Newfoundland
紐芬蘭犬
Updated 2026-09-09
At a glance
The Newfoundland is a giant Canadian water dog — a fisherman's helper and lifesaver with webbed feet, a heavy water-resistant coat and a famously sweet, patient temperament. Newfs are gentle with children, need only moderate exercise but plenty of space, drool and shed heavily, thrive in cold and struggle in heat, and must live indoors with daily human contact.
Facts
| Size | Giant |
|---|---|
| Height | 66–71cm |
| Weight | 45–68kg |
| Life expectancy | 9–10years |
| Breed group | AKC: working FCI: 2 |
| Role | Working |
| Coat | Double coat |
| Shedding | 3/ 5 |
| Exercise | 30–90min/day |
| Can be left alone | up to 4 hours |
| Companionship need | 4/ 5 |
| Trainability | 3/ 5 |
| Barking | 1/ 5 |
| Good with children | 5/ 5 |
| Good with other dogs | 5/ 5 |
| Heat tolerance | 2/ 5 |
| Cold tolerance | 5/ 5 |
Health
This page is general information compiled from published sources. It is not veterinary, legal or purchase advice. Dogs vary within a breed — talk to a vet or a reputable breeder about the dog in front of you.
Health notes are not veterinary advice. Conditions listed are those reported for the breed, not a diagnosis of any dog. Always consult a veterinarian.
Hip dysplasia
Commonly reported in the breed; breeders screen hips by X-ray. Ask your vet about hip screening and about keeping your dog lean and fit.
Elbow dysplasia
Commonly reported in the breed; breeders screen elbows by X-ray. Ask your vet if you notice front-leg lameness, especially in a growing dog.
Inherited eye conditions
Various inherited eye conditions are reported in the breed; annual eye examinations by a veterinary ophthalmologist are recommended for breeding stock. Ask your vet about eye screening.
Heart conditions
Certain heart conditions are reported in the breed; breeders may have breeding stock examined by a veterinary cardiologist. Ask your vet about heart checks at routine visits.
Urinary stones
Urinary stones are reported in the breed; DNA tests exist for some forms. Ask your vet about diet and about any straining to urinate.
Behaviour
Gentleness and serenity
The CKC says the Newfoundland is benevolent, intelligent and dignified but capable of fun, known for gentleness and serenity — generations of children have taken their first steps holding on to one; the AKC notes the breed standard makes a sweet temperament the single most important characteristic.
Water, moderate exercise, daily contact
The AKC says Newfs need at least half an hour of moderate exercise daily and that daily human contact is absolutely essential; the CKC describes an excellent swimmer with a strong lifesaving instinct that loves the outdoors and country living, especially with access to water.
Energy and exercise
Energy level is rated 3/5 (moderate) on the AKC breed-trait chart. The Royal Kennel Club puts its exercise need at "up to 1 hour per day".
Training and barking
AKC trait chart: trainability 3/5, barking level 1/5. Individual dogs vary; early socialisation and reward-based training are recommended for every breed.
Official guidance
Summaries of official documents are ours; the source is linked. Breed standards, laws and licensing rules change — check the issuing body for the current version.
American Kennel Club — Newfoundland
Breed overview, breed-trait chart, history, official standard summary and health notes from the AKC and the national parent club.
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
Canadian Kennel Club — Newfoundland (Working Dogs)
Origin, temperament, activity level, height/weight, coat and grooming as described by the Canadian Kennel Club.
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
The Royal Kennel Club — Newfoundland
Breed characteristics (size large, exercise up to 1 hour per day, lifespan under 10 years), plus the recommended pre-breeding health schemes and DNA tests.
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
FCI nomenclature — Newfoundland (standard no. 50, group 2)
FCI breed nomenclature entry with the official breed standard PDF in English, French, German and Spanish.
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
Sources
- [1]Newfoundland — Dog Breed Information — American Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [2]Newfoundland — Choosing a Breed — Canadian Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [3]Newfoundland — Breeds A to Z — The Royal Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [4]Newfoundland — FCI standard no. 50 — Fédération Cynologique Internationale (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [5]How do I help my dog adjust to spending time alone? — The Royal Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [6]Incidence and risk factors for heat-related illness (heatstroke) in UK dogs under primary veterinary care in 2016 (Hall, Carter & O'Neill, Scientific Reports 10:9128) — Nature / Scientific Reports (Accessed 2026-09-09)
Still have questions?
Ask owners on the PawMunity forum — every breed has its own board.
Breed data compiled by PocketPaw from the sources credited on each entry. Text and layout © 2026 NextPath Solutions Limited. Please link to a page rather than copying it.