Newfoundlands, otherwise known as Newfies, are large beautiful dogs. These are big dogs with even bigger hearts and make great family pets. They are gentle giants that have sweet personalities with protective instincts.
If you are considering adding a Newfoundland to the family but still debating between male vs. female, here are some common similarities and differences between the two that will help you decide which one is the best fit for your family.
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What Are The Size Differences Between Males And Female Newfoundlands?
Newfoundlands are giant dogs that can seem very intimidating just by looking at them.
The Size of a Male Newfoundland
A full-sized adult Male in Newfoundland is around 27-29inches in height and weighs on average 130 to 150lbs.
The Size of a Female Newfoundland
A full-sized adult female in Newfoundland is around 25-27 inches in height and weighs on average 99- 120lbs.
Differences
Although the male Newfoundland is a little bigger than the females, it isn’t all that obvious, and most people wouldn’t be able to tell. What you may notice is that the males tend to be a bit more muscular.
What Are The Temperament Differences Between Males And Female Newfoundlands?
On average, the Newfoundlands are known for being gentle giants. They are sweet and lovable even though their appearance may say differently.
The Male Newfoundlands Temperament
The Male Newfoundlands are like giant teddy bears. They are caring, loyal, and kind dogs that love attention and want to be babied. These dogs are great cuddlers that love their families and having fun.
Although they are gentle giants, they can be very territorial dogs and will want to protect their family and their homes and may show aggression towards other animals in the process.
The Female Newfoundlands Temperament
The Female Newfoundlands can be just as sweet and loyal as their male counterpart. Because they tend to mature faster mentally, the females are known to be calmer and require less maintenance and constant attention.
These girls are great family dogs but tend to bond more with one specific person and will be very protective of that person.
Differences
Both male and female Newfoundlands are well known for their kind and gentle temperaments, but the females are more independent and require less attention. The males are known for being a bit more aggressive and territorial when they feel they are being threatened.
Is There A Price Difference Between Males And Female Newfoundlands?
There is really no significant difference in price between male and female Newfoundlands. However, they are not cheap. Whether you are adopting a male or female, you must be willing to invest.
- The average cost for a Newfoundland puppy– $1200-$3000 depending on the breeder
- Feeding a Newfoundland- around 100-150 a month for kibble and an extra $50 for treats
- Grooming a Newfoundland– A groomer will cost over $100 per session, and they will need to be seen about every six weeks.
- Toys- Your Newfoundland pup will love to chew and, for the first few years, go through tons of toys.
- Vet bills- After a puppy’s first year of shots, spay, etc. The average vet bill you will see is about $192 dollars a month.
These prices are based on the average cost through research and comparison and can differ depending on where you live, your personal vet, and other factors.
Are There Training Differences In Males And Female Newfoundlands?
Because of their size, it is best to get started with training as soon as possible. Newfoundlands are a smart breed, and as long as you get started early, you are not too hard to train.
Training Male Newfoundlands
The male Newfoundland is a bit stubborn and can be distracted very easily. This can make training difficult. However, if you train by treat, you may be able to convince the males to do just about anything.
With that said, males tend to thrive off of pleasing their owners, which may make them a little more interested in training as long as praise follows each task.
Training Female Newfoundlands
Because the females mature faster, training them can be a little easier. They are also less distracted and more focused than the males making training easier.
Differences
Because males harbor higher amounts of energy and curiosity, females may be a tad bit easier to train. Females are more focused creatures and will catch on quickly, although they are not as eager to please.
Want To Train Your Newfoundland With Peace Of Mind?
If you haven’t trained your Newfoundland properly, then this is the perfect time to start. Whatever bad behavior your shepherd has, whether it’s barking at night or other bad behaviors, using the right training program is the key to having an obedient and happy pup.
The training program I love and highly recommend is Brain Training For Dogs.
With Brain Training For Dogs, you’ll save yourself a ton of time and effort. Instead of banging your head against the wall trying to figure out why your dog won’t listen, you’ll follow a path that has been tried, tested, and most importantly, that’s given proven results. Not to mention the fact, you’ll be able to fit the course around your schedule, not fit your schedule around a trainer or obedience class.
So instead of worrying about whether they’re going to be well-behaved or not, you’ll only have to worry about how much fun you’ll have with them!
- Cheaper than hiring a professional.
- Cheaper than replacing everything they might break.
- And definitely cheaper than a lawsuit against you, if they decide to bite someone.
Just imagine how great it will feel to finally be able to trust your Newfoundland completely and never worry whether they’ll be naughty or not. Instead, you’ll have the peace of mind that you have a well-behaved pup, and the boundaries you set for them will always be there, EVEN IF YOU’RE NOT.
And the best part is it also has a 60-day money-back guarantee! So there’s no reason not to give Brain Training For Dogs a try!
So if you’re tired of your dog’s bad behavior or how they react around other people and pooches, then give it a try! You’ll be amazed by the results!
(You can also check out a full review here to learn exactly what the course has to offer!)
Are There Any Health Differences?
Newfoundlands are relatively healthy as an overall breed and have an average lifespan of 8-10 years. They both suffer from similar health issues that can be frequently seen in heavier dogs.
