While Newfoundland dogs are considered gentle giants and are quite imposing to look at, many people may wonder when they stop growing
When Does A Newfie Stop Growing?
Newfies are a large dog breed that may take longer to grow than smaller dogs. This is because they need more time for their bones to fully develop and grow. The Newfoundland breed may not reach its maximum height and weight until around two years old and will stop growing at this time.
Newfoundlands need time to develop which can take a longer amount of time. Here is what you need to know about their growth levels, what you can do to achieve growth in your Newfie, and how their size affects their overall health.
How Big Can Newfoundland Dogs Get?
Newfoundlands are on the larger side of dog breeds and may be considered one of the strongest dogs. They are known as the “working” dogs that can grow large and tall in height. Aside from their massive size, here are some facts about how big Newfies can grow.
It is stated that Newfies can gain about 10 pounds per month. At about 6 months old, the normal weight for your Newfie should be about 75 to 87 pounds in males, and 60 to 72 pounds in females. The expected height for your Newfie puppy should be about 22 to 25 inches.
Every Newfie is different and will grow at its own pace. As previously mentioned, Newfoundlands are strongly built and need at least two years to fully reach their potential weight and height.
Why Do Some Newfies Grow At Different Sizes?
Even if you have the same breed of dogs living in your household., you may find that they are completely different.
Although Newfies are a giant dog, certain factors can affect how fast or slow they grow. Here are some reasons why Newfies can grow at different sizes.
Genetic Background
A Newfies size depends on the size of its parents. Whatever their average height and weight are will determine how large your Newfie puppy will grow.
Gender
Male Newfoundlands have a higher height and weight than females. As previously stated, males can weigh about 150 pounds on average, while females can weigh roughly 120 pounds. In other words, if you have a male Newfie, they will grow to be larger than a female.
Diet and Exercise
Newfies tend to gain a lot of weight. That is why it is crucial to make a note of how and what you feed them.
For instance, it is recommended to give them a well-balanced diet, but pay attention to how many times you feed them during a day. Moreover, you should limit how many treats they can receive during the day.
In addition, Newfies require moderate amounts of exercise to keep them in shape. You should not let your dog lounge during the day, especially with a diet full of calories.
Their exercise and diet should be balanced so they can gain a healthy weight.
Overall Health
A Newfoundland’s overall health can play an important role in how they grow. That is why it is important to give them plenty of exercise and a healthy diet to ensure they grow properly. However, Newfies can develop health issues that may either cause them to lose or gain weight, depending on the sickness.
What Is The Average Weight And Height Of A Newfoundland?
Newfoundlands are naturally large dogs. Their average height and weight can vary depending on gender, but both can grow to be massive in size. Here is what you need to know about their height and weight comparisons.
This breed is very heavy-boned, which plays a role in their weight. If you own a fully grown male Newfie, your dog can weigh at least 130 to 150 pounds on average. Fully grown females can weigh about 100 to 120 pounds.
When it comes to their height, Newfies can grow to be quite tall. A full-grown male Newfie should stand to be at least 28 inches tall. A female Newfie is a bit shorter but should stand to be at least 26 inches tall.
Is It Possible For a Newfoundland To Grow Again After They Have Stopped?
The period of time that a Newfoundland dog will stop growing will vary from dog to dog. However, some late bloomers may continue to grow past the average amount of time. Here is what you should know about their growing process.
As previously mentioned, it takes about two, and sometimes three years for a Newfie to reach its maximum size. In some cases, Newfoundlands may develop at a slower rate, which can take almost four years to fully develop.
During its development process, a Newfie may reach its full height within the first year. It may take the next year or so for its body to fill out.
Note: Even if your Newfoundland dog will stop growing, they can still gain weight if they are not receiving daily exercise, or if they are overfed.
Is There Anything I Can Do to Help My Newfie Grow Taller Or Bigger?
Owning a Newfie comes with a lot of responsibility. When it comes to raising a Newfie, you want what is best for them. Although it may take time for your Newfie to grow, it is safe to say that bigger isn’t always better. Here is what you can do to help your Newfie grow in a healthy manner.
One of the best ways to grow your Newfie is to use a growth and weight chart. Every Newfoundland grows at its own pace. Using a chart can help you calculate what their average weight and height should be for their age.
The best way to weigh your Newfie is using a regular scale when they are a puppy. As they get bigger, you can purchase a large dog scale or schedule a visit to the vet.
Moreover, you can take a look at your Newfie’s paws. This can also determine how they will fill out when they grow.
How Much Exercise Should Newfoundlands Get Everyday?
Newfoundlands have medium levels of energy and may not require extensive amounts of exercise. However, it is important for them to receive daily exercise to keep them fit and reduce the risk of injury or health-related issues. Here is what you should know about their exercise regimen.
According to the American Kennel Club, it is recommended to give your Newfie at least “30 minutes to an hour of daily exercise. Their exercise may include daily walks, playtime, and strengthening exercises, such as agility courses.
Regular exercise will do wonders in assisting your Newfie to maintain a healthy weight. This is especially important as they can become quite lazy and develop joint issues over time.
You can also include mental stimulation exercises so they don’t get bored. Along with their daily exercise, you should include swimming exercises whenever necessary.
Keep in mind that Newfoundland puppies will not require as much exercise because they are still developing. In the first six months, they should receive up to 15 minutes of exercise. From 6 to 12 months, they should receive about 30 minutes of exercise.
From 12 to 18 months, you can gradually increase the amount of time as they continue to grow.
What Type Of Diet Should You Provide Your Newfoundland?
The diet of a Newfoundland is essential to ensure they don’t stop growing earlier than expected. 4 to 5 cups of dried food is required daily, which can be split into two meals.
Here are the different types of diets you should provide for your Newfie.
A Kibble diet is dog food that is processed and cooked. It comes in different varieties and should include ingredients such as grains, vitamins, cereals, antioxidants, etc.
A raw diet consists of pre-packaged or freeze-dried raw meat, eggs, whole or ground bones, and vegetables.
If you enjoy cooking, try a home-cooked diet. This is a home-cooked meal that consists of animal proteins and vegetables.
Does A Newfoundland’s Size Affect Their Overall Health?
We all know that Newfies can grow at a slower rate than most dogs. But can their massive size affect their health? Here’s why their size can be vital to their health.
Just like humans, dogs can develop potential health problems. Even though they are naturally large, Newfoundlands are prone to developing joint problems, such as hip dysplasia.
That is why it is crucial to feed them properly and keep them lean by giving them daily exercise to prevent injury during the development process.
As previously stated, Newfies can stop growing, but they can continue to gain weight. Obesity can cause them to suffer from structural problems.
Unlike some dog breeds, Newfoundlands need extra time to fully develop in size and height. During their growing stages, they need to have a well-balanced diet and plenty of exercise to ensure they grow properly.
