Connect with responsible Newfoundland breeders and find the ideal breeding partner for your gentle giant
Understanding your Newfie's water rescue heritage and gentle nature is essential for responsible breeding
Male: 130-150 lbs
Female: 100-120 lbs
Male: 28 inches average
Female: 26 inches average
9-10 years
Giant breed lifespan
Sweet, Patient
Gentle giants
Bred for water rescue in Newfoundland. Webbed feet, water-repellent coat, swimming motion different from other dogs. Natural lifeguards.
Excessive drooling is breed characteristic. Keep towels everywhere. Shake heads and fling drool on walls. Not for fastidious housekeepers.
Famous for gentleness with children. Will position themselves between child and danger. Natural protective instinct without aggression.
Massive double coat sheds year-round. Grooming takes hours. Can produce garbage bags of fur weekly. Requires dedicated maintenance.
Newfoundlands face serious health challenges with heart disease being a major concern in the breed
Heart disease is common. Annual cardiac evaluation by cardiologist MANDATORY. Can be fatal. Many Newfies die of heart disease by 6-8 years.
OFA or PennHIP testing MANDATORY. Common in giant breeds. Both parents must have good/excellent ratings. Poor hips cause severe pain.
OFA elbow evaluation MANDATORY. Very common in Newfoundlands. Can cause severe lameness. Surgery often unsuccessful in giant breeds.
Genetic test MANDATORY. Causes bladder stones that can block urinary tract. Can be life-threatening in males. Test all breeding stock.
Deep-chested breed at high risk. Can kill within hours. Feed multiple small meals. Consider prophylactic gastropexy. Know emergency signs.
Extremely common due to massive weight. Surgery costs $4,000-8,000. Often both knees affected. Keep dogs lean to reduce risk.
Cannot tolerate heat. Can die from heatstroke quickly. Bred for cold water rescue. Need air conditioning in warm climates.
Inherited heart defect. Can cause sudden death in young dogs. Cardiac evaluation essential. Affected dogs should not be bred.
Heart disease is devastating in Newfoundlands. Many die by age 6-8 from cardiac issues. Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and subvalvular aortic stenosis (SAS) are common.
Mandatory cardiac screening includes:
NEVER breed a Newfoundland without comprehensive cardiac evaluation. The heartbreak is too great.
Newfoundlands were bred for icy water rescue and CANNOT tolerate heat. They can die from heatstroke in minutes. Temperatures above 70°F are dangerous. They need air conditioning, not just fans. Never exercise in warm weather. Swimming helps but isn't enough in hot climates. Many Newfies have died at dog shows from heat. If you live in a warm climate, this may not be the right breed. Educate all buyers about heat danger - it's a matter of life and death.
Follow these essential guidelines for responsible Newfoundland breeding
Male Newfoundlands
2.5 to 6 years
Female Newfoundlands
2.5 to 5 years
Giant breeds mature slowly. Wait until fully grown. Short lifespan means limited breeding years. Heart problems often appear by middle age.
Newfoundlands face serious health challenges. Focus on cardiac health and joint integrity. Many die young from heart disease.
Females: Maximum once per year, 2-3 litters lifetime
Giant breed pregnancies extremely taxing. Need 18-24 months between litters
Short lifespan and difficult pregnancies mean very limited breeding opportunities
Connect with verified Newfoundland owners for safe and ethical breeding
Newfoundland
Newfoundland
Newfoundland
Newfoundland
Newfoundland
Newfoundland × Miniature Poodle
Newfoundland × Akbash
Newfoundland
Join thousands of responsible pet owners who've found quality breeding partners on Petmeetly.
Get Started NowReal stories from dog owners who found perfect breeding matches on Petmeetly
Expert advice and tips for Newfoundland breeding
Get a step-by-step guide to ethical dog breeding. Learn about choosing breeding pairs, caring for puppies, and ensuring responsible practices for a successful outcome.
Welcome to Petmeetly, your trusted platform for connecting with responsible pet breeders.
