The parents of a Golden Newfie are some of the friendliest and most affectionate dog breeds. So, it’s no surprise that a Golden Newfie is also a social, open, and friendly dog that gets along with just about everyone and absolutely loves their families.

They do well with children, other dogs, and other pets. Although they are protective of their families, they even tend to be open and friendly with strangers!

Because of their size, the Golden Newfie is a moderately adaptable dog. As long as they get enough daily exercise and attention, they can adapt to apartment living, but it needs to be big enough for their size to allow them to move around. They thrive in larger homes, especially those with fenced yards where they can run and play freely.

Golden Newfies do well in most climates. As with any dog, they are sensitive to heat. Their fluffy coats also make them prone to overheating easily. They tend to handle cold relatively well, but likely won’t take naps in the snow like Huskies and Malamutes tend to do. Because they bond closely with their families and are affectionate companions, they do not like to be left alone for long periods of time and can develop separation anxiety if you do not work with them on it.

Potential health concerns to be aware of in a Golden Newfie can include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, patellar luxation, subaortic stenosis, and cancer.

Reputable breeding practices make a big difference. Good breeders will screen their dogs to make sure they are not passing preventable issues to puppies, so make sure you ask about the parents and any tests that have been done.

As a large dog breed, the Golden Newfie is at risk for bloat. Because bloat in dogs can quickly become dangerous if the stomach flips, it’s important to know how to reduce to risk and what symptoms to look for so you know when to get help.

Golden Newfies are highly intelligent dogs that pick up on things quickly and are eager to please. But, they also get bored easily, especially with repetition, and can become stubborn if training is not kept interesting.

They respond best to patient, consistent training focused on positive rewards and praise. They do not respond well to harsh tones and will often become obstinate and uncooperative if they are used during training.

Despite this potential stubbornness, Golden Newfies tend to be a good fit for owners of all experience levels. You just want to be prepared to enroll in puppy training classes if you are a first-time dog owner. There are several other benefits of puppy training classes, so they’re a good idea even if you don’t necessarily need them.

Golden Newfies will have a long, fluffy coat that can range from cream to gold to black. They will shed moderately year-round and heavier during seasonal changes. Brushing a few times a week is usually enough, but daily brushing is recommended, especially during seasonal shedding sessions.

Bathing is on an as-needed basis and grooming is recommended a couple of times a year.
In addition to coat care, you will also need to take care of your Golden Newfie’s nails, ears, and teeth.

Cutting nails once or twice monthly keeps them from growing too long and causing issues. Weekly ear checks along with careful cleanings as needed can help prevent ear infections. Brushing daily with a dog-friendly toothpaste or using an enzyme toothpaste every day, in addition to cleanings at the vet as needed, is ideal dental care for dogs.

Although a Golden Newfie has moderate exercise requirements, they can sometimes be a couch potato. Daily walks plus some playtime and other activity are what this dog needs to stay happy and healthy. They’re usually more than happy to go along with whatever activity you’re doing, but you may need to encourage them to get them moving at times.

A fully-grown Golden Newfie usually stands 20-24 inches tall and weighs 100-125 pounds.

Golden Newfies generally live for 8-12 years.