What are the main health problems in Newfoundlands?

Newfoundlands, as a giant breed, are unfortunately prone to a number of serious health issues, and prospective owners must understand them. The most important, and somewhat breed-defining, is heart disease, the Newfoundland is notably prone to a specific inherited heart condition called subvalvular aortic stenosis (SAS), one of the most significant cardiac concerns in the breed, along with other heart issues (covered below). Other major health conditions include: hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia (developmental joint malformations common in giant breeds, which can cause pain and arthritis, and giant-breed puppies' rapidly growing joints are vulnerable, so careful growth management matters); bloat / gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), a life-threatening emergency that large, deep-chested breeds like the Newfoundland are at real risk of (covered below); cystinuria (an inherited condition, seen in the breed, that leads to the formation of cystine bladder/kidney stones, covered below); and a predisposition to certain other conditions, including hypothyroidism, certain eye conditions (such as entropion/ectropion, cherry eye), and others. Crucially, like other giant breeds, the Newfoundland has a sadly short lifespan (typically only around 8 to 10 years), and its health issues contribute to this, prospective owners must go in understanding that a giant breed's time is short (covered below). For owners, the practical health priorities are: be aware of the breed's cardiac risk and ensure cardiac screening (genuinely important for the breed, see below); support joint health (careful giant-breed puppy growth, keeping the dog lean, appropriate exercise); know the signs of bloat and act immediately; be aware of cystinuria (and the urinary signs to watch for); manage heat given the heavy coat (see the grooming and drool guide); and maintain excellent routine veterinary care. Given the breed's serious and potentially very expensive health risks and the higher cost of giant-breed veterinary care generally, pet insurance and/or a substantial vet fund are strongly advisable. For an adopted Newfoundland, ask the rescue what is known about the dog's health. The Newfoundland's health issues are serious and its lifespan sadly short, which prospective owners must weigh honestly, but with good preventive care, cardiac screening, bloat awareness, and financial preparedness, many Newfs live good (if too short) lives, and the breed's wonderful temperament makes it, for those who understand the realities, deeply worthwhile.

Why is heart disease such a concern in Newfoundlands?

Heart disease is one of the most important and somewhat breed-defining health concerns in the Newfoundland, because the breed is notably prone to a specific inherited cardiac condition called subvalvular aortic stenosis (SAS), and can also be affected by other heart conditions (such as dilated cardiomyopathy and pulmonic stenosis). SAS is a congenital (present-from-birth) narrowing below the aortic valve, which obstructs blood flow out of the heart and makes the heart work harder; it ranges from mild (dogs may live relatively normally) to severe (which can cause heart failure, exercise intolerance, fainting, and, dangerously, sudden death, sometimes even before other symptoms are noticed). SAS is one of the reasons cardiac health is such a priority for the breed. Signs of heart disease to watch for (and seek prompt veterinary care) include a heart murmur (often detected by a vet on exam, SAS commonly causes a murmur), exercise intolerance or tiring easily, fainting or collapse (especially concerning), coughing, difficulty breathing, and lethargy, though, as with some cardiac conditions, a problem can be present before obvious signs. The critically important response is cardiac screening: because SAS is inherited and can be serious, and because a heart murmur or early disease can be detected before symptoms, cardiac screening is genuinely important for the breed, responsible breeders have breeding dogs' hearts screened (ideally by a veterinary cardiologist, with auscultation and often echocardiogram) to reduce passing on SAS, and for an individual dog, veterinary cardiac evaluation (your vet listening for a murmur, and referral to a veterinary cardiologist for echocardiogram if a murmur or concern is found) is worthwhile, especially given the breed's predisposition. If a Newf is diagnosed with SAS or another heart condition, a veterinary cardiologist can assess severity and guide management (which depends on the type and severity and may include medication, activity guidance, and monitoring); Montreal has veterinary cardiology and specialty services. Because heart disease is common, potentially serious, and potentially expensive to diagnose and manage, it is also a central reason pet insurance is strongly advised for the breed. For an adopted Newf, ask whether the dog has had a cardiac evaluation or has any known heart murmur or condition. In short, the Newfoundland's predisposition to heart disease, especially subvalvular aortic stenosis, is a defining health concern, so cardiac awareness and screening (and prompt attention to any signs like a murmur, fainting, or exercise intolerance) are genuinely important parts of caring for the breed.

