Grooming a Newfoundland can be overwhelming to anyone.
Add in snow and ice and that’s a mess waiting to happen.
If you don’t have a plan, grooming in the winter will quickly turn into a chore that you dread instead of a simple 5-minute maintenance check.
Winter grooming doesn’t need to be perfect to be effective.
It just needs to be intentional.
A Newfoundland’s coat is functional, protective and designed to handle cold, wet weather.
When you learn to work with that coat instead of fighting it, grooming becomes efficient, simpler, and less stressful.
Grooming a Newfoundland in the winter isn’t about doing more, it’s about doing what matters.
Why Winter Grooming Needs a Different Approach
In winter, moisture is the biggest problem.
It’s you against the snow and ice.
Snow, ice, slush and damp air all find their way deep into a Newfoundland’s coat.
Even when you finally convince your Newf to come inside to the dry, warm air, moisture can linger close to the skin, creating the perfect conditions for matting, odor and skin irritations.
That’s why winter grooming can feel more overwhelming.
The key is not constant brushing.
The key is targeting the problem areas, keeping them dry and being consistent.
A Realistic Grooming Routine
This winter grooming routine is designed for real life.
Not an everyday grooming marathon.
Daily 5 Minute Checks
We’re not going for a full body brush, we’re checking areas that tend to mat quickly in the winter.
Focus on:
- Behind the ears
- Neck & collar area
- Chest and armpits
- Back of legs/pants
- Belly & groin
- Base of tail
- Paws (bottom on the paws between the pads)
Run your hands through these areas and check for dampness, tangles or packed ice.
If you find something, take care of it now.
simple winter grooming routine for Newfoundlands
After Snow Play or Walks
Anytime your Newfoundland comes inside from being out in the snow or slush, drying should take place.
Pay special attention to:
- Chest and underside (belly)
- Legs and feathering
- Paws (between the pads)
Towel drying, airflow and making sure the coat feels dry all the way down to the skin are important steps that can help to prevent mats and tangles.
Weekly: 10-15 Minutes of Targeted Grooming
1 to 2 times a week, set aside time for a short grooming session.
This doesn’t need to be perfect or time-consuming.
During your short session:
- Gently brush high-risk matting areas.
- Use a comb to check behind the ears and around friction areas.
- Remove loose hair.
- Focus on line combing the undercoat and worry less about the topcoat.
What to Stop Doing in Winter
Sometimes less is better.
Consider stopping:
- Aggressive brushing
- Brushing damp coats
- Leaving collars on indoors
Winter grooming is about supporting the dog’s functional coat, not making it picture perfect.
You don’t need to groom constantly to have a healthy winter coat.
You just need to be consistent and focus on the areas that matter the most during your winter grooming routine.
If winter grooming feels harder than it should, I put everything I’ve learned over the years into a No-Stress Winter Grooming Guide for Newfoundlands.
A simple resource that explains moisture, matting and winter care all in one place.