How tall is a Newfoundland?

An adult Newfoundland stands about 28 inches at the shoulder (AKC mid-range, male). Females typically run 1–2 inches shorter, and individual variation within the breed is roughly ±2 inches.

Is a Newfoundland considered a giant dog?

Yes — at 28" / 140 lb, the Newfoundland falls into the giant-breed size class (shoulder height 28" and up). Out of 252 breeds catalogued, it ranks #17 tallest.

How does a Newfoundland compare to a person?

At 28" tall, a Newfoundland stands about 44% of the height of an average adult (5'4" / 64"). The chart on this page draws both silhouettes at the same pixel-per-inch scale so the proportion you see is the real ratio.

Newfoundland Size Compared to a Person

A Newfoundland stands 28″ at the shoulder and weighs about 140 lb — that puts it at 44% of the height of an average adult (5′4″ / 64″). Of the 252 breeds catalogued, it ranks #17 by shoulder height and falls into the giant-breed size class (Giant breeds, 28" and up).

Newfoundland next to a person at scale — 28-inch shoulder height, 140 lb. Drawn by iDogNames. — Newfoundland at 28″ / 140 lb, next to an average adult at 5′4″ / 135 lb. Drawn to AKC breed standards.

How a Newfoundland compares

	Newfoundland	Person	Difference
Shoulder height	28″	64″	-36″
Weight	140 lb	135 lb	+5 lb

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About the Newfoundland

The Newfoundland is a massive, gentle giant originally bred as a working dog for fishermen on the island of Newfoundland in Canada. Known for their incredible swimming ability, webbed feet, and water-resistant double coat, Newfoundlands have saved countless lives as water rescue dogs throughout history. These bear-like dogs can weigh up to 150 pounds, with a thick coat that comes in black, brown, gray, and the distinctive black-and-white Landseer pattern.

Similar-size breeds

The 8 breeds in the Giant size class with shoulder height closest to the Newfoundland.

Borzoi — 28″ / 90 lb (same height)
Daniff — 28″ / 130 lb (same height)
Giant Maso Mastiff — 28″ / 180 lb (same height)
Saint Bernard — 28″ / 160 lb (same height)
Sloughi — 28″ / 53 lb (same height)
Anatolian Shepherd — 29″ / 130 lb (+1″ vs Newfoundland)
Black Russian Terrier — 29″ / 105 lb (+1″ vs Newfoundland)
Greyhound — 29″ / 68 lb (+1″ vs Newfoundland)

Compare a Newfoundland with another breed

Frequently asked

How tall is a Newfoundland?: An adult Newfoundland stands about 28 inches at the shoulder (AKC mid-range, male). Females typically run 1–2 inches shorter, and individual variation within the breed is roughly ±2 inches.
Is a Newfoundland considered a giant dog?: Yes — at 28" / 140 lb, the Newfoundland falls into the giant-breed size class (shoulder height 28" and up). Out of 252 breeds catalogued, it ranks #17 tallest.
How does a Newfoundland compare to a person?: At 28" tall, a Newfoundland stands about 44% of the height of an average adult (5'4" / 64"). The chart on this page draws both silhouettes at the same pixel-per-inch scale so the proportion you see is the real ratio.

More on the Newfoundland

Newfoundland dog names & full breed page · All giant-size breeds · Visual atlas (Giant section) · Size comparison home