Australian Cattle Dog vs Newfoundland

Herding · Medium vs Working · Giant

Quick take
  • Newfoundland is the larger breed at 130–150 lbs (males) vs 35–50 lbs for the Australian Cattle Dog.
  • The Australian Cattle Dog typically lives longer (12–16 years).
  • The Australian Cattle Dog has higher daily energy needs.
  • The Australian Cattle Dog sheds less.
  • The Australian Cattle Dog is generally more trainable.

Side-by-side traits

TraitAustralian Cattle DogNewfoundland
Group
HerdingWorking
Size
MediumGiant
Origin
AustraliaCanada
Height (male)
18–20"28"
Height (female)
17–19"26"
Weight (male)
35–50 lbs130–150 lbs
Weight (female)
35–50 lbs100–120 lbs
Lifespan
Average expected lifespan.
12–16 years9–10 years
Energy level
Daily activity needs.
Very High (5/5)Low (2/5)
Trainability
How quickly the breed learns commands.
Very High (5/5)High (4/5)
Intelligence
Problem-solving ability.
Very High (5/5)High (4/5)
Exercise needs
Daily physical activity required.
Very High (5/5)Moderate (3/5)
Shedding
Lower = less hair around your home.
Moderate (3/5)Very High (5/5)
Grooming effort
Brushing, bathing, professional grooming.
Low (2/5)High (4/5)
Drooling
Lower = drier face and furniture.
Very Low (1/5)Very High (5/5)
Barking
How vocal the breed is.
Moderate (3/5)Low (2/5)
Good with kids
Moderate (3/5)Very High (5/5)
Good with other dogs
Moderate (3/5)Very High (5/5)
Good with strangers
Low (2/5)Very High (5/5)
Protectiveness
Watchdog tendencies.
High (4/5)High (4/5)
Adaptability
Apartment / new environment tolerance.
Low (2/5)Moderate (3/5)
Coat length
shortlong
Hypoallergenic
Lower-shedding, less dander.
NoNo
Ad slot · compare-mid

About the Australian Cattle Dog

The Australian Cattle Dog is an alert, curious, pleasant herding dog with a blue or red speckled coat — needs intense daily exercise. Originally from Australia, this medium herding breed typically weighs 35–50 lbs and lives 12–16 years. Breeders describe them as alert, curious, pleasant.

About the Newfoundland

The Newfoundland is a sweet, patient, devoted water-rescue dog — the gentle 'nanny dog' from Canada's Atlantic coast. Originally from Canada, this giant working breed typically weighs 130–150 lbs and lives 9–10 years. Breeders describe them as sweet, patient, devoted.

Ad slot · compare-bottom

Australian Cattle Dog health

Common health concerns reported in this breed:

  • Hip dysplasia
  • Deafness
  • Progressive retinal atrophy

Newfoundland health

Common health concerns reported in this breed:

  • Hip dysplasia
  • Heart disease
  • Bloat
  • Cystinuria