Newfoundland — Junior Care
Care recommendations — Junior stage
As a Newfoundland moves into the junior stage, keep exercise controlled and low-impact — giant breeds take up to 18-24 months to finish growing, and excess strain on developing joints now can cause problems later. Most individuals can transition toward a quality adult-maintenance diet around now, and this is also a common point to ask a vet about spay or neuter timing if it hasn't happened already. Provide shorter, gentler walks and low-key play, since Newfoundlands are typically content with a calmer pace, since dogs at this age typically have energy and enthusiasm to spare, and keep up the training and grooming habits introduced as a puppy so they stay a normal, low-stress part of handling.
⚠️ Watch for
It's still uncommon at this age to see clear signs of the conditions Newfoundlands are predisposed to, but it doesn't hurt to ask a vet whether early baseline screening makes sense. Keep an eye out for a bunny-hop gait, reluctance to jump or climb stairs, or stiffness after resting, or front-leg lameness, a shortened stride, or reluctance to fully extend the elbow, and mention anything unusual at routine visits.
Related giant breeds
Curious how a different size category ages?
Compare other sizes →