Gentle and Affectionate

Newfoundlands are known for their gentle, loving nature and are often very patient, making them excellent family dogs.

Great with Children

Often called "nanny dogs," Newfoundlands are naturally protective and gentle with children.

Excellent Swimmers

They have a natural affinity for water and are strong swimmers, making them great companions for water-based activities.

Loyal and Protective

Despite their calm demeanor, Newfoundlands are protective of their families and make excellent watchdogs.

Large Size

Their giant size can make living in small homes or apartments challenging, and they require plenty of space.

High Grooming Needs

Their thick, water-resistant coat sheds heavily and requires regular grooming to prevent matting.

Prone to Health Issues

Newfoundlands are prone to certain health issues, including hip dysplasia and heart conditions, which can lead to significant veterinary costs.

Short Lifespan

Like many large breeds, Newfoundlands have a relatively short lifespan, typically around 8-10 years.

Exercise Needs

Newfoundlands are relatively calm indoors but need regular exercise to stay healthy. They enjoy outdoor activities like walking, hiking, and swimming. They are not as energetic as some other large breeds, but regular activity is essential to prevent obesity and maintain joint health.

Walks

Newfoundlands benefit from one or two moderate walks per day, combined with outdoor play and mental stimulation. They enjoy water-based activities, and swimming is a great way to keep them fit without putting too much strain on their joints.

Training

Newfoundlands are intelligent and generally easy to train, though they can be a bit independent. Positive reinforcement and consistency work best with this breed. Early obedience training is important to ensure they develop into well-behaved adults, especially given their large size. They are eager to please, but they respond best to gentle and patient training.

Purchase Price

$3,500 - $7,000 AUD depending on breeder and lineage.

Initial Setup

Around $700 - $1,000 AUD. (crate, bed, toys, etc.)

Food

Approximately $2,000 - $3,00 AUD per year, depending on dietary needs.

Grooming

Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks can cost around $1,000 - $1,500 AUD per year. Regular at-home brushing is also essential to prevent matting and manage shedding.

Vet Bills

Initial vaccinations, microchipping, and desexing can cost around $600 - $1,200 AUD. Ongoing annual check-ups and preventive care could cost $800 - $1,500 AUD per year, with additional expenses for managing joint, heart, or digestive issues.

Total Lifetime Cost

Over an 8-10 year lifespan, the total cost of ownership can range from $35,000 - $60,000 AUD, depending on health and lifestyle factors.

Size and Weight

Newfoundlands are one of the largest dog breeds, typically standing 63-74 cm (25-29 inches) tall and weighing between 50-70 kg (110-155 lbs). Males are generally larger than females.

Coat

Newfoundlands have a thick, double coat that is water-resistant. The outer coat is coarse and long, while the undercoat is soft and dense. Regular grooming is required to manage shedding and prevent matting, especially around the ears and neck.

Colour Options

Newfoundlands come in a variety of colours, including black, brown, grey, and Landseer (white with black markings).

Temperament

Newfoundlands are known for their gentle, calm, and affectionate temperament. They are loyal, patient, and protective of their families, making them excellent companions for children and other pets. Despite their large size, they are not overly aggressive and tend to be friendly with strangers. They are intelligent and eager to please, though they can sometimes be a bit stubborn.

Good with Children

Newfoundlands are excellent with children due to their gentle, patient, and protective nature. They are often described as "nanny dogs" because of their ability to watch over children with care and affection. However, supervision is recommended with very young children due to their large size.

Socialisation

Early socialisation is important to ensure Newfoundlands are comfortable around new people, pets, and environments. While naturally friendly, proper exposure to different situations helps prevent shyness or over-protectiveness.

Indoors vs. Outdoors

Newfoundlands prefer to live indoors with their families but enjoy regular outdoor time for exercise and fresh air. They are not suited to living outdoors full-time due to their strong bond with their family and need for companionship.

Apartment Living

Due to their large size, Newfoundlands are not ideal for apartment living. They require plenty of space to move around and do best in homes with large yards or access to outdoor areas.

Time Alone

Newfoundlands do not do well when left alone for long periods. They are social dogs that thrive on human interaction and may become bored or anxious if left alone for extended periods. They are best suited to homes where someone is present for most of the day or where they have another pet for companionship.

Climate Adaptability

Newfoundlands have a thick, double coat that provides insulation in cold weather but can make them prone to overheating in hot climates. In warmer regions, it’s important to provide plenty of water, shade, and avoid exercising them during the hottest parts of the day. They may also benefit from air conditioning or cooling mats in hot weather.

Common Health Issues

Newfoundlands are prone to several health conditions, including hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, bloat (gastric torsion), and heart problems like subvalvular aortic stenosis (SAS). Regular vet check-ups, a healthy diet, and controlled exercise are essential for keeping them in good health. Monitoring their weight is also important, as excess weight can exacerbate joint problems.

Ethical Breeding Considerations

Due to their predisposition to certain genetic conditions, such as hip dysplasia and heart problems, it’s important to purchase from a reputable breeder who conducts health screenings. Ethical breeding practices help reduce the risk of hereditary health problems and ensure the well-being of the puppies.

Guarding Ability

Despite their gentle nature, Newfoundlands are naturally protective of their families and make good watchdogs. Their size alone can be a deterrent to intruders, though they are not typically aggressive.

Affectionate Nature

Newfoundlands are affectionate and love spending time with their families. They enjoy being close to their owners and are known for their calm, loving demeanour.

Suitability for Dog Parks

Newfoundlands are generally social with other dogs, but supervision is recommended in dog parks due to their size. Early socialisation helps ensure positive interactions with other pets, though they are usually friendly and gentle.