Meet the Breed - The Lifesaving Newfoundland
- Mar 27
- 6 min read
Newfoundland Dogs Explained: Temperament, Health Risks & Real Rescue Stories
One of the breeds that I have been honored to share my life with is the Newfoundland dog. The Newfoundland is one of the most recognizable and beloved giant breeds in the world, known for its massive size, webbed feet, water rescue instincts, and famously gentle temperament. But beyond the iconic image of a calm, fluffy giant standing beside a lake lies a breed with a deeply researched biological profile. Peer-reviewed studies show that Newfoundlands are not only uniquely adapted for close partnership with humans, but also carry important inherited health considerations that responsible owners and breeders must understand. When you combine what science tells us with what generations of handlers already know, you get a clearer picture of a breed that is both extraordinary and complex.
Scientifically, Newfoundlands are most often studied for their genetic health risks, particularly those associated with giant breeds. Research consistently highlights conditions such as subaortic stenosis (SAS), dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), cystinuria, and hip dysplasia as key concerns within the breed. Cardiac disease, in particular, stands out across multiple studies. Dilated cardiomyopathy in Newfoundlands has been described as inherited, late-onset, and not always fully expressed, which means a dog can appear healthy while still carrying risk. Similarly, subaortic stenosis has been shown to have a strong genetic component, reinforcing the importance of ongoing cardiac screening, not just a single early-life evaluation. In simpler terms, the science tells us that this is a breed where proactive, lifelong health monitoring truly matters.
Genetics also plays a clear role in cystinuria, a condition affecting how the body processes certain amino acids and leading to urinary stone formation. A well-known study identified a specific mutation in Newfoundlands, which has allowed for targeted genetic testing and better-informed breeding practices. Orthopedic health is another major area of focus. Studies across different populations have shown that hip dysplasia occurs at relatively high rates in Newfoundlands compared to many other breeds, making careful growth management, weight control, and responsible breeding critical pieces of long-term wellbeing.
Nutrition has also emerged as an interesting and important theme in the research. Some studies have identified taurine deficiency in certain Newfoundland populations, even when dogs were fed diets that met standard nutritional guidelines. Because taurine plays a role in heart function, this finding connects nutrition directly to cardiac health in a way that is particularly relevant for this breed. While not every Newfoundland requires supplementation, it does reinforce the importance of individualized veterinary care, especially when heart concerns are present.
Like many giant breeds, Newfoundlands also have a shorter average lifespan; around 9 to 10 years in large population studies, although some individuals live into their teens. Research has identified increased risk for conditions such as bone cancer and gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat), both of which are important considerations in preventive care and lifestyle management. Taken together, the scientific literature does not diminish the breed; it strengthens our understanding of how to care for them well. With the right screening, nutrition, and management, Newfoundlands can live full, active, and deeply connected lives with their people.
Beyond the science, the Newfoundland’s temperament is what has cemented its place in history and in the hearts of dog lovers. Often referred to as the “gentle giant,” the breed is known for its calm, patient, and deeply empathetic nature. Newfoundlands tend to be highly social, forming strong attachments to their families and often showing an intuitive sensitivity to human emotion. They are typically excellent with children, earning the nickname “nanny dog,” though like any large breed, supervision and respectful interaction are always essential. Their temperament reflects a unique balance: steady and composed, yet capable of powerful action when needed, especially in water.
That natural instinct to help is not just anecdotal; it’s woven into the breed’s history. Newfoundlands were originally bred in Canada to assist fishermen, hauling nets, pulling carts, and performing water rescues in harsh conditions. Their strength, swimming ability, and instinct to move toward struggling individuals have been documented for centuries. One of the most famous Newfoundlands, Seaman, who was purchased in Pittsburgh, accompanied Meriwether Lewis and William Clark on their expedition across North America in the early 1800s, serving as a guard dog, hunting companion, and trusted member of the journey. Another legendary Newfoundland, Boatswain, was so beloved by his owner, the poet Lord Byron, that Byron wrote an epitaph honoring the dog’s loyalty and character, which is arguably one of the most famous tributes ever written to a dog.
One of the most extraordinary accounts comes from the early 19th century, when a Newfoundland named Hairy Man helped rescue more than 160 people from a shipwreck off the coast of Newfoundland. As the brig Despatch broke apart in violent seas, the dog worked alongside a local family to bring survivors to safety; an almost unimaginable feat that has become one of the most iconic rescue stories in canine history.
Another powerful example comes from a wreck of the SS Ethie, where a dog believed to be a Newfoundland performed a life-saving act that changed the outcome for an entire ship. In the middle of a blizzard, the dog swam through dangerous surf carrying a rope from the wreck to shore. That rope became the lifeline that allowed 92 people to be pulled to safety, including an infant.
