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
History
The Newfoundland's story begins on the rugged, windswept island of Newfoundland, Canada, where these remarkable dogs earned their place in maritime history. While their exact origins remain somewhat mysterious, several theories exist about how these gentle giants came to be.
Some historians believe Newfoundlands descended from the extinct Berenbeisers, medieval European dogs that were ancestors to modern mastiffs. Swiss canine expert Albert Heim suggested they evolved from molossian dogs brought to the island by English settlers, possibly mixed with local black shepherds and Great Pyrenees.
The earliest documented references to these dogs date back to the 18th century, when they were known as "Large St. John's Dogs." Canadian fishermen quickly recognised their extraordinary swimming abilities and gentle temperament, employing them for dramatic water rescues, pulling fishing nets, and hauling heavy loads across challenging terrain.
English sailors eventually brought these remarkable dogs back to Britain, where selective breeding began in earnest. Initially, breeders favoured black and white specimens, but later focused primarily on solid black dogs. 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 breed standard was officially established in 1865, and by 1885, America had formed its first Newfoundland club. These dogs found their way into Russian aristocratic homes in the early 1900s, and later, in the 1950s, specimens from Germany were imported to the Soviet Union. Today, Newfoundlands worldwide trace their lineage back to those carefully bred English bloodlines, maintaining the same 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), commonly known as bloat. This life-threatening condition occurs when the stomach fills with gas and twists, cutting off blood supply. Symptoms include non-productive retching, a swollen abdomen, pacing, excessive drooling, and collapse. If you notice these signs, get to your nearest emergency vet immediately - time is critical. Prevention strategies include feeding smaller, frequent meals, using slow-feeder bowls, avoiding exercise around mealtimes, and considering a gastropexy procedure during desexing.
Hip and elbow dysplasia are common in Newfoundlands, where joints don't develop properly, leading to arthritis and mobility issues. Maintaining a lean body condition through proper diet and exercise helps manage these conditions. Many Australian vets recommend omega-3 supplements and low-impact exercise like swimming - perfect for our coastal lifestyle.
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, lethargy, and decreased appetite.
Cystinuria, which causes urinary stones, is another hereditary condition 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 Australian vet, maintaining appropriate weight, and choosing a reputable breeder who conducts health testing are your best strategies for ensuring a healthy, happy Newfie companion.
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
Interesting Fact
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.
Interesting Fact
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.
Interesting Fact
Most pedigreed Newfoundlands today, even those in their native Newfoundland, are descended from dogs bred in England after the breed was exported there.
Interesting Fact
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 $1,500-$3,000 for a Newfie puppy from a reputable Australian breeder, though prices vary based on bloodlines and location. Check 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.