Newfoundland dogs are a beloved breed, known for their massive size and gentle nature.
On average, male Newfoundlands weigh between 130-150 pounds and stand between 28-30 inches tall at the shoulder.
Their large size requires plenty of space to move around, which is why they're not suited for small living spaces.
Newfoundlands need regular exercise to stay healthy and happy.
Their weight gain is a significant factor in their growth, with puppies gaining up to 3 pounds per week during their first year.
As they grow, they'll need a balanced diet to support their development.
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Physical Characteristics
Newfoundland dogs are truly massive creatures, and their size is one of the most striking things about them. They can weigh up to 150 pounds and stand up to 28 inches tall.
Their large, webbed paws make them excellent swimmers, and their muscular build gives them the strength and power they need to take on rough ocean waves and powerful tides. Their thick, double coat is waterproof and comes in a variety of colors, including black, brown, gray, and white and black.
One of the most impressive things about a Newfoundland's physical characteristics is their head. It's massive and broad, with a pronounced stop and a slightly curved muzzle. Their eyes are dark brown and expressive, and their ears are small and triangular.
Newfoundlands have extremely large bones, which give them mass, and their large musculature gives them the power they need to swim long distances. Their huge lung capacity allows them to take on even the toughest swimming challenges.
Here are the average weights and heights for males and females:
Some Newfoundlands have been known to weigh over 90 kg (200 lb), and the largest on record weighed 120 kg (260 lb) and measured over 1.8 m (6 ft) from nose to tail.
Breed Information
Newfoundland dogs can grow to be quite large, with males weighing between 130 to 150 pounds and females weighing between 100 to 120 pounds.
Genetics play a significant role in determining a Newfoundland dog's size, with their bloodlines primarily determining their adult size. A male Newfoundland will typically be 20 to 30 pounds heavier and a couple of inches taller than a female.
Both male and female Newfoundlands will be heavy-boned and carry themselves with a sense of dignity, standing near 28 inches tall for males and about 26 inches for females.
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Origin
The Newfoundland breed has a rich history that dates back to its origins as a working dog for fishermen in Newfoundland. The breed's connection to other dogs, such as the Irish water spaniel and Curly-Coated Retriever, is evident in genome analysis.
Originally, the Newfoundland was bred and used by fishermen and explorers from Ireland and England who traveled to the Grand Banks of Newfoundland. They described two main types of working dogs, one being the heavily built Greater Newfoundland and the other the medium-sized St. John's water dog.
The Greater Newfoundland was known for its large size and longish coat, while the St. John's water dog was active and smooth-coated. Both breeds were used as working dogs to pull fishnets, with the Greater Newfoundland also being used to haul carts and other equipment.
It's believed that the original Newfoundland on the island was smaller, and when sold to the English, it was bred with mastiffs, resulting in the larger breed we know today.
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Breed Overview
The Newfoundland breed is a great fit for active singles or families with kids, and they're perfectly fine with a little dog hair.
Newfies are known for being loyal and loving.
They're also highly intelligent, easy to train, and friendly.
Newfies are a big, furry blend of various breeds, including the Labrador Retriever, Irish Water Spaniel, Curly Coated Retriever, and the now-extinct St. John's Water Dog.
Originally bred to be cold-water working dogs, they excelled at retrieving fishing nets and rescuing overboard sailors.
Today, they've earned a gentle reputation as "nanny dogs" that get along well with children.
Factors Affecting Dog Size
Genetics play a significant role in determining an adult Newfoundland dog's size, with their bloodlines primarily determining the small range within adult sizes of Newfoundlands.
A male Newfoundland will typically be 20 to 30 pounds heavier and a couple of inches taller than a female.
Nutritional status can also impact a Newfoundland dog's size, with malnutrition or overfeeding potentially affecting their growth.
The quality of their diet is also crucial, with a good quality diet essential for healthy growth and development.
A healthy pup will gain approximately 10 pounds per month in the first year of life.
Here are some key growth milestones for Newfoundland puppies:
Owning and Caring
Owning a Newfoundland dog is a big responsibility, but with the right care, it can be a incredibly rewarding experience.