Even historical figures weren’t immune to needing rescue. According to accounts, a Newfoundland once saved Napoleon Bonaparte from drowning after he was thrown overboard during rough seas following his escape from Elba. The dog kept him afloat long enough for him to reach safety.
In more modern times, these instincts remain just as strong. A Newfoundland named Whizz spent a decade working alongside rescue organizations in the UK, saving nine people and another dog from drowning during his career. His work was so impactful that he received the PDSA Order of Merit, often referred to as the animal equivalent of an OBE.
Another modern rescue highlights just how innate this behavior is. A 10-month-old Newfoundland named Boo, with no formal rescue training, saw a man struggling in a river and immediately jumped in, grabbing him and bringing him safely to shore. No commands, no hesitation, just instinct.
And sometimes, their lifesaving behavior extends beyond humans. In a recent real-world rescue, a Newfoundland alerted a passerby to a dog struggling in a harbor, effectively directing human help to save the drowning animal. Even without entering the water, the Newfoundland recognized distress and acted, demonstrating problem-solving and social awareness that aligns with what we now understand about canine cognition and empathy.
My own Newfoundlands saved my Chihuahuas from unleashed, predatory dogs several times and, one time, from a hungry Eagle.
These stories reflect what many Newfoundland owners experience firsthand: a dog that is not just physically capable, but emotionally present. Modern research into the human-animal bond supports this lived experience, showing that dogs and humans can influence each other’s stress levels, heart rate variability, and emotional states. In a breed like the Newfoundland that is known for its steady nervous system and affiliative behavior, this connection can feel especially profound. They don’t just live alongside us; they regulate with us, respond to us, and often ground us.
In the end, the Newfoundland is a study in contrast and harmony: immense strength paired with gentleness, working drive paired with emotional sensitivity, and biological vulnerability paired with extraordinary resilience when properly cared for. The science reminds us to be thoughtful and proactive. The history reminds us of their capability. And the lived experience reminds us why people fall in love with this breed again and again; they are not just powerful dogs, but deeply connected partners in the truest sense.
Cardiac Disease (DCM & SAS)
Wiersma, A. C., Stabej, P., Leegwater, P. A. J., van Oost, B. A., & Ollier, W. E. R. (2008).Evaluation of dilated cardiomyopathy in the Newfoundland dog: A retrospective study.Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 22(3), 597–602.https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1939-1676.2008.0089.x
Reist-Marti, S. B., et al. (2012).Genetic characterization of subaortic stenosis in the Newfoundland dog.Veterinary Journal, 193(3), 674–680.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tvjl.2012.02.021
Genetic Disorder (Cystinuria)
Henthorn, P. S., et al. (2000).A mutation in the SLC3A1 gene is associated with cystinuria in Newfoundland dogs.Genomics, 69(3), 295–303.https://doi.org/10.1006/geno.2000.6337
Orthopedic Health (Hip Dysplasia)
Wood, J. L. N., et al. (2000).Epidemiology and heritability of canine hip dysplasia in a UK population.Preventive Veterinary Medicine, 46(3), 215–224.https://doi.org/10.1016/S0167-5877(00)00159-7
Krontveit, R. I., et al. (2010).A prospective study of canine hip dysplasia risk factors in four large breeds.Preventive Veterinary Medicine, 97(3–4), 252–263.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.prevetmed.2010.08.006
Nutrition & Taurine
Backus, R. C., et al. (2003).Low plasma taurine concentration in Newfoundland dogs is associated with low taurine synthesis.Journal of Nutrition, 133(6), 1891–1897.https://doi.org/10.1093/jn/133.6.1891
Backus, R. C., et al. (2006).Taurine deficiency in Newfoundland dogs fed commercially available diets.Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 228(6), 842–848.https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.228.6.842
Lifespan & Mortality
Lewis, T. W., Wiles, B. M., Llewellyn-Zaidi, A. M., Evans, K. M., & O’Neill, D. G. (2018).Longevity and mortality in Kennel Club registered dog breeds in the UK.Canine Genetics and Epidemiology, 5(1), 10.https://doi.org/10.1186/s40575-018-0066-8
Historical & Breed Context Sources
American Kennel Club. (n.d.).Newfoundland dog breed history.https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/newfoundland/
Newfoundland Club of America. (n.d.).History of the Newfoundland breed.https://www.ncanewfs.org
About the Author
Erin McGlynn is the founder of Human Dog Harmony, where she blends evidence-based behavior science with emotionally connected training to help dogs and humans build calm, resilient partnerships; especially through grief, illness, and life transitions.
Read Erin’s full story → About Erin
Comments