I’ve been noticing a trend lately.
Actually, it’s probably not a trend, I think I’m just paying closer attention.
I’ve been hearing a lot of people talking about Newfoundlands that weigh over 200 pounds.
“I want a HUGE Newfoundland.”
“My uncle’s cousin had a Newfoundland that was 250 pounds.” (Ok. This isn’t a new one. Everyone’s uncle’s cousin had a Newfoundland that was 250 pounds.)
“We breed Newfoundland dogs for SIZE.”
“His father was 300 pounds so he’s going to be a BIG boy!”
What the what?
Are we talking about the same breed?
Have Newfies gone on steroids?
Average Newfoundland dog weight
Newfoundlands are a giant breed dog but the average Newfoundland male weighs between 130-150 pounds. The average female Newfoundland is 100-120 pounds.
A Newfoundland over 150 pounds isn’t a fault but it’s not the average and while size is a major component of the breed, it should never come at the expense of health or temperament.
A Newfies weight should fit their frame.
They should be able to carry their weight gracefully. Not like a sack of potatoes with 4 legs.
A 250 pound Newfoundland is either very tall or very FAT. Both will cause issues, joint and otherwise.
In his prime, Leroy weighed 170 pounds. He’s the biggest Newfoundland I’ve had.
Currently, he weighs 125 pounds due to his health issues but I have to wonder if that loss in weight is a blessing in disguise.
At nearly 11 years old and 30 inches tall at the shoulders, Leroy struggles a bit now to lift his body up. At 170 pounds, I don’t know if that would be possible.
The bigger they are the quicker that their bodies wear out.
Their whole body.
Of course, that’s not always the case, but more often than not it is. Carrying around that much weight WILL eventually put a strain on their body, organs, joints..etc.
I’m not saying that a 200 pound Newfie doesn’t exist or shouldn’t exist, but I don’t think people should be seeking them out. Once again, when searching for a Newfoundland dog, size shouldn’t be the main consideration.
If you’re looking for a Newfie that is going to weigh more than 200 pounds you’re looking outside of the breed standards, just like if you’re looking for a dry-mouth Newfoundland.
The bigger the dog the more issues you could face in the future. Issues when they’re growing and issues when they are older. Their size could greatly reduce your time together.
Stay within the normal guidelines of a Newfoundland dog’s size. Put health and temperament first. Don’t try to have the coolest, biggest dog on the block, that’s going to happen regardless.And if your Newfoundland is weighing in at 200 pounds, I would suggest the rib test using your knuckles as a guide.
What about those puppies?
I often see people wondering why their 6-month-old puppy only weighs 60 pounds.
They’re concerned that their puppy isn’t growing properly, that they’re too skinny or that their puppy is going to be a small Newfoundland.
Giant breed dogs like the Newfoundland should grow slow.
They should be a bit on the thin side.
Their growth plates aren’t closed yet and they don’t need that extra weight bearing down on them.
Puppies are not going to look like adult Newfoundlands until they are adult Newfoundlands.
First, they don’t have their full coat which adds about 20 non-calculated pounds of a Newfie, (meaning it looks like they weigh an additional 20 because of their thick coat)
Second, a 6-month-old puppy still has years of growing to do!
It’s recommended that for the first year a Newfie puppy should no more than 10 pounds per month.
If your puppy is otherwise healthy and has been checked by a vet, no known medical issues and no parasites, then odds are they are doing just fine.
When does a Newfoundland dog stop growing?
Most Newfoundlands will stop growing around 3-4 years old.
They will reach their ideal height first and then their ideal weight.
Mikaila
Thursday 14th of October 2021
My mother and I bought a pair of male Newfoundland/Great Pyrenees crosses from a farm, that breeds the cross for people with small acreages that need a good livestock guard dog but that won't "take off" or go "free-ranging" like a purebred pyr. They will be 5 months old on the 20th, and I weighed them last week. Ezra weighs 60 lbs and Chavi weighs 65 lbs. Is this too heavy for their age? I've felt their ribs and I don't have to press hard to feel them, but there is a soft padding over them, although it just kind of feels like loose skin, not fat, if that makes sense. I am concerned on whether I should cut back on the food? They are both eating about 4 cups of food a day at the moment.
Jen
Wednesday 20th of October 2021
Hi Mikaila, it's hard to say for sure without actually being able to see them in person but my Newfie puppy Lou is 6 months old and weighs 80 pounds and he's not overweight at all. He eats 4 cups a day also plus treats. My guess would be that your pups are on track and not overweight at this time.
Johanna Snyder
Monday 26th of April 2021
My female newf is 6 and weighs 157. She refuses to walk further than the driveway. Just sits down. Any suggestions for weight loss and getting her to walk?
Jen
Thursday 29th of April 2021
Hi Johanna,
You could try calvetti poles and do different exercises with those in your backyard or house.
Tom Nicholls
Sunday 4th of April 2021
My wife sent me this article which alleviated some of my concern that my Newfie’s were too light. We have siblings, male and female and we love them. First time breed owners. We brought them to a local trainer who lectured us on why not to get siblings. We left right after the reprimand. Is was too late, we already have the dogs!!! The male is now 18 months old and is about 130lbs. The female is close to that weight and has got her full coat. He does not. Sometimes they look giant and sometimes they don’t. My grandmother was from NFLD, hence our attraction.
Jen
Monday 5th of April 2021
My males have always seemed to get their adult coat later-after 2 years of age:)
Dione Wilson
Saturday 16th of January 2021
I took my female 2 year old to the vet today and she weighed in at 105 pounds. The vet said she was overweight and that I should consider putting her on a diet.
Jerry
Tuesday 26th of April 2016
I think people often exaggerate the weight of their dogs. The AKC standard for a large male is 150 to 160 lbs plus or minus 10%. I have raised two males both around 150 lbs and currently raising a newf pup. To put it in perspective, I have yet to see a newf equal in weight to an NFL linebacker.