The 3 Biggest Newfoundland Dog Problems Solved for National Newfoundland Dog Day

Nobody warned you, did they? You adopted one of the most loyal, breathtaking dogs on the planet, and then discovered the drool. And the fur. And the very specific look your Newfie gives you when summer arrives. Owning a Newfoundland is a magnificent experience, but let’s be honest: these gentle giants come with some genuinely challenging quirks that no amount of admiring their history prepares you for.

This National Newfoundland Dog Day, skip the fluff. Below are the three problems every Newfoundland dog owner actually faces — and the real fixes that work.

Problem 1: The Drool Is Everywhere (And We Mean Everywhere)

There is a reason experienced Newfie owners keep a dedicated “drool towel” on every door handle in the house. Newfoundlands drool — enthusiastically, generously, and without warning. After meals, after drinking, after exercise, after simply existing near someone they love. It pools on floors, flies off their jowls mid-shake, and somehow lands on ceilings.

The fix: Excessive drooling is normal, but maintaining oral health helps manage the volume and prevents it from becoming a secondary health problem. Dental disease increases saliva production, so regular brushing combined with

• Dental Dog Chews & Treats: daily enzymatic chews that break down tartar and support gum health, reducing excess saliva at the source
• Dog Grooming Sprays & Wipes: quick-action wipes to clean drool from your Newfie’s chest and skin folds, preventing the moisture-related skin irritation that’s common in heavy-jowled breeds

For the house? Invest in washable microfibre drool towels in bulk, stainless steel bowls that’re easy to clean, and a no-nonsense sense of humour. The drool is non-negotiable. The damage it does, however, is manageable.

Problem 2: The Shedding Is a Part-Time Job

A Newfoundland’s double coat is what makes them waterproof, cold-resistant, and utterly majestic. It is also what covers every surface of your home in thick, black fur approximately 365 days a year — and twice that during the biannual coat-blowing seasons in spring and autumn. New Newfie owners are often shocked by the sheer volume. Veterans simply learn to vacuum daily and accept their fate.

The fix: The right tools make an enormous difference. A slicker brush alone will not cut it for a coat this thick. You need to go deeper.

• FURminator Long Hair De-Shedding Tool for Dogs: reaches through the topcoat to remove loose undercoat before it ends up on your sofa; used 2–3 times a week during peak shed season, it can reduce shedding by up to 90%
• FURminator Grooming Rake For Dogs & Cats: designed for dense, double-coated breeds; the rotating teeth glide through thick fur without pulling, making it ideal for daily Newfie grooming without causing discomfort
• HandsOn Bathing & Grooming Gloves: slip these on during bath time to work shampoo deep into the coat and lift loose fur simultaneously; Newfoundlands are big enough that bath day is already a workout — these make it count

A pro tip the Newfie community swears by: bathe and blow-dry before each heavy grooming session. Heat loosens the undercoat and makes the FURminator dramatically more effective.

Problem 3: They Overheat Faster Than You’d Expect

Newfoundlands were built for icy Canadian waters and sub-zero winters. That waterproof double coat that keeps them comfortable in freezing temperatures becomes a real liability the moment summer arrives. They are prone to overheating quickly, even in mild warmth, and because they tend to push through discomfort rather than stop, their calm, working-dog temperament can mask the warning signs until it’s too late.

The fix: Prevention is everything here. Three rules every Newfie owner should live by in warmer months:

• Keep the coat properly groomed. This is critical and counterintuitive — never shave a Newfoundland. The double coat actually insulates against both heat and cold. What causes overheating is a matted, ungroomed coat that traps heat rather than allowing airflow. Regular use of the FURminator De-Shedding Tool keeps the undercoat clear and ventilated.
• Prioritise hydration. Large breeds need consistent access to fresh, cool water — especially post-exercise. Elevated dog bowls are particularly useful for Newfoundlands, reducing neck strain and encouraging them to drink more comfortably throughout the day.
• Support coat health from the inside out. A coat in poor condition traps heat and loses insulating ability. Omega-3 and skin & coat supplements maintain the coat’s structure and natural oils, making it easier to manage and more effective at temperature regulation year-round.

The Challenges Are Real. So Is the Reward.

Owning a Newfoundland is not for the faint-hearted — or the house-proud. But for those who embrace the drool, stay on top of the shedding, and learn to read their dog’s heat cues, few breeds give back more. This National Newfoundland Dog Day, commit to solving these problems properly. Your gentle giant deserves nothing less.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When is National Newfoundland Dog Day?

A: National Newfoundland Dog Day is celebrated every year on March 25. It was founded in 2021 by Niki Gordon on the birthday of her first Newfoundland, Jenny.

Q: Do Newfoundlands drool a lot?

A: Yes, drooling is one of the most well-known traits of the Newfoundland dog breed. It intensifies after eating, drinking, and exercise. Most owners keep dedicated drool towels nearby and lean on dental chews and grooming wipes to manage the mess and prevent skin irritation.

Q: Should you shave a Newfoundland in summer?

A: No, this is one of the most common mistakes new Newfie owners make. The double coat regulates body temperature in both heat and cold. Shaving removes that insulation and can actually make your dog more vulnerable to overheating and sunburn. Regular grooming and de-shedding are the correct approaches.

Q: How often should you groom a Newfoundland?

A: Daily brushing is ideal for Newfoundlands, with full grooming sessions (bath, de-shed, nail trim, ear clean) every 6 to 8 weeks. During spring and autumn coat-blowing seasons, increase brushing frequency significantly — this is when the undercoat sheds in large volumes.

Q: Are Newfoundlands good dogs for hot climates?

A: Newfoundlands are best suited to cooler climates and can struggle in consistent heat. If you live somewhere warm, prioritise shade, hydration, air conditioning indoors, and exercise only during the cooler parts of the day. Consistent grooming to maintain airflow through the coat is non-negotiable in warmer regions.