Are Newfoundlands prone to bloat and orthopedic problems?

Yes, Newfoundlands are prone to both bloat and orthopedic problems, in addition to their cardiac and other issues. Bloat / gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV): this is a life-threatening emergency that large, deep-chested breeds like the Newfoundland are at increased risk of, in which the stomach fills with gas and distends, and can twist on itself, cutting off blood supply and rapidly leading to shock and death without emergency surgery. Every Newfoundland owner must know the signs, they are an emergency, including a distended, swollen, or hard abdomen, unproductive retching (trying to vomit but bringing nothing up, a classic sign), restlessness and obvious distress, drooling (though Newfs drool anyway, so watch for a change or other signs), and rapid breathing; if you see these, get to an emergency vet IMMEDIATELY, as bloat can kill within hours. Risk-reduction measures include feeding two or more smaller meals a day rather than one large one, avoiding vigorous exercise right around eating, not letting the dog gulp large amounts of water at once, and seriously considering a preventive gastropexy (a surgery that tacks the stomach to prevent the dangerous twisting, often done at spay/neuter), which is worth discussing with your vet for an at-risk giant breed like the Newfoundland (ask if a rescue dog has already had it). Orthopedic problems: as a giant breed, Newfoundlands are prone to hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia (developmental joint malformations leading to laxity, pain, and arthritis), and, importantly, giant-breed puppies grow extremely rapidly and their developing joints are vulnerable, so proper growth management is genuinely important, feed an appropriate large/giant-breed puppy diet (which supports controlled, healthy growth, ask your vet, as overfeeding or improper diet can contribute to developmental orthopedic problems) and avoid over-exercising or excessive jumping/hard impact in a growing Newf puppy. In adults, keeping the dog lean protects the joints, and providing good footing (rugs on slippery floors) helps a large, heavy dog. The breed can also be prone to a knee ligament issue (cranial cruciate ligament rupture) and other joint problems. Signs of orthopedic problems (stiffness, limping, difficulty rising, reluctance to exercise) warrant veterinary assessment, and reputable breeders screen hips and elbows (via OFA). For an owner, the practical points are: know the signs of bloat and act immediately (and consider gastropexy); manage giant-breed puppy growth carefully; keep adults lean and provide good footing; and watch for signs of joint problems. Both bloat surgery and orthopedic care are expensive for a giant breed, part of the strong insurance case. In short, alongside the cardiac risk, bloat (a true emergency) and orthopedic issues (with careful puppy-growth management) are important Newfoundland health considerations to prevent, watch for, and manage.

What is cystinuria in Newfoundlands?

Cystinuria is an inherited (genetic) condition that the Newfoundland is one of the breeds notably affected by, and it is worth Newf owners being aware of. In cystinuria, a defect in the kidneys' ability to reabsorb an amino acid called cystine leads to high levels of cystine in the urine, which can then form cystine crystals and stones (uroliths) in the urinary tract (bladder and kidneys). These stones can cause the same kinds of urinary problems as other bladder stones: difficulty or straining to urinate, frequent urination, blood in the urine, urinary discomfort, and, in a serious situation, a urinary blockage (a medical emergency, especially in male dogs, where a stone obstructs the urethra and prevents urination, which is life-threatening and requires immediate veterinary care). The Newfoundland form of cystinuria has a known genetic basis, and there is genetic testing available for it, responsible breeders test breeding dogs to reduce passing it on, and it can be worth knowing an individual dog's status. For an owner, the practical points on cystinuria are: be aware that the Newfoundland is prone to it; watch for urinary signs (straining, blood in urine, frequent or difficult urination, and especially inability to urinate, which is an emergency, particularly in males) and seek prompt (and for a suspected blockage, immediate/emergency) veterinary care; and, if a dog is known to have cystinuria or forms cystine stones, work with your vet on management, which may include a special diet (to reduce stone formation), medication, increased water intake, monitoring, and, if stones form, treatment (which may include surgery, and stones can recur, so ongoing management is common). For an adopted Newfoundland, ask the rescue whether the dog has been genetically tested for cystinuria or has any history of urinary stones. Because cystinuria can require diagnostics, special diets, medication, monitoring, and sometimes surgery (with possible recurrence), it can be a significant, ongoing health cost, part of the case for pet insurance. In short, cystinuria is an inherited urinary-stone condition the Newfoundland is prone to, so owners should know the urinary signs (seeking emergency care for a blockage), be aware genetic testing exists, and work with their vet on management if their dog is affected.

