PuppyBase

Harrier vs Newfoundland

Side-by-side comparison across all 14 AKC trait ratings, with a clear verdict on which breed fits which kind of household.

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The bottom line

Harrier vs Newfoundland

You’re probably not cross-shopping a Harrier and a Newfoundland for the same reasons. unless you’re torn between a dog that moves like a river and one that moves like a mountain. But both come up when folks want a loyal, kid-friendly dog with roots in rugged outdoor work. That’s where the similarities end. The Harrier’s the one you’ll lose in the woods. Bred to run hare in packs for hours, this hound’s got stamina, nose, and a bark that carries for miles. If you’re hiking, hunting, or just living on acres of land, that energy and people-loving drive make it a joy. But don’t expect it to come when called every time. That nose? It’s always working. You’ll wash mud off daily and manage ear infections down the line. And yes, the barking. It’s constant. Great for active homes. Terrible for close neighbors. The Newfoundland? You’ll find it waiting quietly by the back door, covered in drool after a swim. Calm, massive, and deeply devoted, it’s the dog that pulls kids on sleds and might save your life in the water. But it won’t run point for 10 miles. It’ll nap. It’s prone to bloat and heart issues, and you’ll need a big yard. and a big wallet. for food, vet care, and grooming. Hot climates wreck them. Apartments? Forget it. Here’s the real difference: the Harrier needs a job and space to use its nose. The Newfoundland needs purpose through connection. it wants to help you, not just follow. Pick the Harrier if you live outdoors and want a lively partner. Pick the Newfoundland if you want a gentle, soulful giant who treats your family like a mission. One’s built to run. The other’s built to rescue.

Harrier
Newfoundland
19–21 in
Height
26–28 in
45–60 lb
Weight
100–150 lb
12–15 yr
Lifespan
9–10 yr
$1.0–2.5k
Puppy price
$2.5–5.0k
#189
AKC popularity
#40

Trait-by-trait

Higher bar = more of that trait. Shedding, barking, drooling, grooming flipped for readability.
Affectionate w/ Family
Good with Young Children
Good with Other Dogs
Shedding Level
Coat Grooming
Drooling Level
Good with Strangers
Playfulness
Watchdog / Protective
Adaptability
Trainability
Energy Level
Barking Level
Mental Stimulation Needs
AffectionGood w/ KidsGood w/ DogsShedding LevelGroomingDrooling LevelGood w/ StrangersPlayfulnessProtectiveAdaptabilityTrainabilityEnergy LevelBarking LevelMental Stim.
Harrier Newfoundland
Overlay

Where they diverge

Barking Level
Newfoundland barks less (4-point difference)
Newfoundland
Drooling Level
Harrier drools less (3-point difference)
Harrier
Watchdog / Protective
Newfoundland is more protective (2-point difference)
Newfoundland
Coat Grooming
Harrier needs less grooming (1-point difference)
Harrier
Good with Strangers
Newfoundland is friendlier with strangers (1-point difference)
Newfoundland
The verdict

Choose the Harrier if…

  • Active families
  • Hunters
  • Rural living
  • You value barking levelHarrier scores noticeably higher.

Choose the Newfoundland if…

  • Families with children
  • Water and outdoor enthusiasts
  • Those wanting a gentle giant
  • You value drooling levelNewfoundland scores higher here.
Harrier Owner’s Guide
Everything you need before bringing your Harrier home.
Breed variants, breeder red flags, and what to ask
First-week checklist and daily schedules by age
Training timeline from 8 weeks to adulthood
Health screenings, emergency card, and feeding portions
Grooming schedule, first-year costs, and what nobody tells you
Get Your Guide
Newfoundland Owner’s Guide
Everything you need before bringing your Newfoundland home.
Breed variants, breeder red flags, and what to ask
First-week checklist and daily schedules by age
Training timeline from 8 weeks to adulthood
Health screenings, emergency card, and feeding portions
Grooming schedule, first-year costs, and what nobody tells you
Get Your Guide

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