5 Fun Facts About Newfoundlands

two newfoundland puppies sitting in grass

The Newfoundland is a giant dog breed known for their size and for their big hearts. Newfies are known to be gentle giants with a sweet and loving nature. Here are a few fun facts about Newfoundlands:

1. Newfoundlands Are Built For the Water

The Newfoundland is one of the biggest dog breeds in the world and they are built for the water. They were originally bred to work for fishermen on Newfoundland, which is how they got their name.

Newfies have a large lung capacity and a lot of strength, which serves them well as a working dog in any capacity. But, it’s their water-resistant coat and webbed feet that make them a fantastic fit for work on the water.

Canadian fishermen would often have a Newfy or two on board their boats to help with retrieving nets and other items from the water. Additionally, they were perfect for water rescues in the icy North Atlantic Ocean.

2. They Are Great on Land Too

Although Newfoundlands are one of the dog breeds that tend to love water, specialize in water rescue, and can still be found working as water rescue dogs all around the world, they are also a fantastic working dog on land as well. As a big, strong dog, they were also commonly used to pull carts to market and work around the farm.

3. Newfies Are Gentle Giants

These may be huge and powerful dogs, but they are sweet and gentle giants. They are known for having an affectionate, sweet, and gentle disposition. In fact, they’re considered one of the most affectionate dog breeds.

They may be one of the largest dog breeds in the world, but Newfoundlands make fantastic family companions as they get along well with just about everyone and tend to be fantastic with children. They are often known for taking on a “nanny dog” type of role and are considered one of the kid-friendly dog breeds.

4. They’re a Good Fit for First-Time Dog Owners

As long as you can handle their size and give them a job to do, these big working dogs are a great fit for first-time dog owners. In addition to being highly intelligent, they are also eager to please and pick up on things quickly, which makes them a highly trainable dog breed. They are also sensitive and in tune with their owners, so consistent training with positive praise is the best approach.

5. Newfoundlands Are Relatively Easy to Groom

Although they are one of the fluffiest dog breeds, the Newfoundland coat is relatively easy to care for. They will shed moderately all the time, which requires a thorough weekly brushing and the occasional bath. But, your Newfy will love it if you brush them more often.

Their double-coat means they will shed more heavily during seasonal changes. During this time, it may be a good idea to increase to daily brushings to help control the shedding a bit and keep your Newfy more comfortable.

These are just a few fun facts about Newfoundlands. If they sound like the right dog breed for you, learn more about them, and then check out the available Newfoundland puppies. Who knows? You could end up finding the perfect addition to your family!