Newfoundland · Longevity

How Long Do Newfoundlands Live?

Newfoundlands live 9-10 years on average. Here is the AKC breed profile, the health areas to stay ahead of, and how to give a Newfoundland more good years.

Newfoundland
Lifespan 9-10 yearsWorking GroupAKC Ranks 47 of 208
The Newfoundland, by the numbers

Breed profile

Life expectancy9-10 years
AKC groupWorking Group
Height28 inches (average male), 26 inches (average female)
Weight130-150 pounds (male), 100-120 pounds (female)
Energy3
Trainability3
Mental stimulation3
Watchdog / protective5
Affectionate with family5
Good with kids5
Good with other dogs5
Openness to strangers5
Playfulness3
Adaptability4
Barking1
Shedding3
Grooming frequency2
Drooling5

Breed profile and trait ratings: American Kennel Club. Trait scores are AKC ratings from 1 to 5.

At 130-150 pounds, the Newfoundland is a giant breed. Giant breeds age the fastest and sit at the short end of the canine lifespan range, which its 9-10 years average reflects.

Lifestyle fit

Does a Newfoundland fit your life?

The Newfoundland is a massive, famously gentle dog that's wonderful with kids and welcomes strangers and other dogs alike with open warmth. It's quiet and even-tempered, but the size brings real drooling, space, and cost considerations. The biggest tradeoff is what a giant breed asks of your home and budget, not its temperament.

A great match if you

  • You'll have a wonderful family dog, this breed rates at the very top for warmth with kids.
  • You'll find this dog welcomes strangers and other dogs alike with open, friendly warmth.
  • You won't deal with much noise, this is a notably quiet breed.
  • You'll get a devoted, deeply affectionate companion.
  • You'll have a naturally protective presence watching over the family.

Think twice if

  • You'll want towels handy, this breed drools heavily.
  • You'll need serious space and a bigger food and vet budget, this is a genuinely giant breed.
  • You won't get the fastest independent problem solver, training benefits from patience and consistency.
What to stay ahead of

Health areas for the Newfoundland

Based on the breed profile, the health areas most worth staying ahead of for a Newfoundland are Joint and mobility (owners often watch for hip dysplasia).

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Newfoundland facts, quick answers

How long do Newfoundlands live?

Newfoundlands live 9-10 years on average, and plenty go beyond that. The two biggest levers on where a given dog lands are keeping it at a lean, healthy weight and staying ahead of the health issues the breed is prone to.

How big do Newfoundlands get?

A full-grown Newfoundland stands 28 inches (average male), 26 inches (average female) and weighs 130-150 pounds (male), 100-120 pounds (female), which puts it firmly in the giant-breed range.

What kind of dog is a Newfoundland?

The Newfoundland is a working breed, and one of the country's more popular breeds, ranked 47 of 208. It is a giant dog that typically lives around 9-10 years.

Are Newfoundlands high-energy dogs?

Newfoundlands are moderate in energy, so daily activity matters but they are not bouncing off the walls.

Are Newfoundlands easy to train?

Newfoundlands are trainable with patience and consistency; short, rewarding sessions work best.

Do Newfoundlands shed a lot?

They are moderate shedders. A weekly brush keeps most of the loose hair off your furniture.

Do Newfoundlands bark a lot?

They are on the quiet side and are not prone to nuisance barking.

Are Newfoundlands good with kids?

Newfoundlands are great with children, gentle and patient, which is a big reason families love the breed; supervise young kids around any dog.

Do Newfoundlands get along with other dogs?

Newfoundlands are generally sociable with other dogs and usually enjoy the company.

Are Newfoundlands friendly with strangers?

Newfoundlands are friendly with strangers and tend to greet new people like old friends.

Do Newfoundlands drool?

Yes, Newfoundlands drool, especially after eating, drinking or exercise, so keep a towel handy.

Are Newfoundlands good for first-time owners?

Newfoundlands are a forgiving choice for a first dog, thanks to their trainability, adaptability and manageable needs.

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