Newfoundland
Dogs

Newfoundland

4.4
8 reviews
✏️ Write a Review

The Newfoundland is a giant, bear-like dog originally bred by Canadian fishermen for water rescue and hauling nets. Famous for their sweet temperament, exceptional swimming ability, and gentle nature with children, Newfoundlands are known as nanny dogs. They are devoted, patient, and calm, though their size, coat, and drooling tendencies require significant management.

Pros

  • Extraordinarily gentle and patient with children
  • Naturally gifted swimmer and water rescuer
  • Calm, sweet-tempered companion
  • Deeply devoted to family

Cons

  • Very heavy shedding and significant drooling
  • Prone to joint issues and heart conditions
  • High food, grooming, and veterinary costs
  • Prone to overheating in warm climates

Reviews 8

J
JollyLeap44
5/5

Gentle with my vulnerable family members

We have an elderly grandmother with dementia and my Newfoundland interacts with her with a gentleness that seems almost deliberate. He does not jump, does not rush, and moves slowly when she is nearby. He seems to sense her vulnerability. He has been a therapeutic presence for her and brings her mom…

Read full review →
H
HappyPaw58
5/5

The nanny dog earns its title

My Newfoundland is one hundred and fifty pounds of devoted, patient, gentle love. My three children treat him like a piece of furniture, climbing on him, using him as a pillow, and dressing him in hats, and he accepts it all with serene good nature. He has never once shown even mild irritation with …

Read full review →
H
HappyClaw57
5/5

Born to swim and save

My Newfoundland discovered water at eight months old and has never looked back. He swims every chance he gets and his technique is natural and powerful. We have done water rescue training and his instinct to support a struggling person in water is remarkable. He circles swimmers, positions himself f…

Read full review →
V
VividBound50
5/5

Most patient dog I have ever known

My Newfoundland is six years old and has never once in his life reacted badly to anything. My children's friends are occasionally rough with him when they visit without adequate parental supervision and he simply moves away slowly and quietly. He has endless patience for human shortcomings. He is th…

Read full review →
L
LoyalWag24
4/5

Worth every practical challenge

The practical realities of a Newfoundland are significant. Hair everywhere, drool on walls and ceilings somehow, enormous food quantities, large vet bills. None of it matters when you look at that massive, fluffy face and those gentle eyes. He is the most wonderful dog. We have made all the practica…

Read full review →
L
LivelyFang78
4/5

Giant teddy bear in the best way

My Newf is everything I hoped for. He is calm indoors, gentle with visitors, and patient to a degree that puts humans to shame. He does drool extensively and I keep drool cloths in every room. His coat requires brushing four times a week to prevent matting. He is expensive to feed and the vet bills …

Read full review →
N
NobleWag26
3/5

Not suitable for warm climates

I love my Newfoundland but I made a mistake buying him before I moved from Scotland to the south of France. He struggles terribly in the heat. We have air conditioning and limit outdoor time during summer but he is visibly uncomfortable from May to September. He thrives in winter. If you live somewh…

Read full review →
N
NobleClaw55
4/5

Perfect for active water families

We spend summers near a lake and my Newf has been the family dog we always dreamed of for that lifestyle. He swims with the children, accompanies the canoes, and generally supervises all water activities with obvious pleasure. On land he is slower and prefers a calmer pace but the water brings out h…

Read full review →

Write a Review