Newfoundland
NOO-fund-lund
Sweet, Patient, Devoted, Gentle. Originally bred for water rescue and hauling fishing nets.
An adult Newfoundland weighs 130-150 lbs (male) or 100-120 lbs (female), needs 1,470-2,650 calories daily, and lives 9-10 yrs. Giant breeds grow slowly and need careful nutrition management during their extended puppyhood. The breed's primary health watch is hip dysplasia. All numbers below come from AKC breed standards and NRC 2006 veterinary nutrition formulas.
Nutrition and feeding
A typical adult Newfoundland needs 1,470 to 2,650 calories per day. An average male (140 lbs / 63.5 kg) needs around 2,200 kcal; a female (110 lbs / 49.9 kg) roughly 1,840 kcal. These estimates use the vet-standard RER/MER formula.
Estimate for a typical adult Newfoundland. For puppies, seniors, or specific activity levels, use the full calorie calculator.
Health profile
Giant breeds have shorter lifespans than smaller dogs, and the Newfoundland is no exception at 9-10 yrs. Their large frames put stress on joints, hearts, and skeletal systems. The breed's primary health concerns are hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia, which responsible breeders screen for before breeding.
Exercise and activity
Moderate; 30-60 minutes of daily activity. Newfoundlands are natural swimmers with webbed feet and a water-resistant coat. Swimming is ideal exercise. Working breeds like the Newfoundland were developed for specific physical tasks. They need purposeful activity, not just wandering around a yard. Structured exercise with clear tasks, such as carrying a dog pack on hikes, pulling a cart, or advanced obedience training, satisfies their need to work.
Care and traits
Newfoundlands have a thick, heavy, water-resistant double coat coat. Origin: Newfoundland, Canada.
Known as 'nature's babysitter' for their extraordinary gentleness with children. Nana in Peter Pan was a Newfoundland. They instinctively perform water rescues; there are documented cases of Newfoundlands saving drowning people without any training. They drool heavily and their coat requires significant grooming.
Grooming is a significant time commitment with this breed. Plan for daily brushing sessions and professional grooming every 4-6 weeks. Skipping grooming leads to mats, skin irritation, and potential infection underneath tangled coat.
Heavy shedding is a reality with this breed. Expect dog hair on furniture, clothing, and in every corner of your home. A good vacuum, lint rollers, and acceptance are your best tools. Shedding typically increases during seasonal coat changes in spring and fall.
Living space matters for a breed this size. They need room to move without knocking things over, and many giant breeds prefer cool environments. Heat tolerance is limited; monitor closely in warm weather. Elevated food and water bowls may improve comfort during meals.
Tools for Newfoundland owners
Frequently asked questions
Plan for 1470 to 2650 calories per day for an adult Newfoundland. A 140-pound individual falls near the middle of that range. Despite their size, giant breeds have relatively slow metabolisms per pound. They need fewer calories per pound than small breeds. Active dogs need more; seniors and less active individuals need less. Use our calorie calculator with your dog's actual weight for a personalized number.
Males typically weigh 130-150 lbs (59.0–68.0 kg). Females run lighter at 100-120 lbs (45.4–54.4 kg). Giant breeds should appear muscular and solid but never round. Because they carry so much mass, even moderate overweight significantly stresses joints and shortens lifespan. The best home assessment is the rib test: place your thumbs on the spine and spread your fingers across the ribs. You should feel each rib individually. If you have to press to find them, the dog is carrying extra weight.
The Newfoundland's most notable breed-specific vulnerability is hip dysplasia. Hip dysplasia is a developmental condition where the hip joint doesn't fit together properly. Screening through OFA or PennHIP before breeding is standard practice. In pet dogs, maintaining a lean body weight is the most effective way to manage and slow progression. Other conditions seen in the breed include elbow dysplasia, dilated cardiomyopathy, bloat. Awareness of these breed tendencies allows for early intervention, which often improves outcomes significantly.
The Newfoundland does well with 30 to 60 minutes of daily activity. Good activities for this breed include structured tasks, cart pulling, obedience drills. Avoid high-impact exercise (jumping, stairs) during the growth phase to protect developing joints. While not as demanding as high-energy breeds, a Newfoundland that gets no exercise will gain weight and may develop behavioral issues.
Disclaimer: General breed information based on AKC standards and veterinary sources. Individual dogs vary. Calorie estimates use the RER/MER formula (NRC 2006). Consult your veterinarian for advice specific to your dog. See our sources.
Last reviewed: April 1, 2026