The Complete Newfoundland Guide

You didn’t land on the Newfoundland by accident. This is a breed people seek out, and for good reason. Gentle giant, patient and devoted, and a natural lifeguard and nanny dog, they’re a natural fit for experienced large-dog owners with space, budget, and a tolerance for drool and hair who want the gentlest giant who want a massive, calm, and extraordinarily gentle companion who brings warmth and grace to any home willing to accommodate them. Let’s dig in.

What are the characteristics of a Newfoundland?

Think you know what you’re getting into with a Newfoundland? These scores will either confirm your suspicions or give you something to think about. Either way, good to know now.

Training

Trait	Score	What does it mean?
Trainability	3 out of 5	Intelligent and capable of learning well, but their size means training must begin early. A Newfoundland who doesn't know their manners at 20 pounds is very different at 140
Obedience	3 out of 5	Responds well to consistent, positive direction. They are not difficult dogs, but their size demands early work
Focus	3 out of 5	Generally attentive, though their calm demeanor can slow their response time
Stubbornness	2 out of 5	Rarely stubborn. Their easy-going nature makes them cooperative

Friendliness

Trait	Score	What does it mean?
Good with family	5 out of 5	One of the most devoted family breeds. They want to be close to everyone in the household
Good with children	5 out of 5	Exceptionally patient and gentle. Their reputation as a nanny dog for children is well-earned
Good with strangers	4 out of 5	Friendly and welcoming with strangers
Good with other dogs	4 out of 5	Good with other dogs, especially when raised together

Adaptability

Trait	Score	What does it mean?
Apartment living	1 out of 5	Their size makes apartment living impractical
Cold weather	5 out of 5	Their thick double coat handles cold weather and cold water extremely well
Hot weather	2 out of 5	Poorly suited to hot weather. Their dense coat generates significant heat
Routine flexibility	3 out of 5	Adapts to different routines when exercise and social needs are met
First time owner	2 out of 5	Better suited to owners with large dog experience given the size

Physical needs

Trait	Score	What does it mean?
Energy level	3 out of 5	Moderate energy for their size. Calm and deliberate in their movement
Endurance	3 out of 5	Good endurance in cold water, for which they were bred
Exercise needs	3 out of 5	Needs 30 to 45 minutes of moderate daily exercise
Mental stimulation	3 out of 5	Intelligent but not demanding of intense mental stimulation
Grooming needs	5 out of 5	Their massive double coat requires significant grooming. They shed heavily and drool extensively

Personality

Trait	Score	What does it mean?
Playfulness	3 out of 5	Playful in a gentle, unhurried way
Affection	5 out of 5	One of the most affectionate large breeds. They are genuinely warm and physically demonstrative
Loyalty	4 out of 5	Devoted to their family
Independence	2 out of 5	Low independence. They prefer to be near their people
Alertness	3 out of 5	Alert without being reactive

Behavior

Trait	Score	What does it mean?
Barking tendency	2 out of 5	Not prone to barking
Digging tendency	2 out of 5	Low digging tendency
Chewing tendency	2 out of 5	Low chewing in adults. Their massive jaws mean puppy chewing should be managed carefully
Prey drive	2 out of 5	Low prey drive
Guarding instincts	3 out of 5	Their size acts as a natural deterrent. They are not aggressive but they are enormous

What are common health issues of a Newfoundland?

Like all breeds, Newfoundlands are prone to certain health conditions. Here’s what to keep on your radar.

What are the recommended health tests for Newfoundlands? 

Your Newfoundland can’t tell you when something’s off. That’s what these tests are for. Here’s what vets typically recommend for them.

• OFA hip evaluation
• OFA elbow evaluation
• Cardiac evaluation by a board-certified cardiologist
• DNA test for cystinuria

Do Newfoundlands need pet insurance?

We’ll let the numbers do the talking, but spoiler: a lot of Newfoundland owners are really glad they had coverage.

Those numbers aren’t hypotheticals. They’re real claims from real Newfoundland owners in 2025.

The right pet insurance means you’re making decisions based on what your dog needs, not what you can afford.

With Lemonade, you can build a plan around your Newfie specifically. Start with accident and illness coverage as your base, then add on what makes sense for your dog, things like physical therapy, dental illness, or behavioral treatment, and skip what doesn’t. Coverage applies to conditions that aren’t pre-existing (AKA, a condition that occurs after your policy is active and your waiting periods have passed), and you’ll know exactly what’s included before you commit. No fine print ambushes, no surprises at claim time.

And when you do need to file? You can do it in the app in minutes. No paperwork, no hold music, no waiting around.

Newfoundlands are worth protecting with proper coverage. Here’s how to do it right.

How much does pet insurance cost?

