Newfoundland Grooming Guide (2026)

Newfoundland Coat Overview

The Newfoundland has a dense, water-resistant double coat that was developed for working in the frigid waters of the North Atlantic. The outer coat is moderately long, flat to slightly wavy, and coarse, while the undercoat is soft, dense, and provides insulation. The coat is naturally oily, which provides water resistance.

Newfoundlands weigh 100-150 pounds, making them one of the largest breeds. They come in black, brown, gray, and Landseer (white with black markings). Their sheer size combined with coat density means grooming a Newfoundland is a significant undertaking in both time and cost.

The Newfoundland's grooming demands are comparable to the Bernese Mountain Dog and Samoyed, but their larger size often means even more grooming time and higher costs. They also drool significantly, which adds a unique grooming consideration around the face and chest.

Step-by-Step Home Grooming Routine

Step 1: Thorough Brushing

Brush 3-4 times per week using the line brushing technique. Part the coat in sections and brush from the skin outward with a pin brush or slicker brush. Use an undercoat rake to remove loose undercoat. Focus on behind the ears, the thick mane around the neck, the "pants" on the rear legs, and the feathering on the belly and legs.

Step 2: De-Matting

Check for mats in the dense undercoat, especially behind the ears, under the legs, and in the mane area. Use a mat splitter or dematting comb for small tangles. The thick coat can hide mats close to the skin. During shedding season, loose undercoat clumps can quickly become mats if not brushed out promptly.

Bathing a Newfoundland requires a large tub, patience, and thorough rinsing of their dense double coat

Step 3: Bathing

Bathe every 6-8 weeks. Getting a Newfoundland's water-resistant coat fully saturated is a challenge — the natural oils cause water to bead off initially. Use a quality dog shampoo and work it deep into the coat. Rinse extremely thoroughly as the dense coat traps soap easily. A conditioner helps with post-bath brushing.

Step 4: Drying

A high-velocity professional dryer is essential. The water-resistant, dense coat can take many hours to air-dry, creating a breeding ground for bacteria, hot spots, and odor. Professional drying takes 60-90 minutes. Brush through the coat while drying to remove additional loose undercoat.

Step 5: Drool Management, Nails, and Ears

Wipe the face and chest daily to manage drool. Trim nails every 2-3 weeks — Newfoundlands are heavy dogs and proper nail length is important for joint health. Clean ears weekly. Brush teeth 2-3 times per week. Trim excess hair between paw pads.

Newfoundland Grooming Cost

Expect to spend $560-$950 per year on professional Newfoundland grooming. They are among the most expensive breeds to groom due to their enormous size and coat density. For more details, see our dog grooming cost guide.

When to See a Professional Groomer

• Every 6-8 weeks: Regular professional maintenance is nearly essential for this breed
• Coat blow season: Professional de-shedding in spring and fall manages the enormous volume of loose coat
• Drying: If you lack professional drying equipment, this alone justifies professional grooming
• Matting: Mats in the dense undercoat should be handled by an experienced groomer
• Bathing: The sheer size of a Newfoundland makes bathing at home impractical for many owners

Frequently Asked Questions

The Bottom Line

Newfoundlands need professional grooming every 6-8 weeks, costing $70-$110 per session. Their massive size and incredibly dense, water-resistant coat make them one of the most demanding breeds to groom. Prospective Newfoundland owners should budget accordingly and find a groomer experienced with giant breeds before bringing one home.

Ready to find a professional groomer? Search for groomers near you who handle giant breeds.