Do Newfoundlands Shed?

Are you wondering, ‘Do Newfoundlands shed?’ Let me offer some insights into this common question. Newfies are known for their substantial shedding, and through my personal experiences with my own Newfoundland dogs, from their puppy days to adulthood, I’ve gathered valuable information on why they shed so much. In this article, I’ll share these observations and tips to help you manage your Newfie’s shedding effectively.

Why Do Newfoundlands Shed So Much?

Did you know that fully-grown Newfies don’t just have one coat? They actually have two. 

Their top coat consists of ‘guard hairs’. These are coarse hairs that help water slide off the Newfie’s back, rather than soaking through their fur to the skin.

Beneath the top coat lies the undercoat. The undercoat is dense but soft. Its purpose is to trap body heat and keep the dog warm.

Newfoundlands shed hair from both the top coat and the undercoat, but the majority of the shedding comes from the undercoat. 

The thickness of the undercoat changes every spring and fall in order to regulate the Newfie’s temperature through the summer and winter. And, in order for the coat to change, the dog needs to shed old hair.

When your Newfie goes through these seasonal changes, it’s called ‘blowing their coat’. However, it’s important to note that Newfies don’t just shed in spring and fall. Shedding peaks at these times, but they shed hair all year round.

The reason Newfoundlands shed a lot is because of the year-round changes to their undercoat, including blowing their coat twice per year. They’re also very large dogs with a lot of thick fur, which means that they have a lot more hair to lose in comparison to smaller breeds.

Do Newfies Shed More Than Other Dogs?

Interestingly, the American Kennel Club (AKC) gives the Newfoundland a score of 3 out of 5 on their shedding scale, which ranges from ‘No Shedding’ to ‘Hair Everywhere’.  To be honest, I would have thought Newfies would be a 5!

According to the AKC, German Shepherds, Siberian Huskies, Welsh Corgis, Labrador Retrievers, and Golden Retrievers all shed more than Newfoundlands.

In contrast, some breeds hardly shed at all. For example, the AKC describes Dachshunds, Poodles, and Border Terriers as “almost shed-free”.

Understanding the Shedding Cycle of Newfoundland Dogs

When preparing for the shedding season of your Newfoundland dog, it’s beneficial to have a general idea of what to expect. This breed is known for its heavy shedding, which can vary from one dog to another. While some Newfies might start shedding minimally as puppies, the amount of fur they lose increases significantly as they grow into adulthood.

The shedding process for Newfoundland dogs typically involves a gradual increase in the amount of fur they lose. Initially, you might notice only a few furballs around the house, but as your dog matures, the shedding can become more pronounced, often requiring regular vacuuming and grooming.

Remember, each Newfoundland dog is unique, and their shedding patterns can differ. However, this overview should provide a helpful guide for managing and anticipating the shedding cycle of these magnificent dogs.

The Puppy Phase [0-6 months]

Newf puppies began life with just one coat. This puppy coat (which was actually her first undercoat) is soft and fluffy. 

At this age, Newfies don’t shed much because they aren’t yet losing their undercoat and they are smaller and have a lot less hair than adults, so they have a lot less hair to lose.

Starting to Shed [6-12 months]

 Many Newfoundland dog owners start to notice an increase in shedding when their puppies are around six months old. At this stage, it’s more than just losing a few hairs; it’s the beginning of what can be described as proper shedding.

During this period, these dogs typically have only one coat and are not yet fully grown, so the amount of shedding is relatively minor compared to what it will be when they reach adulthood. This early stage is a good time for owners to start establishing a grooming routine that can help manage their Newfoundland’s shedding as they continue to grow.

Developing Her Double Coat [1 to 2 years]

Many Newfoundland dog owners observe significant changes in their pet’s coat after the first year. The coat often becomes shinier and may even change color, transitioning from solid black to a mix of black and brown. This is a normal part of the breed’s development as they lose their puppy coat. So, if your black Newfoundland starts to look patchy, there’s usually no need for concern. This is typically a temporary phase, and they will likely have a solid black coat in adulthood.

