Even experienced dog owners sometimes underestimate how demanding the Newfoundland coat can be.
“They swim a lot, so the coat stays clean”Swimming actually makes coat maintenance more important. Water can stay trapped inside the dense undercoat long after the dog appears dry.
Without proper drying and brushing, that moisture can lead to odor, irritation, and bacterial growth.
Brushing only the surfaceNewfoundlands have so much coat that surface brushing often misses the real issue.
Underneath, the undercoat may already be packed tightly against the skin. Once that happens, airflow is reduced and skin problems can begin.
Shaving the coat in hot weather Because these dogs look heavily coated, owners sometimes believe shaving will keep them cooler.
In reality, the double coat regulates temperature. When shaved too short:
- the undercoat may grow back unevenly
- texture can become curly or woolly
- the protective outer coat may thin
- natural insulation from heat is reduced
Over time this can permanently affect coat quality.
And like many giant breeds, Newfoundlands are extremely tolerant dogs. They rarely show discomfort early, which means problems often develop before owners notice them.
Prevention is always easier than correction.