If you share your life with a water-loving Newfie, then you know there’s nothing quite like the joy of seeing those webbed paws cut through lake water as your gentle giant glides alongside you. Newfoundlands were built by nature to embrace water — from their thick double coat to their powerful, muscular frame — and for many owners, few pleasures rival a lake day or a beach dip with these incredible dogs. But with that love of water comes a set of unique care challenges: keeping swims safe, managing seasonal shedding, and dealing with slobber drips long after the swim is over.
In this post, we dive deep into what it means to own a water-loving Newfie and how to make life easier (and cleaner) for both you and your big, furry friend. From poolside safety to coat maintenance and slobber cleanup — we’ve got your bases covered.
Why Newfies Love The Water
Born on the rugged coasts of Newfoundland, Canada, the Newfoundland dog was bred to work side-by-side with fishermen: hauling nets, retrieving items from the sea, and even saving lives when someone fell overboard. Their bodies reflect that heritage. Newfies are built for the water with webbed feet acting like natural flippers, a strong tail for steering, and a thick double coat that repels water while insulating them in cold conditions. With a powerful breast-stroke rather than a doggy-paddle, many Newfies can swim at speeds up to 3 miles per hour — similar to a human swimmer. For water lovers, that means lakes, rivers, and oceans are not just play zones — they’re a second home.
Swimming is also a great low-impact exercise for such a large breed. It allows Newfies to build muscle, support joint health, expend energy, and stay cool on warm days — all things that make water time a win for both mind and body.
Swim Safety & Smart Preparation
Even though your Newfie may be a natural swimmer, safe water play requires thoughtful prep — especially given their size and strength. Always make sure water depths are appropriate (starting in shallow spots for younger or less-experienced dogs) and never leave them unsupervised near water. A well-fitted life vest is more than just a safety precaution — it can prevent accidents and makes it easier to lift or support your dog if needed, especially if water gets rough or deep. Even strong swimmers benefit from flotation help when water conditions change.
After a swim — whether freshwater or salt — it’s a good idea to rinse your Newfie’s coat thoroughly to remove chlorine, salt, or debris. Their dense double coat can trap water or particles that can irritate skin or cause matting if left unattended. A gentle towel-dry and, if possible, a shaded lounging spot to fully dry off will help keep their skin and coat healthy.
Shedding: What To Expect & How To Manage It
One trade-off of that beautiful water-ready double coat is regular shedding — and “regular” here can sometimes mean a lot. Newfoundlands shed more heavily than many breeds, especially because of their dense undercoat and longer outer coat. Most Newfies go through two major shedding seasons each year — usually in spring and fall — when they “blow coat” to adapt to changing temperatures.
During those periods, you’ll want to be ready: daily brushing helps remove loose undercoat before it lands on your clothes, furniture, or floors. Brushing also helps prevent mats — especially important since Newfies can and do get wet, which can cause damp fur to clump or trap dirt. Consistent grooming will keep their coat healthier, reduce shedding, and even help with water-repellence longevity.
Slobber & Drool: It Comes With The Breed
Anyone who’s lived with a Newfie knows drool is basically part of the job description. Their anatomy — loose lips, jowls, and a large mouth — naturally creates a drool-friendly pouch from which saliva easily spills, drips, or flings when they shake their head. It’s a characteristic baked into their breed standard — not a defect to be corrected.
That said, the amount of drool varies from dog to dog. Some Newfies hardly drool at all, while others will leave a trail after drinking, splashing in water, or doing anything that excites them. The good news is you can manage the mess with a few smart habits: keep a drool cloth or towel handy, consider a waterproof mat under their water bowl, and wipe their jowls dry after swims or meals. Accepting the slobber as part of the package — and being prepared — will make life with a Newfie far cleaner and more enjoyable.
Making Life Easier With Good Diet & Treats
Healthy skin and coat (which means less shedding and fewer mats) — as well as overall hydration — start from within. A nutrient-rich, balanced diet supports healthy skin and coat growth, which helps minimize extreme shedding and keeps fur water-resistant and more manageable. Ensuring your Newfie stays well-hydrated helps too — drooling (and slobber buildup) tends to spike when dogs are thirsty or overheated.
For a fun and supportive treat option that complements a water-loving, active lifestyle — while also rewarding good behavior — consider adding quality treats from the water-lover’s pantry. For example, a wholesome option like Wild Caught Baltic Herring can workout beautifully as a protein-rich, single-ingredient treat after swim or play sessions. And for those times when you want to reward training, a pack like Small Bites With Lamb offers soft, easy-to-serve morsels that are gentle on the stomach and ideal after active days outdoors.
Wrapping It Up: Love The Water, Embrace The Responsibilities
Owning a water-loving Newfie means embracing a lifestyle — lakeside romps, pool-side naps, and muddy paw prints after a splash. Their water instincts, strength, and affection make them truly special companions. But part of loving a Newfie is giving them the care they deserve: safe swimming practices, consistent grooming, slobber management, and proper nutrition.
When you stay committed to those routines, you’ll reap the rewards of a happy, healthy water dog — a loyal companion who’s always ready for the next splash, the next adventure, and the next slobbery kiss.
