| Height | 28 inches (average male), 26 inches (average female) [1] |
|---|---|
| Weight | 130-150 pounds (male), 100-120 pounds (female) [1] |
| Life expectancy | 9–10+ years [1] |
| Temperament | Devoted / Sweet / Patient [1] |
| AKC group | Working Group [1] |
| Origin | Canada [1] |
| AKC popularity (2025) | No. 46 of 202 [2] |
Traits at a glance
Scores are the AKC's 1–5 breed trait ratings. [1]
Exercise needs
The Newfoundland is a multipurpose dog, at home on land and in water. As well as being a devoted companion, he is adept at draft work and has natural lifesaving abilities. Newfoundlands need at least a half-hour of moderate exercise daily to stay healthy and happy. [1]
Grooming
The Newfoundland's heavy coat requires thorough brushing at least once a week. A thorough going-over with a slicker brush and a long-toothed comb will remove dead hair and prevent mats from forming. These will become daily sessions during shedding season, which generally occurs twice a year; however, spayed and neutered Newfs shed year-round and will probably need to be brushed out several times a week. [1]
Health issues to budget for
Responsible breeders screen their stock for health conditions such as elbow and hip dysplasia, cardiac disease, and cystinuria, which can cause stones to form in the urinary system. As with all drop-eared dogs, a Newf's ears should be checked regularly for signs of infection [1]
AKC-recommended health tests for breeding dogs: Hip Evaluation, Elbow Evaluation, Cardiac Exam, Cystinuria (Newfoundland) - DNA Test. [1]
Estimated costs
| Item | Estimate | Src |
|---|---|---|
| Typical vet bill for a giant dog (median $607) | $350 – $1,373 | [3] |
| Yearly cost of a dog, any breed (ASPCA 2021) | $1,391 | [4] |
| Average accident & illness insurance, dog (US 2025) | $836/year | [5] |
Breed-specific price data is rare. These figures are for dogs of this size or for the conditions above, not a quote for your pet.
Did you know?
- The AKC first recognized the Newfoundland in 1886. [1]
- It ranked No. 46 on the AKC's 2025 most-popular list, compared with No. 37 in 2015. [2]
- Its nickname is the “Newfie, Newf.” [1]
- The AKC lists Canada as the breed's country of origin. [1]
- The AKC breed page lists 4 recommended health screenings for breeding dogs, such as Hip Evaluation, Elbow Evaluation. [1]
Good fit for
- ✅ Families with young children (AKC good-with-kids rating 5/5)
- ✅ Multi-dog homes (AKC good-with-other-dogs 5/5)
- ⚠️ Think twice: Neat freaks: AKC rates drooling 5/5
Common questions
How long do Newfoundlands live?
The AKC lists a life expectancy of 9-10 years.
How big does a Newfoundland get?
AKC breed information lists height 28 inches (average male), 26 inches (average female) and weight 130-150 pounds (male), 100-120 pounds (female).
How much are vet bills for a Newfoundland?
Breed-specific bills are rare, so VetReceipt groups dogs by size. For giant dogs like the Newfoundland, a typical vet bill runs $350 – $1,373 (median $607). The AKC notes health screening for this breed; see the cost guides linked on this page.