The cost of your premium is personal. It depends on your Newfies age, your location, and what you add to your plan. That said, here’s a realistic look at what other Newfoundland owners pay with Lemonade:

Age	Average monthly premium
1 year old	$70-$75
2 years old	$75-$80
3 years old	$70-$75
4 years old	$85-$90
5 years old	$105-$110
6 years old	$110-$115
7 years old	$110-$115

Not sure if Lemonade is the right fit for your Newfie?

See how we stack up. Compare pet insurance options side by side and find the coverage that fits your Newfoundland and your budget.

History of the Newfoundland

The Newfoundland was developed on the island of Newfoundland in Canada, where large, water-loving dogs were used by fishermen as working companions capable of hauling nets, rescuing drowning sailors, and carrying heavy loads. Their exact origin is uncertain, but the breed likely developed from crosses between large working dogs brought by European fishermen and native Canadian dogs. The breed's exceptional swimming ability, water-resistant coat, and gentle temperament made them one of the most valued working dogs in North Atlantic fishing communities. By the 19th century, Newfoundlands were celebrated across Europe as heroic rescue dogs, and stories of Newfoundlands saving drowning people were widely reported. Lord Byron wrote a famous eulogy for his Newfoundland Boatswain in 1808. The AKC recognized the breed in 1886. Today the Newfoundland is primarily a companion breed, though water rescue programs continue to train them for that original function.

Caring for a Newfoundland

Training

Training a Newfoundland is straightforward, but it’s worth the effort. They are gentle, willing to please, and moderately motivated by praise and treats, which means training is usually smooth when sessions are kept calm, consistent, and reward-based. Positive reinforcement with treats and praise in calm, patient sessions tends to work best, and getting started early makes a real difference.

Whether you’re starting from scratch or leveling up, these are worth the read.

Grooming

Newfoundlands have a thick, water-resistant double coat that requires high grooming. Brush several times per week year-round to prevent matting and tangling, and the occasional bath keeps them looking their best. Professional grooming every 8 to 10 weeks helps manage the dense coat and reduces shedding around the home.

From nail trims to professional care, here’s everything you need to keep your Newfie looking (and feeling) their best.

Exercise and mental stimulation

Newfoundlands have moderate energy levels and need 45 to 60 minutes of exercise each day to stay happy and healthy. Swimming, leisurely hiking, and draft work are all great ways to burn through that energy. But physical exercise is only half the picture. Newfoundlands are moderately intelligent dogs, and mental stimulation is just as important as the miles you put in. Without it, they become restless, sad, and prone to destructive chewing and heavy shedding from stress. Puzzle toys, training sessions, and scent work are all solid ways to keep their brain engaged between walks.

Here’s how to build an exercise routine your Newfoundland will actually love.

Nutrition

Newfoundlands are giant dogs with moderate energy, so they need a diet to match. Most adults do well on around 1,800 to 2,400 calories a day, spread across two meals. Depending on what you’re feeding them, expect to spend around $80 to $120 a month on food. Not the cheapest line item, but not the most expensive either.

What goes in the bowl is your call, and your vet’s. Kibble, raw, fresh, or a combination: there’s no single right answer. Focus on quality ingredients, the right portions for your dog’s age and activity level, and you’re most of the way there.

Get the full picture on feeding a Newfoundland here.

Newfoundland costs and adoption

What does it cost to bring home a Newfoundland?

Before your Newfoundland even sets a paw in your home, there are some one-time costs worth planning for. Here’s what to expect upfront.

Category	Cost Range	Details
Adoption (Reputable breeder)	$1,000-$3,000	Health testing, vaccinations, early socialization, pedigree
Adoption (Rescue/shelter)	$50-$300	Basic veterinary care, spay/neuter, temperament evaluation
Initial veterinary care	$300-$700	Exam, vaccinations, spay/neuter if needed, microchip
Essential supplies	$200-$500	Crate, bed, leash, collar, food bowls, toys
Training classes	$150-$300	Basic obedience, puppy socialization

Unexpected costs have a way of showing up in year one more than any other. A starter emergency fund alongside a solid pet insurance plan is the best way to make sure they don’t catch you off guard.

What does it cost to own a Newfoundland each year?

Once you’re past year one, ownership costs settle into a more predictable rhythm. Here’s what most Newfoundland owners spend annually, though keep in mind these numbers can vary quite a bit depending on where you live, your dog’s individual health needs, and the choices you make along the way.

Category	Annual cost	Details
Food and treats	$1,000-$1,800	Based on the recommended portion for your Newfoundland
Routine Veterinary Care	$500-$1,000	Wellness exams, vaccinations, dental care
Professional Grooming	$300-$600	Every Every 6 to 8 weeks, Massive double coat requires professional grooming to manage; drool management is an ongoing lifestyle consideration.
Toys and Supplies	$200-$400	Replacement items, mental stimulation toys

What are popular Newfoundland names?

