat is absolutely stunning, but it comes with serious grooming commitments that Australian owners need to understand before bringing home their gentle giant.
Newfies have a double coat consisting of a coarse, water-resistant outer layer and a soft, dense undercoat that provides insulation. This combination means year-round shedding with two major "coat blowing" seasons - typically spring and autumn - when you'll find tumbleweeds of fur throughout your home. Invest in a quality vacuum cleaner; you'll become best friends!
Weekly brushing is the absolute minimum, using a slicker brush and long-toothed comb to work through the entire coat and prevent matting. During shedding seasons, daily brushing becomes necessary to manage the hair volume and keep your Newfie comfortable. Pay special attention to areas prone to matting: behind the ears, under the legs, and around the tail.
Bathing should happen roughly monthly, or after swimming sessions at Australian beaches or lakes. Use dog-specific shampoos to maintain their coat's natural water-resistant properties. Their thick coat takes ages to dry completely, so factor in drying time, especially during cooler Melbourne or Canberra winters.
Don't forget about drool management - Newfies are champion droolers! Keep towels handy and regularly wipe their mouth and chest area to prevent skin irritation and odour. Check and clean their droopy ears weekly with vet-recommended cleaners to prevent infections, particularly important in Australia's humid coastal areas.
Regular nail trims, teeth brushing, and eye cleaning complete the grooming routine. Many Australian Newfie owners find professional grooming services helpful, especially during heavy shedding periods. The grooming commitment is significant, but the reward of that beautiful, healthy coat makes it worthwhile.
Training a Newfoundland is generally a pleasure thanks to their eager-to-please attitude and high intelligence, but their size means early, consistent training is absolutely essential for Australian families.
Start training your Newfie puppy from 8-12 weeks old using positive reinforcement methods. These sensitive souls respond beautifully to gentle guidance, treats, and praise, but harsh corrections or yelling will shut them down completely. They're thinkers who need time to process commands, so patience is key - they're not being stubborn, they're being thoughtful!
Early socialisation is crucial, especially in Australia's diverse environments. Expose your puppy to beaches, shopping centres, markets, and various people to build confidence. Newfoundlands naturally love everyone, but proper socialisation ensures they're well-mannered gentle giants rather than overly enthusiastic bulldozers.
Focus on leash training early - a 68-kilogram adult pulling towards the surf at Bondi Beach isn't fun for anyone! Teach reliable recall, especially important if you're planning beach walks or bush hikes where they might encounter wildlife.
Exercise needs are moderate but consistent. These aren't marathon runners, but they need daily walks and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and maintain health. Swimming is absolutely perfect - many Australian dog beaches welcome these natural swimmers. Avoid intense exercise during hot Australian summers; early morning or evening walks work best.
Newfoundlands excel at various activities: cart pulling (popular at some Australian dog shows), agility, dock diving, and therapy work. Their working heritage means they're happiest with a job to do, whether that's carrying your beach bag or providing comfort as a therapy dog.
Remember, puppy joints are fragile - avoid stairs, jumping, and forced exercise until they're fully grown around 18-24 months.
Who is an ideal owner?
Newfoundlands make wonderful companions for specific types of Australian families and individuals who understand their unique needs and gentle nature.
These dogs are absolutely brilliant with children of all ages, earning their "nanny dog" reputation through patience and protective instincts. They're perfect for families in suburban Adelaide or Brisbane who want a calm, loving companion that doubles as a gentle guardian. However, supervision is important with toddlers - not because Newfies are aggressive, but because they're large enough to accidentally knock over small children during enthusiastic greetings.
The ideal Newfie owner has patience and consistency. These sensitive souls need a "senior partner" approach rather than a dominant leader. If you're quick-tempered or inconsistent with training, this breed isn't for you. They respond to calm, gentle guidance and can become withdrawn if treated harshly.
Space considerations matter, though they're surprisingly adaptable. While they can live in apartments, they thrive with access to yards for gentle exercise and, ideally, water for swimming. Perth families with pools or Gold Coast residents near beaches provide perfect environments.
Time commitment is significant - expect 1-2 hours daily for grooming, exercise, and companionship. These dogs don't do well left alone for long periods and can develop separation anxiety. They're perfect for retirees, work-from-home professionals, or families where someone's usually around.
Be prepared for drool, hair, and size-related challenges. Your Newfie will take up significant couch space, require larger vehicles for transport, and cost more in food, vet bills, and boarding.
They're not suitable as guard dogs - they're more likely to show burglars where you keep the good treats! If you want a gentle, devoted family member who'll love your children unconditionally and provide years of loyal companionship, a Newfoundland might be your perfect match.
Interesting facts about the Newfoundland
A White House Watchdog
James Buchanan's Newfoundland, Lara, was famous around the White House for lying motionless for hours with one eye open and one closed, always keeping watch over her owner.
Natural Water Rescuers
These dogs have such impressive lung capacity that they can swim long distances to rescue drowning victims and are strong enough to bring a full-grown person to shore.
English Breeding Origins
Most pedigreed Newfoundlands today, even those in their native Newfoundland, are descended from dogs bred in England after the breed was exported there.
Landseer's Famous Colour
The black and white colour pattern is called "Landseer" after artist Sir Edwin Landseer, who popularised this colouring in his paintings.
FAQ
A full-grown Newfoundland stands 66-71 centimetres tall and weighs 45-68 kilograms, with males being larger than females.
The average Newfoundland lifespan is 9-10 years, which is typical for giant breed dogs.
You can expect to pay between $4,000 and $6,000 AUD for a Newfie puppy from a reputable Australian breeder. Prices vary based on bloodlines and location, and this cost reflects health screening for the breed. Check with breed-specific rescues for adoption opportunities.
Absolutely! When properly socialised and trained, Newfies make excellent family pets with their gentle temperament and patient nature around kids. Just supervise interactions with very young children due to their size.
No, Newfoundlands aren't known for excessive barking. They may bark to alert you to visitors, but they're generally quiet dogs - perfect for Australian suburban living.
While possible, Newfoundlands do better with space to move around. If you're in a Sydney or Melbourne apartment, ensure you can provide adequate daily exercise and consider the logistics of managing a 68kg dog in lifts and stairs.
Their thick double coat makes them more suited to cooler climates. In hot Australian summers, especially in Queensland or Northern Territory, you'll need to provide air conditioning, avoid midday exercise, and ensure constant water access. Early morning and evening activities work best.
Weekly brushing is minimum, but daily during shedding seasons (spring and autumn). Monthly baths are sufficient unless they've been swimming. Budget for professional grooming every 6-8 weeks to keep their coat manageable.