Do Newfoundland Dogs Drool: Understanding the Breed's Traits

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Facade of the Mary Browns Centre in St. Johns, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
Credit: pexels.com, Facade of the Mary Browns Centre in St. Johns, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada

Newfoundland dogs are known for their massive size and gentle nature, but one question that often comes up is whether they drool. The answer is yes, Newfoundlands do drool, and it's due to their unique physical characteristics.

Newfoundlands have a distinctive feature - their loose lips, which can cause them to drool excessively. This is especially true after they eat or drink.

Their large tongue and shallow jaw also contribute to their tendency to drool. The extra skin on their face can also cause drooling.

Their drooling can be quite noticeable, especially in hot weather or when they're excited.

Causes of Drooling

Newfoundland dogs drool excessively due to their unique mouth design. Their large jowls and loose lips are the primary reasons for this excessive drooling.

The corners of their mouth tend to turn down, causing saliva or water to spill over, resulting in drooling. This is a natural consequence of their anatomy.

In some cases, Newfies may drool only when they're hot, nervous, or eating, and may not drool at all in these situations.

Why Do Dogs Drool?

Confederation Building, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
Credit: pexels.com, Confederation Building, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada

Newfoundlands are notorious for their excessive drooling, and it's not just because they're cute at first. They probably have the worst drooling habit among all breeds.

Their jowls are stretched and complemented by relatively loose lips, which are the prime reason for their excessive drooling. This design makes it difficult for them to hold saliva in before it gets pushed down their throats.

Newfoundlands often leave a path of water from their water bowl to their next destination, making it easy to track them down if you can't find them. It's like following a trail of breadcrumbs!

As they age, their lips tend to get looser, which can lead to even more drooling. I've observed this firsthand with my own Newfoundland, Leroy.

The design of their mouth, with large jowls and loose lips, is the main culprit behind their excessive drooling. It's a natural result of their anatomy.

Dry Mouths Explained

Newfoundland dogs are known to drool for various reasons, and it's not just because of their big, slobbery mouths. Some dogs drool only when they're begging, drinking water, nervous, or eating.

Newfoundland Dog on Grass
Credit: pexels.com, Newfoundland Dog on Grass

In my experience with my Newfies, they drool for different reasons. For example, Odin drools the most when he's hot or after he drinks water.

Some Newfies need to wear a drool bib to keep their chest and legs dry, but it shouldn't be left on for long periods. Practicing good drool hygiene is important to prevent yeast and bacteria from building up.

Keeping your Newf's chin dry is crucial, and you can clip the hair on the neck shorter if your dog is a heavy drooler and smells musty. A cool place to chill out and relax is also essential, especially in the summer months.

Using a dog bowl mat or the Slobber Stopper Dog Bowl can help minimize the mess. But don't worry, all this drool won't make your Newfie less social – it might even make them the star of the show!

Newfoundland Dogs and Drooling

Newfoundland dogs are known for their excessive drooling, which is caused by their loose lips and jowls.

Dog Licking Ice Cream
Credit: pexels.com, Dog Licking Ice Cream

This breed is listed as one of the top 10 breeds that drool the most.

Each dog is unique, and some Newfies may drool more than others, but it's almost certain that you'll spend your days wiping and washing drool off most things your dog comes into contact with.

Newfoundland dogs drool for different reasons, such as when they're begging, drinking water, hot, or excited.

Some Newfies only drool when begging or drinking water, while others drool excessively in warmer weather.

You can't stop your Newfie from drooling, but you can reduce the amount of mess with a dog bib or bandana.

Newfoundland dogs start drooling after 12 months, so be prepared for drool pools on your carpets, couch, bed, chairs, etc.

As a Newfie owner, it's essential to practice good drool hygiene by cleaning your dog's mouth, chin, and chest regularly.

Some Newfies need to wear a drool bib, while others don't, but using one can keep your dog's chest and legs dry.

Newfoundland dogs are naturally inclined to pant when they're hot, which leads to more drooling, so be prepared for extra slobber in warmer weather.

You can reduce your Newfie's drooling by providing a cool place for them to chill out and relax, especially in the summer months.

Broaden your view: Dogs Eating Hot Dogs

Newfoundland Dog Behavior

Facade of the Basilica of St Joh in Newfoundland Canada
Credit: pexels.com, Facade of the Basilica of St Joh in Newfoundland Canada

Newfoundland dogs can be quite messy, especially when it comes to eating and drinking. They have large jowls and loose lips that make it common to see excessive drooling when they drink.

