← Back to goldendoodle|Back to newfoundland →

Goldendoodle vs Newfoundland: Which Suits Your Home?

Goldendoodle or Newfoundland? On paper they differ most on shedding, and on the scales Newfoundland is the heavier at 100–150 lbs. Here is how the two compare on everything that shapes an ordinary week.

This is for someone already down to Goldendoodle and Newfoundland and deciding between them. For this pair the decision usually turns on shedding and energy level, so those are covered first and in most detail. Anyone choosing from a flat has a clear answer here: Goldendoodle rates 3/5 against 1/5. Breed history is left out; what follows is what you will actually live with.

Quick verdict

Between Goldendoodle and Newfoundland, shedding is what separates them, and Goldendoodle is the lower-effort dog of the two to keep.

Choose goldendoodle if...

Choose Goldendoodle if you are in a flat or a smaller home, this is your first dog and shedding is a problem in your house.

Choose newfoundland if...

Choose Newfoundland if your walking routine is modest and the dog will be alone during the working day.

Head-to-head comparison

Feature	goldendoodle	newfoundland	Winner
Size class	medium	giant	Equal
Weight	15–90 lbs	100–150 lbs	Equal
Height	15–24 in	26–28 in	Equal
Lifespan	10–15 years	9–10 years	goldendoodle
Exercise need	High (4/5)	Moderate (3/5)	newfoundland
Grooming need	High (4/5)	High (4/5)	Equal
Shedding	Very low (1/5)	Very high (5/5)	goldendoodle
Energy level	High (4/5)	Low (2/5)	Equal
Barking	Low (2/5)	Low (2/5)	Equal
Apartment suitability	Moderate (3/5)	Very low (1/5)	goldendoodle
Good for first-time owners	Very high (5/5)	Moderate (3/5)	goldendoodle
Tolerates being alone	Low (2/5)	Moderate (3/5)	newfoundland
Trainability	Very high (5/5)	High (4/5)	goldendoodle
Good with kids	Very high (5/5)	Very high (5/5)	Equal
Good with other dogs	Very high (5/5)	High (4/5)	goldendoodle
Friendly to strangers	High (4/5)	High (4/5)	Equal
Cost level	High (4/5)	Very high (5/5)	goldendoodle
Coat	Wavy to curly, hypoallergenic	Heavy water-resistant double coat	Equal
Origin	United States	Various	Equal
Typical monthly cost	$120–$220	$150–$310	Equal
Typical first-year cost	$1,800–$3,200	$2,200–$4,200	Equal

Deep dive

Size and build

The Newfoundland is a genuine giant - 100-150 lbs and 26-28 inches, built heavy and water-resistant for its original working role. The Goldendoodle, at 15-90 lbs and 15-24 inches, is a different class of dog entirely, even at its largest. A big Newfoundland can outweigh a big Goldendoodle by 60 lbs or more.

Energy and exercise

The Newfoundland is the calmer of the two despite its size - moderate (3/5) exercise need against the Goldendoodle's high (4/5). This is a breed known for its sweet, patient, devoted, calm temperament, and it shows in the exercise score: a long walk and some water play satisfies it, no marathon training required.

Grooming and shedding

Grooming ties at high (4/5) for both, but shedding is where the two part ways dramatically - very high (5/5) for the Newfoundland against very low (1/5) for the Goldendoodle, the widest shedding gap anywhere in this comparison set. A Newfoundland's heavy double coat is built to insulate in cold water, and it comes off in volume, especially seasonally.

Apartment living, noise and time alone

Neither breed suits a small space well, but the gap is stark: very low (1/5) apartment suitability for the Newfoundland against moderate (3/5) for the Goldendoodle. A 150 lb dog with a thick coat needs room to move and cool off. Barking ties at low (2/5), so at least noise isn't an added strike against the Newfoundland.

Training and owner experience

The Goldendoodle rates higher on first-time-owner suitability, very high (5/5) versus moderate (3/5), and trainability, very high (5/5) versus high (4/5). The Newfoundland isn't a difficult breed to train - its score is still solid - but its size means a first-time owner has less margin for handling mistakes during training.

Kids, other dogs and visitors

Both tie at very high (5/5) with kids - Newfoundlands have a long-standing reputation as gentle giants, and the score backs it up. They also tie at high (4/5) with strangers. The Goldendoodle edges ahead with other dogs, very high (5/5) versus high (4/5), a small gap rather than a decisive one.