Newfoundland Health Issues (Montreal Guide)

The short answer

As a giant breed, the Newfoundland carries serious concerns. The most defining: heart disease, the breed is notably prone to inherited subvalvular aortic stenosis (SAS), so cardiac screening/evaluation matters (watch for a murmur, fainting, or exercise intolerance). Also: hip and elbow dysplasia (careful giant-breed puppy growth), bloat/GDV (a deep-chested giant breed, know the signs and act immediately, consider gastropexy), and cystinuria (an inherited urinary-stone condition, genetic testing exists). Like other giants, the lifespan is sadly short, ~8 to 10 years. Levers you control: cardiac awareness, bloat prevention, careful puppy growth, keeping the dog lean, heat management (the heavy coat), and routine care. Given the risks and costly giant-breed care, insurance is strongly advised, insure while young.

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A Newfoundland dog being examined at a Montreal veterinary clinic — Cardiac screening, bloat awareness and prevention, careful puppy growth, weight management, and heat care are a Newfoundland owner's most valuable health habits.

The Newfoundland's gentle temperament is easy; its health is not. As a giant breed, the Newf carries serious concerns that any prospective owner must understand, one above all. This guide is honest about the medical picture, starting with the breed's defining risk: its heart.

Heart disease (SAS): the defining concern

The Newfoundland is notably prone to a specific inherited heart condition, subvalvular aortic stenosis (SAS), a congenital narrowing below the aortic valve that obstructs blood flow and makes the heart work harder. It ranges from mild to severe, and severe SAS can cause heart failure, exercise intolerance, fainting, and, dangerously, sudden death. The breed can also have other heart conditions (dilated cardiomyopathy, pulmonic stenosis). Signs: a heart murmur (often found by a vet, SAS commonly causes one), exercise intolerance, fainting/collapse, coughing.

The critical response is cardiac screening: because SAS is inherited and can be serious, and a murmur or early disease can be found before symptoms, cardiac evaluation matters, responsible breeders have breeding dogs' hearts screened (ideally by a veterinary cardiologist) to reduce passing on SAS, and for an individual dog, veterinary cardiac evaluation (auscultation, and referral for an echocardiogram if a murmur or concern is found) is worthwhile given the predisposition. Montreal has veterinary cardiology services. For an adopted Newf, ask whether the dog has had a cardiac evaluation or has a known murmur. This is a central reason insurance is strongly advised. Cardiac awareness and screening are genuinely important parts of caring for the breed.

Bloat and orthopedic problems

Bloat (GDV) is a life-threatening emergency deep-chested giants like the Newf are at risk of, the stomach distends and can twist, killing within hours. Signs, an emergency: a distended, hard abdomen; unproductive retching (a classic sign); restlessness and distress; a change in drooling (Newfs drool anyway); rapid breathing. Get to an emergency vet IMMEDIATELY. Reduce risk with smaller meals, calm around eating, and strongly consider preventive gastropexy (often at spay/neuter).

Orthopedic: as a giant breed, Newfs are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia and arthritis, and, importantly, giant-breed puppies grow extremely fast and their joints are vulnerable, so careful growth management matters (an appropriate giant-breed puppy diet, and no over-exercise or hard impact during growth). The breed can also have cranial cruciate ligament (knee) injuries. In adults, keep the dog lean and provide good footing (rugs). Watch for stiffness or limping, and reputable breeders screen hips and elbows via OFA. Both bloat surgery and orthopedic care are expensive for a giant, part of the insurance case.

