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If you’ve ever seen a Newfoundland dog in person, it’s not an experience you’re likely to forget. The breed is known far and wide as one that often resembles a bear more than a dog. Simply put: they’re enormous.
But as big as they are, “Newfies,” as they’re affectionately nicknamed, are also known as amazingly gentle and faithful dogs. They have a sweet temperament and a ton of patience. There’s no question they earn the title of “gentle giant.” Sure, they’re huge, but what their owners remember about them most is their affectionate nature.
The Newfoundland male often gets up to 150 pounds, with females ranging between 100 and 120 pounds. Suffice is to say, they’re not your average lapdog — no matter how much they want to be.
If you ever own a dog like this, you have to be prepared for its special needs. The Newfoundland has a thick coat that needs regular grooming and its strong body requires plenty of exercise. And of course, those big dogs eat — a LOT.
For the families that can support them, Newfies are a one-of-a-kind dog. Whether they’re trying to climb up on their owner’s lap for a snuggle or romping in the snow, these gentle giants are truly amazing.
1. He’s a dog, not a bear
Meet Sebastian, a dog so big he has to wear a safety vest. Why do you ask? So that people don’t see him in public and panic, thinking he’s a bear.
2. He could fit another in there
Rollie enjoys accompanying his owners to the tennis courts. He watches them from the sidelines and occasionally picks up a tennis ball. Who wants to take bets on how many he can fit in his mouth?
3. Are you okay in there?
Newfoundland’s are affectionate and love to snuggle, but they don’t always realize just how big they are. It can be hard to cuddle when you’re getting crushed by 150 pounds of fur and muscle.
Just because she’s enormous doesn’t mean she can’t strike an adorable pose with the best of them. Agnes might be too big for the chair, but she still knows how to look cute.
5. What a difference 16 months makes
If you can believe it, these “brothers” are only 16 months apart. That’s not even a year and a half, but the size difference is already startling. One thing’s for sure: they’ve each have a best friend for life.
Imagine walking into your kitchen and seeing this. You’d probably think a bear had broken into your house. But it’s only a Newfoundland, which is only slightly less terrifying.
7. Which one is the horse?
Here we see a Newfoundland taking a stroll with a pony friend. When the dog and the pony are this close in size, you know that’s one big dog. Either that or the pony’s extremely small.
Newfoundland dogs have an intense love of snow, which makes perfect sense. With those enormous bodies and thick fur, they’re bound to stay warm. That snowbank feels amazing.
9. I don’t think that’s a dog
Logically, we know that’s a dog. But there’s something in your brain that makes you think you’d better run or you’ll get mauled. As scary as he looks, I bet he’s a lovebug.
10. “Hello big dog, I’m a small dog”
One of the funniest things about Newfoundland’s is seeing them next to smaller dogs — or even medium-sized ones. The sheer contrast is amazing.
When you’re gearing up to hit the beach with friends, you might have a hard time fitting everyone in the car. But never more so than when you have a 150-pound dog sharing the backseat.
No matter how long this guy’s lived with these dogs, he probably still gets a shock when he turns around. But on a practical level, how on earth does he walk through a room?
Snuggling with a giant dog is wonderful, but you have to be careful. When cuddling up to ‘a retriever or a dachshund, you don’t have to worry about whether you’ll suffocate under the weight and fur.
14. That’s one brave woman
I don’t know if this is the veterinarian, a vet tech, or the dog’s owner. But whoever she is, she’s got some guts to be next to this giant beast. Oh, who are we kidding — he’s probably a gentle giant.
15. He’s got a personal couch
One of the best things about owning a Newfie is that snuggling with them is like having a personal couch or bed. Well, a couch that pants, drools, and licks your face.
16. Always a snuggle bug no matter how big he gets
This guy’s 150 pounds, but somehow, he missed the memo. He’s convinced he’s still a tiny puppy that can snuggle on his owner’s lap. Who’s going to break the news?
We said it once and we’ll say it again: Newfies are always on the lookout for snow. While other dog owners bring their pets inside to keep them warm and safe, Newfoundland’s prefer to stay outside.
18. When you cut your hair at home
One of the challenges of owning a Newfoundland is managing their super-long, thick fur. Many people send their dogs to professional groomers. Others manage their haircuts at home in a more creative way.
Newfie dogs are living proof that when it comes to friendship, size doesn’t matter. They want to love and snuggle with you without regard for the difference in size.
20. Looks like a rough night
Like any dog, a Newfie might have some habits that are…well, odd, to say the least. And unlike smaller dogs, it may be somewhat difficult to keep them from partaking. For example, falling asleep with their head in the toilet.
