May 21, 2025, 1:38 pm | Read time: 6 minutes

Majestic in appearance, gentle in nature, and nearly unbeatable in the water—the Newfoundland is a true specialist among dog breeds. This bear-like giant with the heart of a rescuer offers not only strength, endurance, and a love for water but also remarkable family friendliness. Whether as a loyal companion, a child-friendly playmate, or a reliable water rescuer, its versatile personality makes it an exceptional presence in the canine world.

Origin

The origins of the Newfoundland trace back to the Canadian Atlantic island of Newfoundland, which gave it its name and where it originally served as a working and rescue dog for fishermen and sailors. Its ancestors were likely mixes of dogs from the native Micmac and Beothuk Indians and those brought to the island by European sailors from the 16th century onward. It was known for its ability to pull heavy nets and bring boats ashore—even in icy temperatures. The theory that large bear dogs from the Viking era also contributed to its development is now considered outdated.

As early as the 18th century, British Captain George Cartwright described the “Newfoundland Dog” as a reliable working dog. In Europe, the breed gained popularity in the 19th century, especially in Great Britain and France. In 1860, Newfoundlands were first presented at an exhibition in Birmingham. The English Kennel Club began keeping breeding records in 1875, followed by the founding of “The Newfoundland Club” in 1886—the first official breeding association. Today, England is considered the birthplace of systematic breeding, while Canada is recognized as the home of the original dogs.

Appearance & Coat

The Newfoundland is a large, massive dog with strong muscles and a harmonious build. Its head is broad and massive with a short, square muzzle, and its eyes are set wide apart, exuding gentleness. The small, triangular ears lie close to the head. Its webbed toes are characteristic, making it an excellent swimmer.

The lush coat consists of moderately long, smooth or slightly wavy outer hair and dense, soft undercoat, which is particularly thick in winter. The hair on the head, muzzle, and ears is short and fine. The front and hind legs are feathered, and the tail is strong and bushy. According to FCI standards, acceptable colors are black (preferably uniform), brown (from chocolate to bronze), and black-and-white. In the latter variant, a black head with a white blaze, a black saddle, and a black rump are especially desired. Gray color variants are not bred in Germany due to associated health risks like “Blue Dog Syndrome.”

Character & Temperament

Despite the Newfoundland’s laid-back appearance and general temperament, it is an excellent swimmer capable of purposefully and tirelessly rescuing people from drowning. Occasionally, some individuals need a bit of encouragement to get moving.

Newfoundlands are balanced, good-natured, and particularly people-oriented dogs. Their friendly nature, high threshold for stimuli, and gentle manner make them ideal family dogs. They are especially considerate and patient with children. This dog is not easily disturbed. With early socialization, they also get along well with other pets.

Their tendency to be clingy and their desire to always be near their caregivers shape their daily lives. Despite their size, they show no aggression—in fact, they rarely bark and respond to strangers with friendliness. Their independent actions and courage make them reliable protectors in dangerous situations. Their special love for water is deeply rooted, making them ideal for water rescue work. Overall, Newfoundlands are characterized by their calm, balanced temperament, intelligence, and willingness to cooperate.

Training

Training a Newfoundland requires patience, consistency, and a lot of empathy. Due to their intelligence and ability to bond, they are quite willing to learn, though they sometimes show a certain sluggishness. Motivation, loving consistency, and clear commands lead to success. The use of rewards—whether through praise, petting, or treats—supports the training.

Socialization and training should begin in puppyhood to accommodate the strength and size of the adult dog. A companion dog test is recommended to prevent later issues with dominance behavior. Attending a dog school is particularly helpful, especially for first-time dog owners.

Proper Care & Maintenance

Newfoundlands need plenty of space, a connection to nature, and regular access to water. City apartments or purely urban environments are unsuitable for this breed. Ideally, a house with a large garden in a natural setting is best. Since Newfoundlands are highly sensitive to heat, they should always have a shady retreat and, if necessary, a place to swim. Walks in all weather, opportunities to splash around, and moderate physical activity—such as in dog sports or water work—are important.

The lush coat of the Newfoundland requires extensive grooming—daily! It should be thoroughly brushed to remove loose hair, especially during shedding. Otherwise, the coat can quickly become matted. Avoid cutting or trimming to prevent damaging the coat’s structure.

Regular checks of ears, eyes, and teeth are part of basic care. Due to their connection to nature, Newfoundlands often bring moisture and dirt into the house—a fact owners should be prepared for.

Nutrition

Since Newfoundlands are prone to joint diseases, attention should be paid to a nutrient composition in their food that keeps joints and skeleton healthy. There are special food mixtures that focus on such additives. Furthermore, high-quality food is always preferable to very cheap products. These often contain grains and even sugar to artificially bulk up the food and make it more appealing to the dog. Nutrition plays a significant role in the health of Newfoundlands, and ultimately, improper nutrition can lead to higher veterinary costs for treatments. Especially with large dogs that consume a considerable amount of food, the cost factor of nutrition should be generously included in the budget from the start.

Susceptibility to Certain Diseases

Despite their robust appearance, Newfoundlands are susceptible to certain breed-specific diseases. These include hip and elbow dysplasia, cruciate ligament tears, bone cancer, dilated cardiomyopathy, and cystinuria. Other risks include eye diseases, venous disorders, and gastric torsion. A genetically controlled breeding program, regular veterinary check-ups, and joint-friendly upbringing (avoiding stairs) and nutrition help minimize the risk of these diseases. The average life expectancy is eight to ten years.

More on the topic

"Lassie's Unknown Relative" Smooth Collie: This Herding Dog Is Also Suitable for Beginners

Rare Hunting Dog Breed The Polish Hound Is Not a Dog for Everyone

Passionate Hunting Dog Can the German Longhaired Pointer Also Be Kept as a Family Dog?

The Newfoundland at a Glance

• Temperament: Gentle, loyal, family-friendly, calm, good with children
• Size: Males about 71 cm, females about 66 cm
• & Weight: Males up to 68 kg, females up to 54 kg
• Coat: Moderately long, water-repellent, with dense undercoat
• Colors: Black, black-and-white, brown (gray not desired)
• Care: Daily brushing required, do not cut or trim
• Special Features: Water lover, strong bond with humans, not heat-resistant