Physical Characteristics

Newfoundlands are sweet-dispositioned dogs and devoted companions. Their webbed feet and water-resistant coats contribute to their impression swimming abilities. Newfs are large, heavily coated, well balanced dogs.

Males generally weigh 130–150 lbs and females typically weigh 100–120 lbs. The average height for adult dogs is 28 inches for males and 26 inches for females. Most Newfies are black, but other varieties include brown, gray (rare), Irish Spotted (black with white markings), and Landseer (black head, white body with black markings).

According to the official American Kennel Club breed description:

"Sweetness of temperament is the hallmark of the Newfoundland; this is the most important single characteristic of the breed."

Health Issues
Health problems associated with Newfoundlands, include Hip Dysplasia (a malformed ball and socket in the hip joint), Elbow dysplasia, sub-aortic stenosis (a heart condition) and cystinuria (a hereditary defect that forms calculi stones in the bladder).