12 Dog Breeds Similar to Newfoundland Dogs (With Info & Pictures)

If you love the Newfoundland but don’t want one specifically, or if you simply want to know what other dogs are like them, you’ve come to the right place. While we’re not going to highlight the Newfoundland for you here, we'll discuss 12 breeds that are similar to them. From the Bernese Mountain Dog to the Labrador Retriever, they all have similarities to the Newfoundland, and we’ll break it all down for you below!

The 12 Dog Breeds Similar to Newfoundland Dogs

1. Bernese Mountain Dogs

With a similar height, appearance, and weight as the Newfoundland, the Bernese Mountain Dog could be a close cousin. The Bernese Mountain Dog does great with children and other pets, and no matter what, they want more attention from their owners.

They also shed frequently, and despite their larger size, they have higher energy levels and need a fenced-in yard.

2. Mastiff

Few dogs can make a Newfoundland feel short, but that’s the case with a Mastiff. Smaller Mastiffs are about the same size as a Newfoundland, but larger ones can dwarf the massive dog. However, the Mastiff has a shorter average lifespan.

They get along great with children, but because of their larger size, you should be a little more careful with them around other dogs. Overall, they’re incredibly loving, so you shouldn’t have any issues with them around people.

3. Alaskan Malamute

The Alaskan Malamute is slightly smaller than the Newfoundland, but they have a similar appearance. They’re not always the best around kids or other dogs, but they also don’t demand as much attention as a Newfoundland. Still, they love pleasing their owners and are relatively easy to train—you just have to provide consistency.

4. Saint Bernard

Another breed similar in size and temperament to the Newfoundland is the Saint Bernard. This massive pup does great with kids and is extremely loving, but you need to be a bit more careful with them around other dogs.

They’re excellent watchdogs, and while they’re not the easiest to train, they’re not the most stubborn dogs either!

5. Leonberger

The Leonberger might be the least well-known breed on our list so far, but they’re similar to the Newfoundland. In fact, the Leonberger descends from Newfoundlands, as Germans bred them with St. Bernard’s in the 19th century.

They’re friendly pups that love to please their owners, and with long coats, they’re among the most adorable large dogs!

6. Golden Retriever

While the Golden Retriever might not immediately remind you of a Newfoundland, they have similar personalities. Both dogs are incredibly loving and great with kids, which is part of the reason both breeds are so popular.

7. Great Dane

What do Great Danes and Newfoundlands have in common? For starters, they’re both massive dogs. Not only that, but both dogs want as much attention as they can get, and with proper socialization, they both do great with kids and other dogs.

Great Danes breeds make great guard dogs, but with their sweet and loving temperaments, it might be hard to see why once you have one in your home for a while.

8. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog

Another large and loving dog that might remind you a bit of a Newfoundland is the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. They get along with kids and want constant attention, and with proper socialization, they can get along with other dogs.

They're friendly to nearly everyone, but they have higher energy levels, so we recommend having a fenced-in yard with space for them to roam.

9. Great Pyrenees

The Great Pyrenees is smaller than the Newfoundland, but they’re far from a small dog. Their appearance is strikingly similar to a Newfoundland, and when you compare personalities, they’re pretty similar too.

They want constant attention, and while they can get along with kids and other dogs, you need to socialize them to ensure they're well-behaved.

10. Irish Wolfhound

Although the Irish Wolfhound doesn’t look much like a Newfoundland, they have a similar height, weight, and temperament. They're friendly pups, and most Irish Wolfhounds get along with other dogs and kids with consistent socialization.

They’re great guard dogs but require training to prevent them from becoming anxious around strangers.

11. Estrela Mountain Dog

The Estrela Mountain Dog isn’t the most common breed, but some people confuse them with the Newfoundland. They have a similar height and weight, and they have a long coat that’s strikingly similar to the Newfoundland.

Like the Newfoundland, the Estrela Mountain Dog wants as much attention as they can get, and you’re not going to find a dog that does better with children of all ages.

12. Labrador Retriever

The Labrador Retriever is another dog that doesn’t immediately draw comparisons to the Newfoundland, but they have strikingly similar personalities. They demand attention from their owners and get along great with people, kids, and other dogs.

Conclusion

Whether you want a Newfoundland or a dog like them, there are plenty of choices available. It doesn’t matter if you’re in love with their appearance or their personality, several dogs are similar in one way or another. The large pups we discussed make excellent family pets but they require consistent training and socialization to become well-behaved around unfamiliar faces.

Related Reads:

• Berniefie (Bernese Mountain Dog Newfoundland Mix): Pictures, Guide, Info & Care

• 12 Dogs Similar to St. Bernards (With Pictures)

Featured Image Credit: Liliya Kulianionak, Shutterstock