The Bigger The Newfoundland The Better? Why Bigger Is Not Always Better

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. 

 

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