Buyer question
Is a Newfoundland good for beginners?
Yes: our Animal Library rates the Newfoundland 4 out of 5 for beginners (gentle giant).
Source: the Newfoundland page in the Everybarn Animal Library. Newfoundland in the Animal Library
The detail
Bred to haul nets and rescue people from the cold waters off Newfoundland, the Newf is a giant, gentle swimmer with a famously sweet nature. It is patient with children and calm indoors, but it sheds, drools and needs space.
- Temperament
- Sweet, patient, gentle
- Best fit
- Families in cooler climates
- Trainability
- 4 out of 5 (Willing, sensitive)
- Energy
- 2 out of 5 (Daily walks, loves swims)
- Grooming load
- 4 out of 5 (Brush often, heavy shed)
What to weigh
Newfs drool, shed heavily and bring water and mud into the house. They struggle in heat, and giant-breed costs and a shorter lifespan come with the size.