Do Newfoundland Dogs Shed a Lot? Grooming Needs & Care Tips

As a dog lover and veterinarian, I‘m often asked about different breeds and their characteristics. One common question is, "Do Newfoundland dogs shed a lot?" The answer is a resounding yes – Newfies are known to be heavy shedders. But with some insight into their coats, shedding patterns, and grooming needs, owners can keep the hair under control. Let‘s dive in!

The Newfoundland Coat

Newfoundlands boast a gorgeous double coat that served them well in their original job as water rescue dogs in the chilly Atlantic. The outer coat is coarse, flat, and slightly oily, repelling water and protecting the dog from the elements. Underneath is a soft, dense undercoat that insulates the dog.

This combination makes for an incredibly thick, fluffy coat. According to the American Kennel Club breed standard, a mature male Newfoundland stands 28 inches at the shoulder and weighs up to 150 pounds, while females reach 26 inches and 120 pounds1. That‘s a whole lot of dog, and a whole lot of hair!

Shedding Patterns

Newfoundlands shed moderately year-round, with two heavy shedding seasons in the spring and fall. During these coat blows, Newfies lose copious amounts of their undercoat over a 3-4 week period. One Newfoundland owner described it as "enough to make another dog." Daily brushing is a must to keep up with the hair, and you‘ll still find tumbleweeds of fluff rolling across the floor.

Shedding is minimal in puppies, as the full double coat doesn‘t come in until they are around 2 years old. After that, shedding is a fact of life. As Newfoundland expert and breeder Anne Sutter puts it, "If you can‘t stand dog hair on your clothing and furniture, don‘t get a Newf."2

What Influences Shedding?

Several factors can impact how much hair you find floating around:

• Age: Puppies and seniors may shed differently than adults in their prime. Older dogs can develop drier skin and hair, leading to more shedding.

• Health: Underlying health issues like allergies, infections, parasites, or hormonal imbalances can cause excessive hair loss. If shedding seems abnormal, check with your vet.

• Diet: A balanced, high-quality diet is essential for skin and coat health. Look for foods with ample protein, healthy fats, and omega fatty acids. A study in Labs found that supplementing with fish oil improved coat glossiness and reduced shedding.3

• Grooming: Regular brushing removes loose hair before it falls out on its own. Skipping grooming leads to tangles, mats, and excess shed.

• Environment: Dry climates or heated indoor air can dehydrate the skin and coat, increasing shedding. Outdoor dogs may shed more seasonally.

Grooming Your Gentle Giant

With great fluff comes great responsibility. Newfoundland owners must commit to regular grooming to keep shedding under control.

Brush your Newfie at least once a week, and daily during heavy seasonal shedding. Use a slicker brush or pin brush to remove tangles and loose hair from the outer coat, then follow with an undercoat rake to thin out the dense undercoat.

Pay special attention to areas prone to matting, like behind the ears, under the chin, and along the back legs. Work in sections, parting the hair to brush down to the skin.

Bathing too often strips the natural oils from the coat and skin. Newfoundlands only need a bath every 6-8 weeks unless they get very dirty. Choose a moisturizing shampoo made for dogs and be sure to rinse thoroughly.

Shaving a Newfoundland is never recommended, as their double coat protects them from both heat and cold. Shaving disrupts this temperature regulation and can lead to uneven regrowth.

Regular nail trims, ear cleaning, and tooth brushing round out the grooming routine. Trim nails monthly, check ears weekly, and brush teeth daily if possible.

Tips from the Pros

I asked professional groomers and long-time Newfie owners for their top tips to manage shedding. Here‘s what they had to share:

"Start grooming your Newf as a puppy so they learn to love the brush. Keep sessions short and fun, with plenty of praise and treats. A grooming table is a back-saver with these big dogs." – Lisa R., groomer for 15 years

"Invest in quality tools – a good slicker brush, metal comb, and undercoat rake are musts. I like Chris Christensen and Millees products. Remember to be gentle, especially on sensitive areas like the belly." – Mark P., Newfoundland owner for 8 years

"Diet is huge for skin and coat health. I add a pump of wild salmon or pollock oil to my Newfie‘s food every day. It really helps with dryness and excess shedding." – Jenn K., Newf breeder

"If you‘re in over your head with shedding, find a groomer experienced with double-coated breeds. A professional bath and blow-out during coat blowing season works wonders to remove loose undercoat." – Callie M., certified canine beautician

Is a Newfoundland Right for You?

Newfoundlands shed…a lot. There‘s simply no way around it. If you can‘t stand hair on your clothes and furniture, this may not be the breed for you. Newfies are also not a great choice for those with dog allergies, as the fur and dander can quickly trigger reactions.

However, if you‘re prepared for the brushing, bathing, and general floof maintenance, Newfoundlands make exceptional companions. They are famously gentle, patient, and sweet-natured, excellent with children and other pets. Newfies are calm and quietly affectionate, content to nap at your feet (or on them).

As large, strong dogs bred for swimming, Newfoundlands need space, moderate exercise, and may track water and mud inside. They also drool quite a bit, so keep a towel handy. Positive training is a must to teach this giant breed good manners.

If you can handle the grooming and aren‘t put off by some drool, a Newfoundland may be your perfect match. These majestic dogs shed a lot, but they give back even more in loyalty, love, and gentle companionship.

Key Takeaways

• Newfoundlands have a thick double coat that sheds heavily year-round, with seasonal coat blows.
• Brush Newfies at least weekly, and daily during heavy shedding periods. Bathe every 6-8 weeks.
• Factors like age, health, diet, and grooming impact shedding amounts.
• With proper coat care and a tolerance for some hair in the home, Newfoundlands make wonderful family dogs.

Owning a Newfoundland means embracing the fur – on your clothes, your couch, and floating through the air. But for dedicated owners, the unparalleled companionship of these gentle giants is more than worth a few hair bunnies. Newfies may shed a lot, but they love even more.