Newfoundland Dog Guide: Weight, Temperament, Grooming and Adoption
Newfoundland dog overview
AKC places the Newfoundland in the Working Group and lists Canada as its origin.
Where the Newfoundland comes from
The UKC standard says the breed arose on the island of Newfoundland from native dogs, with other breeds brought by European fishermen helping to shape it.
How big do Newfoundland dogs get?
AKC publishes the weight of a Newfoundland dog at 130-150 pounds for males and 100-120 pounds for females. The UKC standard gives the same weight ranges for adults. For height, AKC lists an average of 28 inches for males and 26 inches for females, and AKC puts the breed in its XLarge size category.
Newfoundland dog temperament and personality
AKC describes the Newfoundland dog temperament with the words devoted, sweet and patient. VCA calls the breed patient and good with children, though it advises supervising dogs and children together, as with all large dogs. VCA also describes a calm, well-mannered housedog. The UKC standard calls the breed sweet-dispositioned, with a soft expression and a devoted-companion character.
Exercise needs
VCA says the breed needs a moderate walk or short jog each day. The same source says the Newfoundland enjoys cold weather but does not do well in warm weather.
Do Newfoundlands shed? Grooming basics
AKC describes a medium, double coat and gives shedding a rating of 3 of 5 and grooming frequency a rating of 2 of 5. VCA says the coat needs brushing only once or twice every week, and more often when shedding. AKC also rates drooling 5 of 5, so expect some drool.
Training
VCA says the breed learns quickly, is willing to please, and does best with reward-based training using food rewards. VCA also says obedience training is valuable for the mental exercise it provides as well as for control.
How long do Newfoundlands live? Lifespan and health
AKC gives a general Newfoundland dog life expectancy of 9-10 years. VCA says Newfoundlands tend to stay in good weight or be slightly overweight, so adult diets may need restricted calories if a dog gains too much. VCA notes that feeding puppies a large-breed growth food may decrease the incidence or severity of hip dysplasia in adults.
AKC breed facts
These are the American Kennel Club’s general facts and 1 to 5 ratings for the Newfoundland as a breed. General tendencies don’t establish any one dog’s ancestry, personality or health; ask the listing organization about the dog you are considering.
- AKC group
- Working Group
- AKC recognition year
- 1886
- Height (AKC published)
- 28 inches (average male), 26 inches (average female)
- Weight (AKC published)
- 130-150 pounds (male), 100-120 pounds (female)
- General life expectancy
- 9-10 years
- AKC size category
- XLarge
AKC general breed ratings (1 to 5)
- Energy: 3 of 5
- Mental enrichment: 3 of 5
- Trainability: 3 of 5
- Grooming frequency: 2 of 5
- Shedding: 3 of 5
- Vocalization: 1 of 5
- Drooling: 5 of 5
- Adaptability: 4 of 5
- Playfulness: 3 of 5
- Watchful or protective tendency: 5 of 5
- Affection toward family: 5 of 5
- Openness toward strangers: 5 of 5
- AKC child compatibility rating: 5 of 5
- AKC dog compatibility rating: 5 of 5
Health screenings AKC lists for the breed
Breeding evaluations AKC names for the breed; they are not a diagnosis or a testing plan for any one dog.
- Hip Evaluation
- Elbow Evaluation
- Cardiac Exam
- Cystinuria (Newfoundland) - DNA Test
Source: American Kennel Club breed profile (opens in a new tab), retrieved November 4, 2026 (snapshot akc-2026-11-04).
Written by Lily's Second Chance with AI assistance from the sources listed under References. Facts were checked automatically against those sources on November 8, 2026.
References
- Breed Standards : Newfoundland | United Kennel Club (UKC) (opens in a new tab), United Kennel Club, checked November 8, 2026
- Newfoundland | VCA Animal Hospitals (opens in a new tab), VCA Animal Hospitals, checked November 8, 2026
- Newfoundland - AKC breed profile (snapshot akc-2026-11-04) (opens in a new tab), American Kennel Club, checked November 4, 2026
