Newfoundland vs Poodle
Side-by-side comparison: temperament, exercise, grooming, health, and cost of ownership.
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.
VS
Poodle
One of the most intelligent dog breeds, the Poodle combines elegance with athleticism. Their hypoallergenic curly coat and keen mind make them ideal for allergy sufferers who want a trainable companion.
Quick Answer
Choose Newfoundland if you want better with kids. Choose Poodle if you want easier to train and more apartment-friendly.
Quick Comparison
Newfoundland
Attribute
Poodle
giant
Size
medium
45–70 kg (99–154 lbs)
Weight
18–32 kg (40–71 lbs)
63–74 cm (25–29 in)
Height
38–61 cm (15–24 in)
8–10 yrs
Lifespan
12–15 yrsBetter
4/5
Trainability
5/5Better
2/5
Energy
4/5
Better5/5
Good with Kids
4/5
5/5
Shedding
1/5Better
Better4/5
Grooming
5/5
1/5
Apartment
3/5Better
2/5
Health
4/5Better
$1,500–$3,000
Price
$1,000–$3,000Better
Attribute Comparison
Which Is Healthier — Newfoundland or Poodle? Health Compared
Poodle tends to be the healthier breed overall.
Newfoundland
Poodle
Lifespan (years)
8–10
vs12–15Better
Health Robustness
2/5
vs4/5Better
Life expectancy favors the Poodle: 12–15 years versus the Newfoundland's 8–10 years. For many families, those extra years together are a compelling reason to lean toward the Poodle.
Newfoundland vs Poodle: Size and Coat
Newfoundland is the larger breed; Poodle is more compact.
Newfoundland
Poodle
Weight (kg)
45–70
vs18–32
Height (cm)
63–74
vs38–61
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 Poodle is a medium breed at just 18–32 kg (40–71 lbs) and 38–61 cm (15–24 in).
Newfoundland and Poodle Temperament: What to Expect
Newfoundland is calmer; Poodle is more energetic.
Newfoundland
Poodle
Playfulness
3/5
vs5/5Better
Barking Level
Better2/5
vs3/5
Energy
2/5
vs4/5
One of the most important factors in choosing between these two breeds is temperament. The Newfoundland is typically sweet, patient and devoted, making them well suited for families and houses with yards.
Newfoundland vs Poodle: Energy and Exercise Compared
Poodle needs more exercise; Newfoundland is lower-maintenance.
Newfoundland
Poodle
Energy Level
2/5
vs4/5
Exercise Needs
3/5
vs4/5
Apartment Friendly
1/5
vs3/5Better
The Poodle 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 Poodle.
Which Sheds More — Newfoundland or Poodle? Grooming Compared
Newfoundland sheds more; Poodle is easier to maintain.
Newfoundland
Poodle
Shedding
5/5
vs1/5Better
Grooming Needs
Better4/5
vs5/5
If you hate vacuuming, this matters. The Newfoundland's 5/5 shedding level means daily fur management is part of life.
Family and Social Compatibility: Newfoundland vs Poodle
Newfoundland is better suited for families with children.
Newfoundland
Poodle
Good with Kids
Better5/5
vs4/5
Good with Dogs
Better5/5
vs4/5
Strangers
Better5/5
vs4/5
The Newfoundland has a slight edge with children (5/5 vs 4/5). Both breeds can do well in families, but the Newfoundland's sweet temperament gives it a small advantage around young kids.
Newfoundland vs Poodle: Purchase and Lifetime Cost
Poodle is less expensive to own annually.
Newfoundland
Avg. Purchase$2,250
Annual Food$1,080
Annual Vet$700
Annual Grooming$300
Annual Total$2,080
Poodle
Avg. Purchase$2,000
Annual Food$600
Annual Vet$450
Annual Grooming$600
Annual Total$1,650 ✓
Purchase prices are in the same ballpark: $1,500–$3,000 for a Newfoundland and $1,000–$3,000 for a Poodle. The initial investment won't differ dramatically between these two breeds.
Newfoundland vs Poodle: Training and Intelligence
Poodle is generally easier to train.
Newfoundland
Poodle
Trainability
4/5
vs5/5Better
Intelligence
4/5
vs5/5Better
The Poodle has a slight training edge (5/5 vs 4/5). Both respond to positive reinforcement, but the Poodle tends to catch on a bit faster.
Summary and Final Take: Newfoundland or Poodle?
On balance, the Poodle has the edge — it's easier to train (5/5 vs 4/5), more apartment-friendly (3/5), less shedding (1/5). For most families, the Poodle is the more practical choice, particularly if you value an easy-to-train companion.
Which Breed Is Right for You?
Question 1 of 3
Do you have children at home?
The Verdict
The Newfoundland and Poodle are both popular breeds, but they suit different lifestyles. The key differences: Poodle needs significantly more daily exercise than Newfoundland, Newfoundland sheds considerably more. Annual ownership costs are lower for the Poodle by roughly $400/year.
Choose Newfoundland if...
- ✓You lead a quieter lifestyle — Newfoundlands are happy with shorter walks and less vigorous exercise.
Choose Poodle if...
- ✓You're an active person who runs, hikes, or exercises daily — Poodles will keep up and thrive on that activity.
- ✓You hate vacuuming or have allergies — Poodles shed dramatically less (1/5 vs 5/5 shedding score).
- ✓Budget matters to you — Poodles cost roughly $400 less per year in food, vet, and grooming.
Looking for more options?
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for families, Newfoundland or Poodle?
The Newfoundland scores 5/5 for being good with kids, making it the better family choice compared to the Poodle's 4/5. The Newfoundland is specifically recommended for families.
Is a Newfoundland or Poodle easier to train?
The Poodle is easier to train, scoring 5/5 versus the Newfoundland's 4/5. The Poodle's eagerness to please makes training sessions more productive.
Which costs more, a Newfoundland or Poodle?
A Newfoundland puppy costs $1,500–$3,000 while a Poodle costs $1,000–$3,000. Annual maintenance runs about $2,080 for the Newfoundland and $1,650 for the Poodle. The Newfoundland is the more expensive breed to own long-term.
Do Newfoundlands or Poodles live longer?
The Newfoundland lives 8–10 years on average, while the Poodle lives 12–15 years. The Poodle tends to live longer. Proper diet, exercise, and regular vet care help maximize lifespan for either breed.
Can a Newfoundland or Poodle live in an apartment?
The Poodle adapts better to apartment living (3/5) than the Newfoundland (1/5). The Poodle ranks among our best apartment breeds.