21. “I’ll just help myself”
Most of us can keep our dogs off the table and out of the fridge — at least for the most part. But when you have a Newfie, you can forget about trying to protect your food. Just make sure they’re well-trained.
This little pup is getting big, but she’s still small enough to be picked up and cuddled. But don’t be fooled. She knows she’s descended from wolves. So, no…she WON’T BE SNUGGLED.
23. We might need a bigger couch
If this is what Thanksgiving looks like at your house, you might want to invest in some super-sturdy furniture. On the bright side, you can tell unwanted relatives you just don’t have enough room for them.
Considering the resemblance, it might not surprise you that these three are related. No, they’re not three puppies from the same litter, despite their similar sizes. They’re actually grandmother, father, and daughter.
25. He doesn’t need a coat
Those dog sweaters and coats are cute, but this furry guy’s just fine without one. In fact, he’d probably be way too hot in any kind of covering. Just let his thick fur do its job.
26. This chair isn’t big enough for both of us
Someone needs to tell this dog he’s not a puppy anymore and that he’s a bit too big for a lap snuggle. Oh, forget it. Just snuggle him and accept the discomfort. It’s worth it.
27. Brushing Bruce makes another dog
Newfies aren’t just big — they’re also incredibly furry. Their long, thick coats shed a lot. So much so that brushing them means you can make a whole other dog.
Talk about getting a hug that can’t be ignored. This Newfie wants some love and he wants it right now. All your other plans can wait until he’s finished.
29. What a majestic beauty
Meet Mia, the dark-eyed Newfoundland that cut an impressive figure. This picture of her looks like old oil paintings of royalty. She could very well be the queen of the Newfies.
30. Someone likes the snow
If you weren’t sure just how much Newfoundland’s love the snow, just take a look at this guy’s smile. It stretches from ear to ear. He’s definitely in his favorite place.
31. He’s only five months old
Looking at Newfoundland dogs like this one, you might think they’re full-grown adults. But believe it or not, this little guy is only five months old. He’s already twice the size of most dogs.
If she wasn’t tall enough to begin with, she can stretch twice as tall. Don’t forget that or you might get a nasty shock when you least expect it.
33. Is that a dog or a blanket?
This Newfie guy’s having such a great time in the snow that you can barely tell which end is his head and which is his tail. You might not even realize he’s a dog at all — until he moves, that is.
34. Happiness is playing in the mud
Just look at the sheer happiness on this pup’s face. Who wouldn’t be thrilled after a day romping around in the mud? He’s just doing what Newfies do best.
35. The best watchdogs ever
Not every pregnant woman can say she has two personal guard dogs. But these two good boys are keeping an eye on their mom until she’s ready to have the baby.
36. They’re just about a year old
Judging from the size of these dogs, you’d probably assume they’re fully grown. But one is only a year old and the other is even younger at 10 months. Who knows how big they’ll get before they’re done?
37. I don’t know what’s the most majestic part
I don’t know where this dog is, but it looks like a beautiful mansion — maybe even a museum or a historic site. But it’s hard to tell which is more eye-catching, the building or the dog.
You’d probably be amazed to learn that Callisto was only about a year old when this photo was taken. She looks like a giant, but in reality, she’s still a baby.
Mall Santa’s have to deal with all kinds of visitors, from the cooperative to the combative. But this Mr. Claus might just be a bit out of his comfort zone. On the other hand, this Newfie is probably better behaved than a lot of kids.
40. “Why is it so small?”
While you’re marveling at how large this Newfoundland is, you also have to be amazed at how tiny the other dog is. Luckily, this Newfie’s a gentle giant that just wants to exchange a few sniffs and nuzzles.
41. The very definition of majesty
Say hello to Appa, a regal beauty that’s as eye-catching as she is intimidating. You can’t help but think about sinking your hands into her thick coat. With Her Majesty’s permission, of course.
These two might be closer in age than you expect. Yet they’re very different sizes. Newfies grow so fast this one could very well still be a puppy.
43. So I guess everyone else is in the front seat
When you have three Newfoundland dogs in your back seat, that means one thing: everyone else has to sit up front. Believe me, there’s no more room back there.
For all the alarm clocks in the world, none of them are as effective as this one. Forget about a commercial clock. Just have a Newfoundland come stand on your chest every morning.
45. A compromise was reached
This good girl desperately wants to snuggle her humans. But she knows she’s too big for their laps. So, she came up with a new solution. As long as she can rest her head on theirs, she’s happy.