Excitement is another trigger for drooling in Newfies, and you can often tell when they're about to drool because they'll have a relaxed face and might even bark with their mouths wide open.

It's also worth noting that Newfies won't start drooling until they're about 1 year old, and some may not start until even later.

Behavior and Environment

Newfoundland dogs are known to drool a lot, and it's not just because of their big jowls and loose lips. They tend to drool more in warmer weather, especially when they're drinking more water.

Excitement is another reason why your Newfoundland might be dripping with slobber. They often drool when begging for food, and it's hard to blame them - after all, food is a universal trigger for drooling in mammals.

Waving national flag of Newfoundland and Labrador placed on wooden fence against blurred coastal settlement on hilly terrain
Credit: pexels.com, Waving national flag of Newfoundland and Labrador placed on wooden fence against blurred coastal settlement on hilly terrain

Some Newfies drool more than others, and it's essential to note how your dog drools, when they drool, and what triggers it. This can help you catch any underlying medical issues early on.

Newfoundland dogs tend to start drooling around 1 year of age, but some may not drool until much later. And yes, some Newfies even need to wear a drool bib to prevent messes.

As a dog owner, you've probably noticed that your Newfoundland leaves a trail of water from their water bowl to their next destination. It's not just a coincidence - it's a sign of their loose lips and jowls.

Dogs that don't have loose lips don't have a place to store their saliva, so it goes down their throat. But Newfies have a unique anatomy that makes them prone to drooling.

In some cases, excessive drooling can be a sign of an underlying medical issue, such as a gastrointestinal problem or dental issue. So, if you notice a change in your dog's drooling habits, it's always a good idea to consult with a vet.

At What Age Does the Newfie Mature?

A Couples Sitting on the Carpet Cuddles Their Pet Dogs
Credit: pexels.com, A Couples Sitting on the Carpet Cuddles Their Pet Dogs

Newfoundland dogs take time to mature, and their growth rate can vary.

Newfie pups usually start drooling after hitting the 1-year mark, but it's not uncommon to see a 5-month-old Newfie drooling as they grow and develop at different rates.

Their jowls and lips play a role in their drooling, with their jowls not as large as their parents' and their lips being somewhat tighter.

Newfoundland dogs are known for their slow maturation process, which can make them seem like they're still puppies even when they're fully grown.

Do You Have to Like It?

You don't have to like drool to have a Newfoundland, but it's good to know what to expect. Some Newfies drool only when they're begging or eating, while others drool more frequently, especially when hot or nervous.

It's not uncommon for Newf owners to find drool gross at first, but as you fall in love with your Newf, you learn to live with it. My husband used to gag when he stepped in drool, but now he's gotten used to it.

Black and Tan Long Coat Dog
Credit: pexels.com, Black and Tan Long Coat Dog

Newf drool is mostly just spit, but it can sometimes have food, mud, or grass in it. It's not dangerous, and it's not a sign of poor health. My Newf, Emmett, has gotten a sturdy string wrapped around his muzzle several times when he shakes his head, and it's become a funny family moment.

You can take steps to minimize drool, such as using a dog bib or keeping your Newf's chin dry. Practicing good drool hygiene is also important to prevent yeast and bacteria buildup.

Solutions and Prevention

You can reduce the mess caused by your Newfoundland's drool with a dog bib or bandana. It keeps your floor and your dog's chest dry, and it looks super cute!

Practicing good drool hygiene is essential to prevent yeast and germs from building up. Clean your Newf's mouth, chin, and chest as soon as you see drooling.

Using a dog bowl mat or the Slobber Stopper Dog Bowl can also help catch drips and prevent head dunking and bubble blowing. I've found it's especially helpful in the summer months when my Newfie likes to chill out.

Credit: youtube.com, 10 Questions with a Newfoundland Dog Owner

If you're worried about your Newfie's drool making them less social, don't be. They'll still be the center of attention, and their slobber shake will be a showstopper. Trust me, I've seen it happen!

Keeping your Newfie's neck hair clipped shorter can also help reduce drool and prevent musty smells. It's a simple trick that makes a big difference.

Having a stockpile of dry towels on hand is also a good idea, especially if you have a heavy drooler like I do. It helps keep your home clean and prevents the buildup of yeast and germs.

Elbert Hilpert

Lead Writer

Elbert Hilpert is a seasoned writer with a passion for crafting informative and engaging content. With a keen interest in various topics, he has established himself as a versatile and reliable voice in the writing community. His expertise spans across multiple categories, including Animal Bites and Injuries, where he has delved into the complexities of animal behavior and the importance of proper treatment for bite victims.

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