Labrador Retriever vs Newfoundland: side by side
| Labrador Retriever | Newfoundland | |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Large | XLarge |
| Weight | 25–36 kg (55–80 lb) | 45–68 kg (100–150 lb) |
| Height | 55–62 cm (21.5–24.5 in) | 26–28 in (66–71 cm) |
| Lifespan | 11–13 years | 9-10 years |
| Exercise | 80+ per day | 45–60 per day |
| Shedding | High | Moderate |
| Temperament | Outgoing, even-tempered and people-oriented. A well-socialized Lab is trustworthy with strangers and children, | AKC temperament summary: devoted / sweet / patient. Adaptability 4/5, affection with family 5/5, openness to s |
The differences that actually matter
- Newfoundland is the bigger dog. Adults run 45–68 kg (100–150 lb) against 25–36 kg (55–80 lb) for the Labrador Retriever.
- Labrador Retriever needs more exercise. Labrador Retrievers are listed at 80+ per day a day against 45–60 per day for the Newfoundland.
- Shedding: Labrador Retriever is rated high, Newfoundland moderate. In practice you will be brushing both.
- Lifespan: Labrador Retriever 11–13 years vs Newfoundland 9-10 years.
- Trainability: Labrador Retriever — Excellent — food-motivated and biddable; top choice for service work. Newfoundland — Moderate — learns well with consistency
- First-time owners: Labrador Retriever — Yes — forgiving of beginner mistakes. Newfoundland — Better with experienced or well-prepared owners.
So which one should you get?
Pick the Labrador Retriever if you want: Active households with time for daily exercise and a yard or park access..
Pick the Newfoundland if you want: Households able to offer a daily walk and some play; commitment to socializing a natural guardian..
Neither is the "easier" option across the board — they fail in different ways. Be honest about which failure you can live with.
Health: what each one is prone to
Labrador Retriever: Hip/elbow dysplasia; Obesity (will overeat if allowed); Ear infections; Exercise-induced collapse (EIC)
Newfoundland: Hip dysplasia — confirm breeder screens breeding stock (OFA/PennHIP); Elbow dysplasia; Heart conditions — cardiac screening recommended
Ask any breeder or rescue for the health testing relevant to these conditions before you commit. This page is educational — not veterinary advice.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a Labrador Retriever and a Newfoundland?
Newfoundland is the bigger dog. Adults run 45–68 kg (100–150 lb) against 25–36 kg (55–80 lb) for the Labrador Retriever. Labrador Retriever needs more exercise. Labrador Retrievers are listed at 80+ per day a day against 45–60 per day for the Newfoundland. Shedding: Labrador Retriever is rated high, Newfoundland moderate. In practice you will be brushing both. Personality differs too: the Labrador Retriever is outgoing, even-tempered and people-oriented. a well-socialized lab is trustworthy with str, while the Newfoundland is akc temperament summary: devoted / sweet / patient. adaptability 4/5, affection with famil
Which is bigger, a Labrador Retriever or a Newfoundland?
Newfoundland is the bigger dog. Adults run 45–68 kg (100–150 lb) against 25–36 kg (55–80 lb) for the Labrador Retriever.
Is a Labrador Retriever or a Newfoundland better for first-time owners?
First-time owners: Labrador Retriever — Yes — forgiving of beginner mistakes. Newfoundland — Better with experienced or well-prepared owners.
Which sheds more, a Labrador Retriever or a Newfoundland?
Shedding: Labrador Retriever is rated high, Newfoundland moderate. In practice you will be brushing both.