Newfoundland

Newfoundland Grooming Profile

Newfoundlands are giant, high-maintenance dogs reaching full physical maturity by age five. They possess dense, water-resistant double coats that shed heavily, requiring frequent brushing and professional grooming. To prevent obesity and joint issues, owners must carefully manage their substantial diet of over six cups daily while supporting their massive frame and slow-maturing skeletal growth.

Breed Group

Working Dogs

Country of Origin

Canada

Breed Size

Giant

AKC Recognition

Yes, recognized in 1886

FCI Recognition

Yes, recognized in 1954

Allergy-friendly

Worst Choice

1 / 10

Shedding

Heavy

Grooming need

60 mins/week

Low-maintenance

Very Hard

Size

Giant

8 / 10

Growth timeline

4-5 years

10 / 10

Grooming FAQ

Are Newfoundland hypoallergenic or allergy-friendly?

Newfoundlands are not hypoallergenic dogs. They possess a thick, water-resistant double coat that sheds significantly year-round and even more heavily during seasonal changes. Their high production of dander and frequent drooling make them a challenging choice for individuals with pet allergies or sensitivities.

Allergy-friendly: 1 / 10

Do Newfoundland shed?

Newfoundlands are heavy year-round shedders with a thick, water-resistant double coat. They experience intense seasonal coat blows in spring and fall, requiring daily brushing to manage the massive volume of loose fur. Expect frequent vacuuming and significant grooming dedication to maintain their majestic appearance.

How often should you groom a Newfoundland?

To maintain a healthy Newfoundland, they require thorough at-home brushing at least once a week (daily during shedding season) to prevent mats. While they only need professional grooming every eight weeks for thorough bathing, drying, and nail trims, regular brushing is essential. While they only need professional grooming every eight weeks, they require thorough at-home brushing at least once a week (daily during shedding season.

Are Newfoundland low-maintenance dogs?

Newfoundlands are not low-maintenance dogs. Their massive size and thick double coats require thorough weekly brushing and professional grooming every six to eight weeks. Owners must manage significant year-round shedding, frequent drooling, and they require at least 30 minutes of moderate daily exercise to prevent obesity and joint issues.

How big do Newfoundland get?

Newfoundlands are giant, powerful dogs. Adult males typically stand 28 inches tall and weigh 130 to 150 pounds, while females reach 26 inches and weigh 100 to 120 pounds. Their massive size requires ample space.

Size: 8 / 10

When do Newfoundland stop growing?

Newfoundlands typically reach their full adult height between 12 and 18 months of age. However, most Newfoundlands do not reach full size until about two years of age, though they can continue to fill out until age three or more.

Growth timeline: 10 / 10

How much should a Newfoundland eat?

Adult Newfoundlands typically require four to six cups of high-quality dry food daily. While they need significant food during their first year, their metabolism slows as adults, requiring fewer calories to prevent obesity.

Feeding amount: 10 / 10

How often should a Newfoundland puppy eat?

Newfoundland puppies require frequent, small meals to support their rapid growth and giant stature. They may require four meals a day when very young, transitioning to three meals until six months of age.

Puppy feeding frequency: 8 / 10

Vet Insights

Newfoundlands are giant, high-maintenance dogs reaching full physical maturity by age five. They possess dense, water-resistant double coats that shed heavily, requiring frequent brushing and professional grooming. To prevent obesity and joint issues, owners must carefully manage their substantial diet of over six cups daily while supporting their massive frame and slow-maturing skeletal growth.

Dr. Vojtech Gabriel
Reviewed by
Dr. Vojtech Gabriel
DVM · PhD · MBA
VeterinarianResearcherDog breed specialist
Verified