By Tasha Mesina, Cindra Grooming Products
The Newfoundland coat is designed for demanding work in cold water and harsh conditions. This dense, water-resistant double coat protects the dog from the elements, regulates body temperature, and supports long-term skin and coat health. Proper grooming preserves this function while keeping the coat manageable, balanced, and comfortable year-round.
When grooming routines respect how the Newfoundland coat is meant to work, shedding becomes more predictable, matting is reduced, and the coat performs as intended without excessive grease or trapped undercoat.
COAT
The adult Newfoundland has a flat, water-resistant double coat that naturally falls back into place when brushed or rubbed against the grain. The outer coat is coarse, moderately long, and full, either straight or slightly wavy. Beneath it sits a dense, insulating undercoat that helps regulate temperature and repel moisture.
Hair on the face and muzzle is short and fine. The backs of the legs are heavily feathered, and the tail is covered with long, dense hair that requires consistent maintenance to prevent matting and trapped undercoat.
This coat is designed to repel water and insulate the dog, not to be soft or fluffy. Grooming should prioritize cleanliness, airflow, and structure. Shaving or over-softening the coat interferes with its natural function.
CHARACTER
Sweetness of temperament is the hallmark of the Newfoundland and remains the most important characteristic of the breed. Calm, patient, and deeply devoted, Newfoundlands are known for their gentle nature and willingness to work alongside their people.
This steady temperament allows Newfies to tolerate regular grooming when routines are introduced early and handled consistently. Calm handling and predictable schedules are key to maintaining both coat condition and the dog’s comfort.
RECOMMENDED CINDRA PRODUCTS
- Texturizing Shampoo – supports coat structure and resilience without softening
- Reconstructor – deep conditioning support for dry or damaged coats
- Super Coat – light structure and lift when additional volume is needed
PROBLEM & SOLUTION
| PROBLEM | SOLUTION |
|---|---|
| Detangling / Dematting | Apply Moisture Plus Conditioner full strength to the mat. Allow to sit 10–15 minutes, then gently separate with fingers or a wide-tooth comb. |
| Dry or damaged coat | Apply Reconstructor as a deep treatment on a damp coat, wrap in a warm towel for 15–20 minutes, then shampoo with Moisturizing Shampoo. |
| Dingy white areas | Use Cleansing Shampoo on the first lather, rinse thoroughly, then follow with Texturizing Shampoo. |
| Extra volume needed | Dilute Super Coat 50:50 with water and apply while line brushing to support lift without heaviness. |
PUPPY VS ADULT COAT
Newfoundland puppies have a softer, lighter coat that gradually transitions into the dense adult double coat as they mature. During this transition, coats may tangle more easily and shed inconsistently.
Grooming during this stage should focus on gentle cleansing, frequent brushing, and avoiding heavy products that can weigh the developing coat down before adult texture is established.
BATHING & DRYING
Most Newfoundlands do best with bathing every three to four weeks, adjusted for swimming, environment, and seasonal shedding. Dogs that spend significant time in water or outdoors may require more frequent coat resets.
A proper cleansing shampoo removes excess oils and buildup so the undercoat can release naturally. Thorough rinsing is essential to prevent residue that can lead to grease or skin irritation.
Drying must be complete. Air drying traps moisture in the undercoat and increases the risk of matting and hot spots. Use a high-velocity dryer to dry the coat fully down to the skin.
BRUSHING & MAINTENANCE
Regular brushing is essential for maintaining a healthy Newfoundland coat. Brushing removes loose undercoat, improves airflow, and keeps shedding manageable.
Line brushing on a clean, dry coat is the most effective method. Between baths, light support with a leave-in product can help reduce friction without interfering with coat structure.
TRIMMING
Newfoundlands should never be shaved. Shaving interferes with temperature regulation and can permanently alter coat regrowth.
Trimming should be limited to tidying feet, hocks, ears, and feathering to maintain cleanliness and function without changing the dog’s natural outline.
UNDERSTANDING DOUBLE COATS
Because the Newfoundland is a true double-coated breed, grooming routines must support airflow and seasonal undercoat release.
For a deeper explanation of how this coat structure works, see How Double Coats Work (And How to Care for Them Properly) .
THE CINDRA TOUCH
At Cindra, we groom Newfoundlands to preserve function—not to chase fluff. A healthy Newfie coat should repel water, regulate temperature, release undercoat seasonally, and recover quickly after work or swimming.
That means cleansing with intention, supporting structure instead of collapsing it, and using finishing products sparingly. When the foundation is right, the coat works with you instead of against you.
The goal isn’t perfection for the ring alone—it’s a coat that performs the way it was designed to, every day.