Cystinuria

Cystinuria is an inherited condition the Newfoundland is notably affected by: a kidney defect leads to high cystine in the urine, which can form cystine bladder/kidney stones. These cause urinary problems (straining, frequent or difficult urination, blood in the urine) and, most seriously, a urinary blockage (a medical emergency, especially in males, where a stone obstructs the urethra, life-threatening and needing immediate care). The Newf form has a known genetic basis, and genetic testing exists (responsible breeders test to reduce passing it on).

Practically: be aware the breed is prone to it, watch for urinary signs (and especially inability to urinate, an emergency), and, if a dog has cystinuria or forms stones, work with your vet on management (a special diet to reduce stone formation, medication, increased water intake, monitoring, and treatment, sometimes surgery, if stones form, with possible recurrence). For an adopted Newf, ask whether the dog has been genetically tested or has any urinary-stone history. Because cystinuria can mean diagnostics, diets, medication, and possible surgery, it can be a significant ongoing cost, part of the insurance case. See our adoption guide.

Short lifespan and the strong insurance case

Like other giant breeds, Newfoundlands are short-lived, typically ~8 to 10 years, one of the hardest realities of the breed (larger breeds live shorter lives, and the Newf's health issues contribute). Go in emotionally prepared for fewer years and the real possibility of serious health issues. Give a Newf its best life with cardiac screening, careful puppy growth, keeping the dog lean, bloat prevention, cystinuria awareness, heat management (the heavy coat), and good routine care.

On insurance: worth considering more than for many breeds, the Newf combines a high likelihood of serious, expensive problems (cardiac care, orthopedic surgery, bloat surgery, cystinuria management) with the inherently higher cost of giant-breed care (weight-dosed medications, pricier procedures), and Montreal vet care isn't cheap. Take out insurance while the dog is young and healthy, before any condition is excluded, especially important for a breed so prone to issues. If you self-insure, be realistic: a Newf may need a substantial fund. For an adopted adult or senior, some conditions may already be present, so go in financially prepared. The bottom line: the breed's serious risks and the high cost of giant-breed care make good preventive care (especially cardiac screening and bloat prevention) and financial preparedness genuinely important, non-optional parts of responsible ownership.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main health problems?

Most importantly heart disease (the breed is notably prone to inherited subvalvular aortic stenosis), plus hip and elbow dysplasia, bloat/GDV, and cystinuria (an inherited urinary-stone condition). Like other giants, the lifespan is sadly short (~8 to 10 years). Cardiac screening, bloat prevention, careful puppy growth, weight management, and heat care (the heavy coat) are the key protective steps.

Why is heart disease such a concern?

The Newfoundland is notably prone to inherited subvalvular aortic stenosis (SAS), a narrowing below the aortic valve that ranges from mild to severe, severe SAS can cause heart failure, fainting, and sudden death. The breed can also have other heart conditions. That's why cardiac screening matters (a vet listening for a murmur, referral for an echocardiogram if found), and why prompt attention to a murmur, fainting, or exercise intolerance is important.

Are they prone to bloat and orthopedic problems?

Yes. Bloat (GDV) is a life-threatening emergency deep-chested giants are at risk of, know the signs (distended hard abdomen, unproductive retching, distress) and get to an emergency vet immediately; reduce risk with smaller meals and consider gastropexy. And as a giant breed they're prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, so manage giant-breed puppy growth carefully, keep adults lean, and provide good footing.

What is cystinuria?

An inherited condition the Newfoundland is notably affected by: a kidney defect leads to cystine bladder/kidney stones, which cause urinary problems and, most seriously, a blockage (an emergency, especially in males). Genetic testing exists (breeders test to reduce it). Watch for urinary signs, seek emergency care for a suspected blockage, and manage a affected dog with your vet (special diet, medication, monitoring, sometimes surgery).

How long do they live, and is insurance worth it?

Sadly short, like other giants, typically ~8 to 10 years. Insurance is worth considering more than for many breeds, the Newf combines a high likelihood of expensive problems (cardiac care, orthopedic and bloat surgery, cystinuria management) with the higher cost of giant-breed care. Prioritize cardiac screening and bloat prevention, insure while young and healthy, and go in financially prepared, or keep a substantial vet fund.

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