Male Newfoundlands Health
The male Newfoundland has a pre-disposition to health issues such as epilepsy (A seizure disorder), bloat, hip dysplasia, and elbow dysplasia. Due to their large size and heavy mass, these dogs commonly have issues with their hips and joints.
Female Newfoundlands Health
The female Newfoundlands are also subject to health concerns like epilepsy, bloat, joint issues, and hip dysplasia. However, the joints and hip complications are not as prominent as in males because of their smaller size.
Differences
The most significant differences in the health of the male and female Newfoundland lie within their reproductive systems. The females have to endure pregnancy, birth complications, or Follicular Cysts.
The males can develop testicular cancers, prostate problems, or anal cysts.
Are Males or Females More Affectionate?
In general, the Newfoundlands are loving, affectionate dogs. They are great family dogs because of their calm disposition and caring personality.
Are Male Newfoundlands Affectionate?
Male Newfoundlands are known to be whole family dogs. That means they are not prone to picking one person and sticking to them; they love being around anyone in the home.
These dogs are very affectionate, and some have been known to believe they are lap dogs even though they are larger than their humans.
Are Female Newfoundlands Affectionate?
The female Newfoundland is more apt to attach to one person in the family a little more than they are to the whole family. This doesn’t mean they are not affectionate towards the entire family; they just bond more one-on-one.
Females have a more mature and serious demeanor than the male and aren’t as playful.
Differences
Overall, these are very affectionate dogs and are great companions. However, you will get more love and attention out of the males.
Are Males Or Females More Independent/Dependent?
Just by looking at them, you may think that the Newfoundland breed is independent and brave dogs, and in some instances, that is absolutely the case, but not all.
Are Male Newfoundlands Independent/Dependent?
Although the male Newfoundlands can be protective of their homes and families and will get aggressive when needed, they are not independent creatures.
The males are big babies who love to be around people and are not meant to be left alone for long periods of time. They are known for suffering from separation anxiety, and you may need to work with your Newfoundland to deal with stress related to being by themselves at any given time.
Are Female Newfoundlands Independent/Dependent?
Female Newfoundlands are more adaptable to being left alone for certain periods of time. They are more independent than males and require a little less attention.
Although they do love their fair share of cuddles and hugs, they are less prone to suffering from separation anxiety and don’t mind doing their own thing once in a while.
Differences
The difference between male and female Newfoundlands when it comes to dependence is the need for family and human interaction. Although females do become reliant, typically on one single person, for companionship, they can handle being home alone better than the males.
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Who Are Better For Families?
This type of question really depends on your family structure and dynamics. What the household has going on from day-to-day, who occupies the house frequently, and how long they may or may not be left alone.
Males
A male is a great family dog; they are known for attaching themselves to everyone in the home and being happy as long as they are played with and given love and attention.
However, they can be a bit messy and, at times, clumsy, making them a bit troublesome for some people.
Females
The female Newfoundland is an independent creature that is known for being warm and nurturing. They are also very gentle and know how to be careful around children.
However, once they mature, they are less likely going to be interested in playing or running around much and will also pay less attention to people.
Differences
The male Newfoundland is more likely to be playful and active, while the females are more laid back and like to relax with their owners. Both are great family dogs and are protective of their homes.
Who Are Better With Other Pets?
Newfoundlands have laid-back demeanors with their family and humans. However, they are not always the best when it comes to letting another animal around.
The Male Newfoundland
Males are more territorial and protective of their property. Having other pets in the home isn’t the best fit for these dogs. The aggression of your male Newfoundland will definitely become a problem, especially if the other pet is a male.
Although it can be difficult to socialize with other animals, it isn’t impossible to train them, and it will be easier if you introduce a female to the family rather than another male.
The Female Newfoundland
Females are a lot more laid back when it comes to other pets being in the home. But like most other breeds, females tend to be highly aggressive towards other females in the home, and a fight is likely to break out.
Differences
The female will be a little bit easier to introduce to a new pet in the family. They are more likely to ignore or accept their presence whether they care for them or not. On the other hand, males are more likely to be territorial and dominant and do not necessarily do well with other pets.
Who Is A Male Best Suited For?
Because of their high energy, large size, and dominant traits, a male Newfoundland would be best for a single pet home unless the owners are willing to work hard to socialize them as soon as they are brought into the home.
Even though these gentle giants are aware of little kids and try to be calmer when around, they can be dangerous for younger children or elderly people when riled up and excited. Keeping them in a family with older children and with those who are active is best.
If you have a home where outsiders frequently visit, or you live in a busy area where other people are walking by constantly, the male is going to be more accepting and inviting than the female. They can be a bit more trusting and socialize better with people.
Who Is A Female Best Suited For?
The females are a lot more independent and laid back. They do not require non-stop attention and play. These dogs are gentle and careful around little children and those who tend to be frailer.
Females are happy to lay on the floor beside their family and don’t beg for affection. These dogs are perfect for homes with babies or families without children and just want a companion to protect them and keep them company.
A female would fit into better with a home that is a little more secluded and doesn’t have strangers coming around constantly; they can be a little less sociable to people they don’t know.
Recap
Newfoundlands are great pets whether you are looking to adopt a male or female dog. They are large and may sometimes forget just how big they are. However, they would never purposely hurt or show aggression towards their families.
Each dog has their own pros and cons depending on what type of home they are going to, and it is important to know the common traits of each when looking for a new family member.
