Golden Retriever vs Newfoundland
Side-by-side comparison: temperament, exercise, grooming, health, and cost of ownership.
Golden Retriever
Friendly, reliable, and devoted, the Golden Retriever is one of the most popular family dogs in the world. They are eager to please and excel in obedience, agility, and as therapy dogs.
VS
Newfoundland
A sweet-natured giant bred for water rescue, the Newfoundland is often called a 'nanny dog' for their exceptional gentleness with children. They are strong swimmers and devoted family protectors.
Quick Answer
Choose Golden Retriever if you want easier to train and more apartment-friendly. Choose Newfoundland if you want a great companion.
Quick Comparison
Golden Retriever
Attribute
Newfoundland
large
Size
giant
25–34 kg (55–75 lbs)
Weight
45–70 kg (99–154 lbs)
51–61 cm (20–24 in)
Height
63–74 cm (25–29 in)
Better10–12 yrs
Lifespan
8–10 yrs
Better5/5
Trainability
4/5
4/5
Energy
2/5
5/5
Good with Kids
5/5
5/5
Shedding
5/5
4/5
Grooming
4/5
Better2/5
Apartment
1/5
Better3/5
Health
2/5
Better$800–$2,500
Price
$1,500–$3,000
Attribute Comparison
Size & Build: Golden Retriever vs Newfoundland
Newfoundland is the larger breed; Golden Retriever is more compact.
Golden Retriever
Newfoundland
Weight (kg)
25–34
vs45–70
Height (cm)
51–61
vs63–74
Size is one of the most obvious contrasts between these breeds. The Newfoundland tips the scales at 45–70 kg (99–154 lbs), dwarfing the Golden Retriever's 25–34 kg (55–75 lbs).
Temperament Differences: Golden Retriever and Newfoundland
Newfoundland is calmer; Golden Retriever is more energetic.
Golden Retriever
Newfoundland
Playfulness
Better5/5
vs3/5
Barking Level
3/5
vs2/5Better
Energy
4/5
vs2/5
When you live with a Golden Retriever, you'll notice their friendly, intelligent and devoted character in everything they do. A Newfoundland, by contrast, shows a sweet, patient and devoted nature.
Cost to Own: Golden Retriever vs Newfoundland
Golden Retriever is less expensive to own annually.
Golden Retriever
Avg. Purchase$1,650
Annual Food$720
Annual Vet$500
Annual Grooming$200
Annual Total$1,420 ✓
Newfoundland
Avg. Purchase$2,250
Annual Food$1,080
Annual Vet$700
Annual Grooming$300
Annual Total$2,080
Both breeds cost a similar amount upfront — $800–$2,500 for a Golden Retriever versus $1,500–$3,000 for a Newfoundland. Where the real cost differences emerge is in ongoing expenses.
How Much Exercise Do Golden Retrievers vs Newfoundlands Need?
Golden Retriever needs more exercise; Newfoundland is lower-maintenance.
Golden Retriever
Newfoundland
Energy Level
4/5
vs2/5
Exercise Needs
4/5
vs3/5
Apartment Friendly
Better2/5
vs1/5
The Golden Retriever needs slightly more exercise (4/5) than the Newfoundland (3/5), but neither breed is at an extreme. Both have high to low energy levels, so the difference in your daily routine will be modest — perhaps an extra 15-20 minutes of activity for the Golden Retriever.
Golden Retriever vs Newfoundland: Common Health Issues
Golden Retriever tends to be the healthier breed overall.
Golden Retriever
Newfoundland
Lifespan (years)
Better10–12
vs8–10
Health Robustness
Better3/5
vs2/5
The lifespan difference is significant. Golden Retrievers live 10–12 years on average, while Newfoundlands live 8–10 years.
Training: Golden Retriever vs Newfoundland
Golden Retriever is generally easier to train.
Golden Retriever
Newfoundland
Trainability
Better5/5
vs4/5
Intelligence
Better5/5
vs4/5
The Golden Retriever has a slight training edge (5/5 vs 4/5). Both respond to positive reinforcement, but the Golden Retriever tends to catch on a bit faster.
Golden Retriever vs Newfoundland: Grooming Routine and Shedding
Both breeds have similar grooming needs.
Golden Retriever
Newfoundland
Shedding
5/5
vs5/5
Grooming Needs
4/5
vs4/5
Both breeds shed at the same rate (5/5), so fur management will be identical for either choice. Budget for a good robot vacuum.
Golden Retriever or Newfoundland for Your Family?
Both breeds are similarly family-friendly.
Golden Retriever
Newfoundland
Good with Kids
5/5
vs5/5
Good with Dogs
5/5
vs5/5
Strangers
5/5
vs5/5
Both breeds score 5/5 with children, making them equally suitable for families. Either breed would make an excellent family dog.
Summary — Golden Retriever or Newfoundland: Which Is Right for You?
The Golden Retriever comes out ahead in most categories — it's easier to train (5/5 vs 4/5), more apartment-friendly (2/5), better health profile (3/5). If you can meet its high exercise needs and don't mind heavy shedding, the Golden Retriever is the more versatile choice for most households.
Which Breed Is Right for You?
Question 1 of 3
Do you have children at home?
The Verdict
The Golden Retriever and Newfoundland are both popular breeds, but they suit different lifestyles. The key differences: Golden Retriever needs significantly more daily exercise than Newfoundland. Annual ownership costs are lower for the Golden Retriever by roughly $700/year.
Choose Golden Retriever if...
- ✓You're an active person who runs, hikes, or exercises daily — Golden Retrievers will keep up and thrive on that activity.
- ✓Budget matters to you — Golden Retrievers cost roughly $700 less per year in food, vet, and grooming.
Choose Newfoundland if...
- ✓You lead a quieter lifestyle — Newfoundlands are happy with shorter walks and less vigorous exercise.
Looking for more options?
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for families, Golden Retriever or Newfoundland?
The Golden Retriever scores 5/5 for being good with kids, tying with the Newfoundland at 5/5. The Golden Retriever is specifically recommended for families.
Is a Golden Retriever or Newfoundland easier to train?
The Golden Retriever is easier to train with a score of 5/5, compared to the Newfoundland's 4/5. The Golden Retriever is recommended for first-time owners thanks to its cooperative nature.
Which costs more, a Golden Retriever or Newfoundland?
A Golden Retriever puppy costs $800–$2,500 while a Newfoundland costs $1,500–$3,000. Annual maintenance runs about $1,420 for the Golden Retriever and $2,080 for the Newfoundland. The Newfoundland costs more to maintain annually.
Do Golden Retrievers or Newfoundlands live longer?
The Golden Retriever lives 10–12 years on average, while the Newfoundland lives 8–10 years. The Golden Retriever generally has a longer lifespan. Proper diet, exercise, and regular vet care help maximize lifespan for either breed.
Can a Golden Retriever or Newfoundland live in an apartment?
The Golden Retriever is better suited for apartments (2/5) compared to the Newfoundland (1/5). Neither breed is ideal for apartments — both prefer more space.