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Newfoundland dogs, affectionately known as Newfies by their adoring fan club, epitomize the gentle giant. These massive dogs are renowned for their power, intelligence, and sweet, loving nature. You may know that Newfies are big dogs, but if you’re considering getting one or have just brought a pup home, you may be wondering just how big.
A full grown Newfoundland dog will get to be between 100–150 pounds! The bottom line is that your Newfie will take up a lot of space. That’s OK; there’s more of them to cuddle, and they love to cuddle! Let’s look at how you can expect the new addition to your family to grow over the next couple of years.
Newfoundland Dog Breed Overview
The Newfoundland’s history is a little vague, but most researchers believe they originated on Newfoundland Island around the 17th or 18th centuries. The Newfoundland as we know today appears to have first been documented in the early 1880s by Irish and English explorers and fishermen who had traveled to the area.
Newfoundlands are thought to have resulted from the interbreeding of the native dogs and Great Pyrenees introduced in the 17th century by Basque fishermen. However, genetic analysis has revealed they are related to the Irish Water Spaniel, Labrador, and Curly-coated Retriever.
They are immensely powerful working dogs with a heart of gold. They are noted for their swimming ability, and there are numerous accounts of Newfies rescuing humans from an imminent watery death. Even though many are bred for this specific purpose, it seems innate in them to help humans, and most Newfies somehow know what to do without any training.
They adore people, particularly children. Despite their monumental size, they are patient and gentle with them, given the correct training early on. They are categorized as a “wet-mouthed” breed and are renowned for their laughter-inducing slobber, particularly in warm weather.
Newfoundland Dog Size and Growth Chart
The male Newfoundland will grow into a significantly bigger dog than the female. He will weigh up to 150 pounds and measure around 28 inches tall, whereas she will reach a weight of about 100 to 120 pounds. A newborn Newfie weighs just a few pounds and spends the next 6 months of life rapidly increasing in size when they will be approximately half of their eventual adult weight and two-thirds of their height.
A Newfoundland’s growth rate over their first two years is impressive but not always easy to predict. The table below gives an estimate of heights and weights you could expect from your male or female Newfie as they hit their various milestones, based on information from a range of sources.
| Female | Male | |||
| Age | Weight Range | Height Range | Weight Range | Height Range |
| 8 weeks | 15–17 pounds | 8–10 inches | 15–17 pounds | 8–10 inches |
| 12 weeks | 20–23 pounds | 11–15 inches | 22–27 pounds | 12–16 inches |
| 4 months | 30–33 pounds | 15–20 inches | 35–39 pounds | 18–22 inches |
| 6 months | 40–50 pounds | 19–21 inches | 50–60 pounds | 21–23 inches |
| 9 months | 70–80 pounds | 22–24 inches | 80–90 pounds | 23–25 inches |
| 12 months | 100–110 pounds | 24–25 inches | 110–120 pounds | 25–27 inches |
| 2 years | 110–120 pounds | 24–26 inches | 130–150 pounds | 26–28 inches |
Bear in mind that these are just guidelines. 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. If you ever have concerns about your Newfie’s growth, contact your veterinarian immediately.
When Does a Newfoundland Dog Stop Growing?
Newfoundlands usually reach their final adult size at approximately 2 years of age. Some individuals may continue to fill out until they are 2½ years old. They gain the most height in the first 6 months of their life, and a healthy pup will gain approximately 10 pounds per month in the first year.
Check out this excellent formula from PuppyWeightCalculator.com that you can use to predict how big your Newfie will be when they’re an adult:
- Adult Weight = *Growth x 52
- (*Growth = current weight / current age in weeks)
Alternatively, you can measure their weight at 23 weeks old and double it to give you an idea of their final adult weight.
Factors Affecting the Size of a Newfoundland Dog
The primary factor determining an adult Newfoundland dog’s size is genetics. Their bloodlines primarily determine the small range within adult sizes of Newfoundlands. As with all species, there is a genetic variation among family lines and individuals. This is a result of the evolutionary adaptation necessary to survive and thrive.
Of course, the other factor determining your Newfies eventual age is their gender. A male will be 20 to 30 pounds heavier and a couple of inches taller than a female. Several other immediate environmental factors may affect a Newfoundland dog’s size. These can include nutritional status or the state of their health. Have they been malnourished or overfed? Have they been fed a good quality diet? Are they, or have they been ill as a pup?
Ideal Diet for Maintaining a Healthy Weight
Newfoundland dogs love their grub and can be prone to obesity, particularly if they have a more sedentary lifestyle. It is important to pay attention to their diet and choose a brand specially formulated for giant breeds that is high in protein, low in carbohydrates, and doesn’t include fillers or preservatives. It is advised not to free-feed them since tracking how much they eat will be difficult.
Ensure that the food you select for your pup is life stage and breed-appropriate. Remember that puppies need to be fed at least four times a day, while your adult Newfie can be fed two to three times a day. We recommend getting advice and guidance from a veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns regarding your pet’s diet and weight.
If you need to speak with a vet but can't get to one, head over to PangoVet. It's an online service where you can talk to a vet online and get the personalized advice you need for your pet — all at an affordable price!
How to Measure Your Newfoundland Dog
The best way to measure your Newfie’s height is with a dressmaker’s measuring tape. You could also use a carpenter or builder’s steel tape or a piece of string, but they will not be as efficient or user-friendly. 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—down to the ground.
You can keep track of your Newfoundland dog’s weight at home for the first 3 or 4 months of their life. After that, you will have to take them into a veterinarian’s rooms for this task, as you will no longer be able to pick them up! To weigh them at home, first weigh yourself, then weigh yourself while you’re holding your pup. Then, subtract the smaller number from the larger one, leaving you with their weight.
In Summary
Newfoundlands have hearts and personalities to match their gigantic physical proportions. Now that you know how big a Newfie gets, you can make plans to accommodate one in your home and life. If you have the space and the budget, you certainly can’t go wrong with one of these loving and devoted pups.
Featured Image Credit: B.Stefanov, Shutterstock