46. Snuggles are non-negotiable
A request for snuggles like this is impossible to ignore. He’s being a good boy and asking very politely, but those paws are BIG. Just give him a scratch and make him happy.
Every kid should have a dog when growing up. But these kids have a friend and a protector rolled into one. One thing’s certain — they never need to worry when their buddy’s around.
48. “Have you seen my magnificent tongue?”
In case you didn’t know, Newfies’ tongues are as oversized as the rest of them. So, drooling and licking a lot is par for the course. But as long as you can handle the slobber, those kisses are sweet.
He’s no tiny puppy, but Dexter still knows how to strike an adorable pose. With his nose buried in the grass and his demure eyes turned upward, he knows exactly how cute he is and how to get what he wants.
50. It’s the Abominable Snowdog
If you saw this coming toward you on a dim, snowy evening, you’d probably be scared out of your mind. But no worries — it’s just a happy Newfoundland girl having fun in the snow.
This glorious boy is Duncan, a Newfoundland living in the United Kingdom. It’s a regal name for a regal dog, making it perfect for him. But as kingly as he is, you just want to give him a scratch.
A Newfoundland dog needs regular grooming to help manage its luxurious coat. This pretty girl’s showing off her new and improved look after a day of pampering. I hope everyone told her she was gorgeous.
53. They’re made for the snow
Many owners of Newfoundland dogs say they have a hard time keeping them out of the snow. While other dogs get cold after a while, Newfies are happy to play in the snow for hours on end.
54. Who doesn’t love a snow bath?
This big guy’s enjoying snow for the first time. Right now, he’s only dipped his nose in, but before long he’ll be bounding from snowdrift to snowdrift.
55. Which is the dog and which is the car?
With a thick layer of snow and a tennis ball, this dogs in heaven. What else could any pup ask for but an afternoon of playing in a place like this?
56. This is the definition of a bear hug
No, Newfie dogs aren’t bears, no matter how much they look like them. But they do give a great example of a “bear hug.” Being the gentle giants they are, these dogs are always careful.
57. She’s a perfect old lady
Good old Jewel passed away from old age, but she was a good girl and a beloved pet. You have to wonder if she earned her name from the jewel-like quality of her giant eyes.
58. They stay the same size from infancy to old age
This good boy was celebrating his 12th birthday, which means he’s a respected old man. Of course, he’s been this size since he was a puppy. That’s so hard to imagine.
59. When you don’t fit but you still sit
We’ve all heard the internet saying “If I fits, I sits,” referring to pets squeezing themselves into strange places. This dog doesn’t fit anywhere, but he’ll die trying.
60. There was an accident
At 110 pounds, this big dog can easily rip a living room to shreds. But he’s a timid guy at heart. His owner said he was even afraid to get in their SUV.
61. A wolf in sheep’s clothing
Ah, the simple joy of dressing your pet up in a silly costume. This dog might look fierce, but the silly hat certainly helps tone down his image.
62. “Why watch the game when you could watch me?”
Well, one thing’s for certain: when this dog decides he doesn’t want you to watch TV, you’re not going to watch TV. Just try to make him move before he’s ready.
This guy might’ve just stumbled on the most foolproof way to get the girl to say yes. All you have to do is include an adorable dog and remind her she’ll be his new “mom.”
Oskar is finally clean and handsome after a long grooming session, but he’s also tired. And it’s no wonder: it must take a long time to clean all that fur.
Good luck getting past this dog, that appropriately named Zeus. He might be cuddling his toy in the kitchen at the moment, but remember, he’s named after a God of Thunder.
66. There’s no more room, human
What do you do when your Newfoundland dog’s taking up all the room in your bed? You can’t possibly banish him to the floor. The obvious answer is to upgrade to a king-sized bed.
67. Being handsome while out for a stroll
Hugo cuts an impressive image as he takes an autumn stroll with his owner. He’s on a leash because he’s a good boy, but make no mistake — he could yank your arm at any moment.
68. Is it a dog or a horse?
Okay, no one would let a horse into the house. This is Boris the Newfoundland. There’s no question he’s a dog yet still big enough to block the view to the TV.
69. The safest kid in the world
These two best friends are watching Saturday morning cartoons together. She feels completely safe with him. He’s ready to keep her safe no matter what happens.
Newfoundland dogs are beautiful, but they’re not exactly known as beauty queens, per se. But this Newfie is proving all you need to be fabulous is a thick coat and a strong wind. Voila.
