Labrador Retriever vs Newfoundland
Side-by-side comparison: temperament, exercise, grooming, health, and cost of ownership.
Labrador Retriever
America's most beloved family dog, known for a friendly temperament and eager-to-please attitude. Labs excel at everything from hunting to therapy work and are incredibly versatile.
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 Labrador Retriever if you want easier to train and more apartment-friendly. Choose Newfoundland if you want a great companion.
Quick Comparison
Labrador Retriever
Attribute
Newfoundland
large
Size
giant
25–36 kg (55–79 lbs)
Weight
45–70 kg (99–154 lbs)
55–62 cm (22–24 in)
Height
63–74 cm (25–29 in)
Better10–13 yrs
Lifespan
8–10 yrs
Better5/5
Trainability
4/5
5/5
Energy
2/5
5/5
Good with Kids
5/5
Better4/5
Shedding
5/5
Better2/5
Grooming
4/5
Better2/5
Apartment
1/5
Better3/5
Health
2/5
Better$800–$2,000
Price
$1,500–$3,000
Attribute Comparison
Temperament: Labrador Retriever vs Newfoundland
Newfoundland is calmer; Labrador Retriever is more energetic.
Labrador Retriever
Newfoundland
Playfulness
Better5/5
vs3/5
Barking Level
3/5
vs2/5Better
Energy
5/5
vs2/5
The Labrador Retriever and Newfoundland bring very different personalities to the table. Labrador Retrievers are friendly, outgoing and active, while Newfoundlands tend to be sweet, patient and devoted.
Exercise Needs: Labrador Retriever vs Newfoundland
Labrador Retriever needs more exercise; Newfoundland is lower-maintenance.
Labrador Retriever
Newfoundland
Energy Level
5/5
vs2/5
Exercise Needs
5/5
vs3/5
Apartment Friendly
Better2/5
vs1/5
If your daily schedule is packed, pay close attention here. The Labrador Retriever demands serious physical activity — we're talking 60-90+ minutes of vigorous exercise daily (5/5).
Labrador Retriever and Newfoundland: Size and Appearance Compared
Newfoundland is the larger breed; Labrador Retriever is more compact.
Labrador Retriever
Newfoundland
Weight (kg)
25–36
vs45–70
Height (cm)
55–62
vs63–74
These two breeds look nothing alike. The Newfoundland is a giant breed at 45–70 kg (99–154 lbs) and 63–74 cm (25–29 in), while the Labrador Retriever is a large breed at just 25–36 kg (55–79 lbs) and 55–62 cm (22–24 in).
Which Costs More to Own — Labrador Retriever or Newfoundland?
Labrador Retriever is less expensive to own annually.
Labrador Retriever
Avg. Purchase$1,400
Annual Food$720
Annual Vet$500
Annual Grooming$150
Annual Total$1,370 ✓
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–$2,000 for a Labrador Retriever versus $1,500–$3,000 for a Newfoundland. Where the real cost differences emerge is in ongoing expenses.
Health Profile: Labrador Retriever and Newfoundland Compared
Labrador Retriever tends to be the healthier breed overall.
Labrador Retriever
Newfoundland
Lifespan (years)
Better10–13
vs8–10
Health Robustness
Better3/5
vs2/5
The lifespan difference is significant. Labrador Retrievers live 10–13 years on average, while Newfoundlands live 8–10 years.
Grooming Differences: Labrador Retriever and Newfoundland
Newfoundland sheds more; Labrador Retriever is easier to maintain.
Labrador Retriever
Newfoundland
Shedding
Better4/5
vs5/5
Grooming Needs
Better2/5
vs4/5
The Newfoundland sheds a bit more (5/5) than the Labrador Retriever (4/5). It's not a night-and-day difference, but if you prefer a cleaner home, the Labrador Retriever has a slight edge.
Which Is Easier to Train — Labrador Retriever or Newfoundland?
The Labrador Retriever has a slight training edge (5/5 vs 4/5). Both respond to positive reinforcement, but the Labrador Retriever tends to catch on a bit faster.
Family Fit: Labrador Retriever vs Newfoundland With Kids and Other Pets
Both breeds are similarly family-friendly.
Labrador 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: Labrador Retriever or Newfoundland?
The Labrador Retriever comes out ahead in most categories — it's easier to train (5/5 vs 4/5), more apartment-friendly (2/5), less shedding (4/5). If you can meet its very high exercise needs and don't mind heavy shedding, the Labrador 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 Labrador Retriever and Newfoundland are both popular breeds, but they suit different lifestyles. The key differences: Labrador Retriever needs significantly more daily exercise than Newfoundland. Annual ownership costs are lower for the Labrador Retriever by roughly $700/year.
Choose Labrador Retriever if...
- ✓You're an active person who runs, hikes, or exercises daily — Labrador Retrievers will keep up and thrive on that activity.
- ✓Budget matters to you — Labrador 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, Labrador Retriever or Newfoundland?
The Labrador Retriever scores 5/5 for being good with kids, tying with the Newfoundland at 5/5. The Labrador Retriever is specifically recommended for families.
Is a Labrador Retriever or Newfoundland easier to train?
The Labrador Retriever is easier to train with a score of 5/5, compared to the Newfoundland's 4/5. The Labrador Retriever is recommended for first-time owners thanks to its cooperative nature.
Which costs more, a Labrador Retriever or Newfoundland?
A Labrador Retriever puppy costs $800–$2,000 while a Newfoundland costs $1,500–$3,000. Annual maintenance runs about $1,370 for the Labrador Retriever and $2,080 for the Newfoundland. The Newfoundland costs more to maintain annually.
Do Labrador Retrievers or Newfoundlands live longer?
The Labrador Retriever lives 10–13 years on average, while the Newfoundland lives 8–10 years. The Labrador Retriever generally has a longer lifespan. Proper diet, exercise, and regular vet care help maximize lifespan for either breed.
Can a Labrador Retriever or Newfoundland live in an apartment?
The Labrador Retriever is better suited for apartments (2/5) compared to the Newfoundland (1/5). Neither breed is ideal for apartments — both prefer more space.