Health and lifespan

The Goldendoodle lives meaningfully longer - 10-15 years against the Newfoundland's 9-10, standard for a giant breed. Interestingly, the Newfoundland's health list is short, just five conditions: hip dysplasia, subaortic stenosis, dilated cardiomyopathy, cystinuria, and bloat. Hip dysplasia and bloat overlap with the Goldendoodle's list, and its heart-related risk echoes the Goldendoodle's own subvalvular aortic stenosis, though as a distinct condition.

Cost to keep

The Newfoundland costs more to keep: very high (5/5) cost level against the Goldendoodle's high (4/5), $150-310 a month versus $120-220, and $2,200-4,200 in year one versus $1,800-3,200. A dog this size eats, medicates, and boards at a higher price point across the board.

Goldendoodle vs Newfoundland at a glance

Goldendoodle weighs 15–90 lbs and lives 10–15 years; Newfoundland weighs 100–150 lbs and lives 9–10 years. The two diverge most on shedding, energy level and apartment suitability and 1 other rated axes. They are level on barking, grooming need and good with kids, so those cannot decide it. The comparison marks an easier option only where one exists. Facts like weight and country of origin are not scored. Both dogs are rated from the same dataset, which is what makes the numbers comparable with each other even though any individual dog sits somewhere inside its breed's range.

Frequently asked questions

Is a Newfoundland a lot of exercise?

Less than the Goldendoodle, actually - moderate (3/5) against high (4/5). Newfoundlands are calm by nature despite their size.

Which sheds more?

The Newfoundland, by far - very high (5/5) against the Goldendoodle's very low (1/5), the biggest shedding gap in this entire comparison set.

Is a Newfoundland good for a first-time owner?

It's workable, moderate (3/5), but well behind the Goldendoodle's very high (5/5). Its size adds risk to any training mistakes a new owner might make.

Can a Newfoundland live in an apartment?

Not comfortably - very low (1/5) apartment suitability, the lowest score on this table. It needs real space to move around.

How much more expensive is a Newfoundland?

About $30-90 more a month and roughly $400-1,000 more in year one, driven mostly by its much larger size.

Do the breeds share health risks?

Some - hip dysplasia and bloat appear on both lists, and both carry a distinct heart-related risk (subaortic stenosis for the Newfoundland, subvalvular aortic stenosis for the Goldendoodle).

Which lives longer?

The Goldendoodle, 10-15 years against the Newfoundland's 9-10 - a typical gap between a medium and a giant breed.

Quick answers

View more answers

Living

Which is the better overall pick?

For most homes, the Goldendoodle - easier to house, train, and afford. The Newfoundland suits someone with space, water access, and a taste for a gentle giant.

Costs

What's the monthly cost difference?

Goldendoodle $120-220, Newfoundland $150-310.

Behavior

Which needs more exercise?

The Goldendoodle, high (4/5) versus the Newfoundland's moderate (3/5).

Health

Which breed lives longer?

The Goldendoodle, 10-15 years versus the Newfoundland's 9-10.

Related DogBreedCompass guides

Goldendoodle breed guide – Readers comparing the two usually want the full profile of Goldendoodle before deciding.
Newfoundland breed guide – The same for Newfoundland, so the comparison can be checked against the detail.
Goldendoodle vs Bernedoodle – Bernedoodle is the closest breed to Goldendoodle on the measured axes, so it is the natural next comparison.
Newfoundland vs Saint Bernard – Saint Bernard sits closest to Newfoundland, which makes it the alternative worth ruling out.
Goldendoodle vs Saint Bernard – Saint Bernard is the other breed Newfoundland is most often weighed against.
Newfoundland health problems – The health pages set out what each breed is actually screened for.

Related guides

Comparison

Important reminder

Health information here is general and is not veterinary advice. If your dog shows pain, sudden behaviour change, or worsening symptoms, consult a licensed veterinarian.

Some links on this site are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you, and we only suggest products we believe are helpful for dog owners.

Find Your Perfect Breed

Match your lifestyle to the right dog.

Take quiz

Find your match

Not sure which breed is right for you? Take our 2-minute quiz to find out.

Take the quiz