We’ve crunched the numbers, and found the top 10 most popular names for Newfoundland we see at Lemonade.

More names where those came from. If none of these are clicking, we’ve done the digging for you. Go find the one that sticks.

Newfoundland puppies

Puppy veterinary needs

The first year matters a lot. What happens between 8 weeks and 12 months shapes who this dog becomes. Here’s what to focus on.

The first few months are the most important window for your puppy’s health. Core vaccines start at 6–8 weeks and continue through 16 weeks. After that, its annual boosters and routine screening as they grow into adults.

It’s a lot to keep track of. That’s why we made it easy.

Puppy socialization

Newfoundland puppies are calm, patient, and gentle in a way that makes their enormous size feel somehow appropriate. That a warmth and closeness that defines what it means to have a truly gentle giant is part of what makes them one of the most genuinely gentle and patient large breeds for families who can accommodate their scale, and it’s also why early socialization matters so much.

Between 8 and 16 weeks, get them in front of as much variety as possible. Different people, animals, sounds, surfaces, and locations. Keep every experience positive. Puppy classes are great for this: supervised, controlled, and full of exactly the kind of novelty a Newfoundland brain needs to learn that the world is mostly fine.

Where are Newfoundland’s most popular in the United States?

Based on Lemonade’s own policyholder data, Newfoundlands are most popular in these five states. We’ve also thrown in a few things local pet owners should keep an eye on, so your pup can get out there and explore safely.

1. Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania is one of the highest-risk states for Lyme disease in the US, with ticks active across the state's forests, parks, and suburban green spaces. Copperhead snakes are also found in wooded and rocky areas, particularly in the central and eastern parts of the state, so watching where your dog explores is worth the habit.

2. Washington

Western Washington's wet, mild climate creates near-perfect conditions for fleas year-round, and slugs in the Pacific Northwest can carry lungworm, a parasite dogs can pick up by sniffing or eating them. Eastern Washington and the Cascades bring different risks, including rattlesnakes and wildlife encounters on trails, so knowing which side of the mountains you're on matters.

3. Ohio

Ohio's mix of farmland, suburbs, and wooded parks creates consistent tick and flea exposure, particularly in spring and summer. Coyotes are also well-established across the state, including in suburban areas, so being aware of surroundings during dusk and dawn walks is a good habit.

4. Illinois

Chicago winters bring salted sidewalks that can irritate and crack paw pads, so wiping down your dog's paws after walks is a good habit from November through March. In warmer months, ticks become active in wooded and grassy areas, and the occasional coyote sighting in suburban neighborhoods is worth keeping in mind.

5. Michigan

Michigan summers bring a high tick risk across wooded areas of the Upper and Lower Peninsulas, with Lyme disease well-established in the state. In winter, frozen lakes and ponds can be a hazard for curious dogs. Ice thickness is hard to judge, and falls through are more common than owners expect.

Breed comparison

Already leaning toward a Newfoundland? These breeds often get compared, here’s a quick snapshot of how they stack up.

Is a Newfoundland right for you?

Newfoundlands reward the right owner with a gentleness and patience that makes even a giant-breed household feel calm and warm and a swimming capability and natural rescue instinct that's unlike almost any other breed. They just need space, budget for giant-breed costs, regular grooming, bloat awareness, and early consistent training in return. If you’re ready for that, you’re ready for a Newfoundland. Make sure they’re protected from day one.

A few quick words, because we <3 our lawyers: This post is general in nature, and any statement in it doesn’t alter the terms, conditions, exclusions, or limitations of the policies issued, which differ according to your state of residence. You’re encouraged to discuss your specific circumstances with your own professional advisors. The purpose of this post is merely to provide you with info and insights you can use to make such discussions more productive! Naturally, all comments by, or references to, third parties represent their own views, and Lemonade assumes no responsibility for them. Coverage may not be available in all states. Please note that statements about coverages, policy management, claims processes, Giveback, and customer support apply to policies underwritten by Lemonade Insurance Company or Metromile Insurance Company, a Lemonade company, sold by Lemonade Insurance Agency, LLC. The statements do not apply to policies underwritten by other carriers.

Insurance claim data is based on Lemonade pet insurance claims that were settled and paid in 2025.
Average insurance premium data is based on Lemonade’s internal data and reflects the average premium over the last 12 complete months, accurate as of June 2026.
Top pet names are sourced from Lemonade’s database of pet names associated with submitted quotes and purchased policies.
Top states for each breed are based on the number of active Lemonade pet insurance policies for that breed in each state as of June 2026.