By the age of two, Newfoundland dogs generally develop their full adult coat. It’s around this time, particularly in the spring, that many owners first experience the intense shedding phase known as ‘blowing their coat.’ This period marks a significant increase in shedding and is a normal part of the breed’s natural cycle.

Full Double Coat [2 years+]

Many Newfoundland dog owners, like myself, find that the shedding process is a constant part of life with these magnificent dogs. By the time they reach adulthood, around six years old, owners have typically experienced several years of non-stop shedding, including the intense periods known as ‘blowouts’ that occur twice a year.

During the spring and fall, when Newfoundland dogs are blowing their coat, it’s common to see large amounts of their undercoat shedding on a daily basis. The shedding often peaks in the spring as they lose much of their thick undercoat in preparation for the warmer months. This is the time when homes and cars can become particularly covered in fur.

However, it’s important to note that shedding in Newfoundland dogs isn’t limited to just spring and fall. These dogs tend to shed throughout the year, losing a noticeable amount of fur every day, which is a normal part of their grooming needs.

When Will It End?!

If you’re wondering when your Newfoundland will stop shedding then I have some bad news for you…

The shedding will never end for as long as you have your dog.

There’s nothing you can do to stop your Newfie from shedding. It’s a natural part of their biology and something that we Newfie owners have to learn to live with!

That said, it is possible to reduce the amount that your Newfie sheds and to prevent hair from getting everywhere through regular grooming.

Managing the Shedding

There are a few things you can do to reduce the amount that your Newfie sheds and to minimize how much of their fur ends up all over your home. 

You should:

  1. Stick to a regular grooming schedule.
  2. Feed your Newfie a healthy diet.
  3. Avoid excessive bathing.

This won’t stop shedding completely, but it will reduce fur loss a little bit and will help to keep things under control.

Grooming

I recommend giving your Newfie a regular brushing to capture hairs that would otherwise have fallen out around the house. 

Brushing also helps to prevent matting and knotting and spreads the protective oil in the dog’s coat around their skin. This stops their skin from getting dry, which can reduce the amount they shed.

In the spring and fall, when your Newfie is blowing their coat, you’ll want to groom them even more frequently. I always make sure to brush my Newfie several times per week at that time of year.

When brushing, it’s very important to make sure you’re reaching your Newfie’s undercoat and not just their top coat. The undercoat is where the thickest fur is found and where most shedding occurs.

Feed a Healthy Diet

A healthy diet that contains lots of protein, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals will keep your Newfie’s coat in good condition and help to stop their skin from drying out. This is important, because dry skin makes shedding worse.

Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids are particularly good for your dog’s skin. Beef and lamb are high in Omega-3s, while chicken, turkey, and pork are rich in Omega-6s. 

Avoid Excessive Bathing

Perhaps counter-intuitively, bathing your Newfie too much can make their skin dry, which makes shedding worse.  One bath every two months should be sufficient, unless otherwise needed.

You should also make sure to use a quality dog friendly shampoo also. 

One important point to note is that you should never use human shampoo on a dog! If you’ve run out of dog shampoo then it’s better to skip their bath and wash them another time than try to improvise with a product that could do them more harm than good.

Is it worth it?

I know what you’re thinking… all of this sounds like a lot of hard work! And, to be honest, it can be. 

The amount of work that shedding causes for Newfie owners is one reason why Newfies make great therapy dogs, but not so good service dogs.

I completely understand if you’re worried about cleaning up after your Newfie’s non-stop shedding, dealing with twice-annual coat blowouts, and keeping up with their demanding grooming regime!

However, I think it’s important to remember that coping with shedding is just the price we pay for having these amazing, beautiful, calm, loving, friendly, and loyal Newfies in our lives. It’s only fair that we take the time to care for them in return.

Overall, it’s an unavoidable fact that Newfies will shed a lot. In my opinion, the secret to dealing with shedding is to get into a routine and try to enjoy it as much as possible. After all, grooming can be relaxing, satisfying, and a great bonding experience for you and your dog.