Newfoundland dogs can grow up to 28 inches in height and weigh between 100-150 pounds, so they need plenty of space to move around.
They have a thick double coat that sheds heavily, so be prepared for regular grooming sessions.
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Measuring Your Dog
To measure your Newfie's height, use a dressmaker's measuring tape, as it's the most efficient and user-friendly option. You can also use a carpenter's steel tape or a piece of string, but they might not be as convenient.
Have your dog stand on hard, level ground and keep still. Measure them from the top of their withers—the point of their shoulder blades—to the ground.
For the first 3 or 4 months of their life, you can track your Newfie's weight at home. After that, you'll need to take them to your veterinarian for weighing.
To weigh your Newfie at home, first weigh yourself, then weigh yourself while holding your pup. Subtract the smaller number from the larger one to find their weight.
Here's a rough guide to help you keep track of your Newfie's growth:
Owning Essentials
Having a reliable vehicle is crucial for owning a home in rural areas, where public transportation may be limited.
A good rule of thumb is to have a minimum of $500 in emergency savings to cover unexpected expenses.
Regular maintenance of your vehicle can help prevent costly repairs down the line.
In areas with harsh winters, owning a snow blower can be a lifesaver.
A well-stocked pantry with non-perishable food items can provide peace of mind during power outages.
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Healthy Weight Diet
Newfoundland dogs can be prone to obesity if they have a sedentary lifestyle, so it's essential to pay attention to their diet.
Choosing the right food for your Newfie is crucial, and that means selecting a brand specially formulated for giant breeds that is high in protein, low in carbohydrates, and doesn't include fillers or preservatives.
Free-feeding your Newfoundland is not recommended, as it can be difficult to track how much they eat, and this can lead to overeating and weight gain.
Puppies need to be fed at least four times a day, while adult Newfoundlands can be fed two to three times a day, depending on their individual needs and activity level.
If you're unsure about your Newfie's diet or have concerns about their weight, it's always best to consult with a veterinarian for personalized advice.
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Growth and Development
Newfoundland dogs take longer to reach their full size compared to other breeds, typically reaching maturity around 2 years old.
Newfoundlands gain the most height in the first 6 months of life, and a healthy pup will gain approximately 10 pounds per month in the first year.
If your Newfie doesn't fit into one of the height or weight ranges listed at a certain age, it doesn't necessarily mean they are not growing properly.
You can estimate your Newfie's adult weight by using a formula: Adult Weight = *Growth x 52, where (*Growth = current weight / current age in weeks).
At 23 weeks old, you can measure their weight and double it to give you an idea of their final adult weight.
Genetics play a significant role in determining an adult Newfoundland dog's size, with bloodlines primarily determining the small range within adult sizes.
Male Newfoundlands are typically 20 to 30 pounds heavier and a couple of inches taller than females.
Here's a rough estimate of your Newfie's growth milestones:
Growth Charts and Measurements
Newfoundland dogs are known for their massive size, and tracking their growth can be a fun and exciting experience. A male Newfoundland will grow into a significantly bigger dog than the female, weighing up to 150 pounds and measuring around 28 inches tall.
To predict your Newfie's adult weight, you can use a formula from PuppyWeightCalculator.com: Adult Weight = *Growth x 52, where *Growth = current weight / current age in weeks.
You can measure your Newfie's height using a dressmaker's measuring tape, which is the most efficient and user-friendly option. Have your dog stand on hard, level ground and keep still, then measure them from the top of their withers—the point of their shoulder blades—down to the ground.
Newfoundland growth charts can be a helpful tool for tracking your pup's progress. Here's a rough estimate of your Newfie's weight and height at different ages:
Keep in mind that these numbers are just estimates, and all puppies will grow at their own pace.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Newfoundland the biggest dog?
Newfoundlands are among the largest dog breeds, with males weighing up to 120 kg and measuring over 1.8 m from nose to tail. While they are massive, there may be other breeds that rival their size.
What is the largest Newfoundland dog on record?
The largest Newfoundland dog on record weighed 118 kilograms and measured over 1.8 metres in length. This massive dog holds the record for the breed's maximum size.
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