Can Newfoundlands be kept in an apartment?

Their large size makes apartment living challenging unless the space is quite spacious. Access to a nearby park for regular exercise can help, but a house with a yard is generally better suited to this breed's needs.

Newfoundland

Gentle giant. Exceptional swimmer with rescue heritage. Especially gentle with children.

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Newfoundland key facts

Care level: Intermediate
Lifespan: 8-10 years
Size: Height 63-74cm / Weight 45-68kg
Diet: High-quality giant-breed food. Joint-support formulas ideal.
Temperament: Calm, gentle, and patient. Loves children.
Exercise: 45-60 min walk daily. Loves swimming.
Coat Care: Long dense waterproof coat. Brush 3-4 times weekly. Heavy drooling.
Origin: Canada
Notes: Risk of heart disease and hip dysplasia. Heat-sensitive.

TraitsIntermediateGiantExcellent swimmerGentle giant

About Newfoundland

The Newfoundland originated on the island of Newfoundland, Canada, where it was bred as a working dog for fishermen and a water rescue companion. Its webbed feet and dense, water-resistant double coat allow it to swim powerfully even in cold water for extended periods. Despite its imposing size — standing 63–74 cm tall and weighing 45–68 kg — the Newfoundland's personality is remarkably gentle and patient. Its renowned affinity for children has earned it the nickname "Nanny Dog." Deeply devoted to family, it is better suited as a loving companion than a guard dog. Owning one requires ample living space, diligent coat care, and attention to joint health, but in return this breed offers an unmatched depth of loyalty and a calm, enriching presence in everyday life.

7 things to know before welcoming a Newfoundland

1Space for a Giant
Reaching 45–68 kg, Newfoundlands need ample indoor space to move comfortably. A home with a spacious living area or yard is ideal. They don't require extreme exercise — one or two daily walks generally keep them content.
2Sensitivity to Heat
Their thick double coat makes them highly sensitive to heat and humidity. Air conditioning is essential in summer, and strenuous outdoor activity during hot daytime hours should be avoided. Keeping them well-hydrated with access to cool resting spots is critical.
3Coat Care and Shedding
Their abundant long coat requires brushing two to three times a week, and daily grooming during shedding seasons. Neglecting this can lead to matting and skin issues. Regular professional trimming is worth considering to keep the coat manageable.
4Joint and Bone Health
Newfoundlands are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia common in giant breeds. Choosing high-quality food with joint-supporting nutrients and avoiding excessive exercise during puppyhood are important preventive measures. Regular veterinary checkups help with early detection.
5Drool and Water Mess
Many Newfoundlands drool noticeably due to their loose jowls. Their love of water also means wet floors after drinking or bathing are common. Keeping towels and waterproof mats handy will help you manage the mess as part of daily life.

Frequently asked questions about Newfoundland

Q.Can Newfoundlands be kept in an apartment?: A.Their large size makes apartment living challenging unless the space is quite spacious. Access to a nearby park for regular exercise can help, but a house with a yard is generally better suited to this breed's needs.
Q.Are Newfoundlands safe around children?: A.

Useful tools for Newfoundland care

🧮Care Cost SimulatorEstimate initial, monthly & annual costs by category, care level and quantity 🎯Pet Match DiagnosticAnswer 7 questions to find your top 3 perfect pets 📋Lifetime Cost SimulatorEstimate lifespan and lifetime costs by species for dogs, cats, reptiles and more 🚚Transport Safety CheckerCheck transport safety score and precautions by category, season, method and distance 🏠Multi-Pet Budget PlannerPlan budget for multiple pets with shared and individual cost breakdown

Learn more about Newfoundland in the encyclopedia

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Care difficulty, lifespan, size and diet — all basics covered.

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6Higher Ownership Costs

Their large size means higher costs across food, veterinary care, and supplies. Monthly food expenses alone can be several times that of a small breed. Enrolling in pet insurance early is strongly advisable to prepare for potential medical bills.

7Gentle Yet Needs Socialization

Despite their naturally gentle temperament, socialization training from puppyhood is essential given their sheer size. Properly exposing them to people and environments helps them behave calmly and safely in public. They respond well to positive reinforcement training.

Newfoundlands are famously patient and gentle with children, earning the nickname "Nanny Dog." However, their sheer size means adult supervision is important when they interact with small children. With proper socialization, they make wonderful family companions.

Q.How much exercise does a Newfoundland need?

A.Despite their size, Newfoundlands have moderate exercise needs — around 30 to 60 minutes of leisurely walking per day is a good guideline. Strenuous exercise should be avoided in puppyhood to protect developing joints. Swimming is joint-friendly and often a favorite activity for this breed.

Q.How much do Newfoundlands shed?

A.Newfoundlands shed quite heavily, especially during spring and autumn coat changes when daily brushing becomes necessary. Regular vacuuming and lint rolling are part of daily life with this breed. Periodic professional grooming helps keep the coat manageable.

Q.What is the average lifespan and common health issues?

A.The average lifespan is 8 to 10 years, typical for a giant breed. Common health concerns include hip and elbow dysplasia, heart conditions (particularly dilated cardiomyopathy), and gastric torsion (bloat). Regular veterinary checkups along with proper diet and weight management are key to supporting a long, healthy life.