At what age do Newfoundland dogs calm down?
If you stumbled across this article, my best guess would be that your Newfoundland dog just turned 2 years old, and they’re still the life of the party.
You’re slightly concerned because you didn’t expect your Newfie to be so energetic at this age.
I bet you’re anxiously awaiting the “laid back gentle giant” part.
As the current owner of an almost 4 year-old Newfoundland, I can tell you that it’s slowly creeping in but my 4-year old Newf is still evolving.
What Age Do Newfoundlands Calm Down?
Let’s jump right into it because I know you’re dying to know.
Instead of giving only my experience of raising a Newfoundland, I asked a few hundred of my Facebook friends what age their Newfoundland calmed down so that I could provide you with accurate information.
My personal answer was 3-4 years old and most veteran Newfoundland dog owners gave the same age range.
There was also a few that said 2 years old but the second most common answer was 6 years old.
Keep in mind that most Newfies are out of the velociraptor stage at this age and many of them are showing subtle signs of chilling out but the spunk is still there.
Late Adolescent Stage
Remember, in general, giant breed dogs like the Newfoundland have a longer adolescent stage.
While their massive size might make them look mature early on, their mental and emotional development follows a different timeline.
Newfoundland puppies are busy.
They’re full of curiosity, playfulness, and—let’s be honest—a bit of mischief.
They go through a typical puppy phase that lasts until about 4 to 12 months, during which they are highly energetic and prone to common behaviors like mouthing, zoomies, selective hearing and general clumsiness.
As they transition into adolescence, which lasts from about 12 months to 3 years, their energy levels remain high, and they may test boundaries while continuing to refine their training and social skills.
Most Newfoundlands start to mellow out significantly between 3 and 4 years old.
This is when their physical growth begins to slow, and they gain better impulse control.
However, many still have bursts of playfulness and excitement.
By this age, most Newfoundlands develop the calm, composed demeanor they are famous for but they may still surprise you with the occasional goofy moments.
Factors That Could Affect Maturity
Several factors can influence how quickly a Newfoundland calms down:
- Training & Socialization – A well-trained Newfoundland with regular social exposure is more likely to settle sooner.
- Exercise & Mental Stimulation – Regular exercise and engaging activities help productively channel their energy.
- Genetics – Some Newfoundlands naturally have a more relaxed temperament, while others stay playful for longer.
- Health & Diet – A well-balanced diet and good health contribute to stable behavior and energy levels.
Tips to Help Your Newfoundland Settle Down
If your Newfoundland is still bouncing off the walls, here are some things you can try to help encourage calm behavior:
- Consistent Training: Reinforce commands like “settle” or “place” to teach them relaxation skills.
- Work: Newfoundlands are a working breed, so give them a job to do!
- Appropriate Exercise: Moderate daily walks, swimming, and controlled play sessions help burn excess energy.
- Mental Stimulation: Puzzle toys, obedience training, and gentle working tasks engage their mind.
- Routine & Structure: Predictable daily routines provide stability and encourage calmness.
While most Newfoundlands tend to calm down between 3 and 4 years old and enter into the adult stage, each dog is unique.
With proper training, exercise, and patience, your Newfoundland will grow into the calm and affectionate companion the breed is known for.
Until then, enjoy their playful nature—it’s part of what makes them such amazing dogs!
This is a community inspired article. Thank you to our Facebook community for providing personal experiences with their Newfoundlands<3