Is the Newfoundland Hypoallergenic? Giant Size, Heavy Drool, High Allergen Load
No. The Newfoundland is not hypoallergenic. It scores 2.0 out of 10 on the Hypoallergenic Score — among the lowest of any breed — because its massive 100-to-150-pound body, dense double coat shed at AKC 4/5, and heavy drool (AKC 4/5) combine to produce a very high total allergen load. A giant, heavy-shedding, heavy-drooling dog is the opposite of hypoallergenic.
9 peer-reviewed sources
Dog breedKey facts
The AKC rates the Newfoundland a 4 out of 5 shedder with a dense double coat and a 4 out of 5 drooler — among the highest drool ratings for any breed.
The major dog allergen Can f 1 is produced in every dog's salivary and sebaceous glands regardless of coat length or shed rate.
The ACAAI states that studies have not shown any dog can be hypoallergenic.
Hypoallergenic-marketed dog breeds carried more Can f 1 in their hair (2.26 vs 0.77 µg/g) than ordinary breeds in direct measurement studies.
Can f 1 was detectable in 94.2% of 173 single-dog homes regardless of breed or shedding classification.
The Newfoundland is a triple-threat for allergy sufferers: a giant body that produces massive total dander, a heavy double coat that sheds it everywhere, and heavy jowl drool that deposits Can f 1 on every surface. Even the most rigorous environmental controls struggle to keep up. If you are allergic, this is one of the hardest breeds to live with.
How we got to this score
The Curex Hypoallergenic Score isn't a gut call. It's a weighted sum of five measurable factors — here's exactly how this breed scored on each.
A giant, heavy-coated working breed from Newfoundland bred for water rescue in freezing conditions. The dense double coat sheds heavily year-round with seasonal blowouts, the heavy drool (AKC 4/5) deposits saliva-borne Can f 1 on every surface, and the 100-to-150-pound body produces total dander that overwhelms most environmental controls. The triple burden — heavy shed, heavy drool, giant body — places this breed among the least allergy-friendly of any dog.
No dog breed is 100% hypoallergenic — every dog produces Can f 1; breeds differ only in how much allergen they shed into your home and how easily you can keep it out of your air.
| Factor | Weight | Allergen-friendliness | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allergen productionAll dogs produce Can f 1 in saliva, dander, and sebum regardless of coat (Vredegoor 2012; ACAAI). | 40% | 2/10 | |
| SheddingAKC rates the Newfoundland 4 out of 5 — heavy year-round shed from a dense double coat with seasonal blowouts. | 20% | 1/10 | |
| DanderGiant 100-to-150-pound body + heavy shed = very high total dander output; the worst dander score in this bundle. | 15% | 1/10 | |
| Saliva spreadAKC drooling 4 out of 5 — heavy jowl drool deposits saliva-borne Can f 1 directly on surfaces throughout the home. | 15% | 2/10 | |
| GroomabilityAKC grooming 3 out of 5; the dense double coat requires frequent brushing and professional grooming, but bathing a giant dog is physically demanding and allergen-clearing benefit is temporary. | 10% | 3/10 | |
| Weighted composite score | 2/10 | ||
How the Curex Hypoallergenic Score works
The Curex Hypoallergenic Score rates a breed from 1 to 10, where 10 means the lowest realistic allergen burden for an allergic household. It is a transparent editorial rubric built from documented published sources — not a lab measurement of any specific Newfoundland. Each score derives from AKC breed-trait ratings (shedding, drooling, and grooming on a 1-to-5 scale) combined with established allergen-biology evidence on Can f 1 and Can f 5. Five factors are weighted. Allergen production carries 40 percent because how much Can f 1 a dog makes is the biggest symptom driver and the factor owners can least control — every dog produces it in skin, saliva, and sebum regardless of breed. Shedding is 20 percent because loose, allergen-coated hair and dander are the primary delivery vehicles. Dander adds 15 percent: a giant dog at 100 to 150 pounds disperses far more total dander than a small dog at the same proportional shed rate, which is why the Newfoundland's dander score is 1/10. Saliva spread is 15 percent — the Newfoundland's heavy drool (4/5) makes this a major vector. Groomability carries the final 10 percent. Each factor is scored 1 to 10 and multiplied by its weight; the weighted sum is rounded to the nearest half point. The score reflects exposure potential, not personal sensitivity — two people can live with the same Newfoundland and react very differently.
| Factor | Weight | A 10/10 means |
|---|---|---|
| Allergen production | 40% | All dogs produce Can f 1 in saliva, dander, and sebum regardless of coat (Vredegoor 2012; ACAAI). |
| Shedding | 20% | AKC rates the Newfoundland 4 out of 5 — heavy year-round shed from a dense double coat with seasonal blowouts. |
| Dander | 15% | Giant 100-to-150-pound body + heavy shed = very high total dander output; the worst dander score in this bundle. |
| Saliva spread | 15% | AKC drooling 4 out of 5 — heavy jowl drool deposits saliva-borne Can f 1 directly on surfaces throughout the home. |
| Groomability | 10% | AKC grooming 3 out of 5; the dense double coat requires frequent brushing and professional grooming, but bathing a giant dog is physically demanding and allergen-clearing benefit is temporary. |
Each factor is scored 1–10 (10 = lowest allergen burden), then weighted and summed to a single 1–10 score. Every breed is scored on the same model, so the rankings form one consistent dataset.
Dense double coat, giant body, heavy drool: the triple allergen burden
The protein driving most dog allergies is Can f 1, a small lipocalin produced in salivary and sebaceous skin glands — not in the hair itself. The ACAAI states that studies have not shown any dog can be hypoallergenic. Around 50 to 75 percent of dog-allergic patients show IgE reactivity to Can f 1 (Thermo Fisher Phadia), making it the standard marker for household dog exposure. The Newfoundland is a giant working breed bred for water rescue in the icy North Atlantic. Its dense, oily double coat is designed to shed water and insulate in freezing seas — and it sheds heavily year-round with seasonal blowouts (AKC 4/5). The heavy jowl drool (AKC 4/5) deposits saliva-borne Can f 1 directly on floors, furniture, and people. At 100 to 150 pounds, the Newfoundland is among the heaviest dog breeds, and its total skin surface area is enormous — meaning more total dander per shed cycle than any medium or small breed. Vredegoor et al. (JACI 2012) found that hypoallergenic-marketed breeds carried higher Can f 1 in their hair (2.26 vs 0.77 µg/g). Nicholas et al. (Am J Rhinol Allergy 2011) found detectable Can f 1 in 94.2 percent of 173 single-dog homes with no breed-based difference. The Newfoundland's allergen profile is the worst-case scenario in this bundle: heavy shed + heavy drool + giant body = a triple burden that places it among the least allergy-friendly breeds of any size.
“Short-haired or non-shedding breeds are safe because there’s less hair.”
The allergen is a microscopic protein in dander, saliva and skin oils. Hair is just the carrier.
Where the allergen comes from
Overall load for this breed: High
- DanderHigh
Heavy year-round shed (4/5) from a dense double coat with seasonal blowouts; a 100-to-150-pound body makes total dander output very high.
- SalivaHigh
AKC drooling 4/5 — heavy jowl drool deposits saliva-borne Can f 1 directly on surfaces throughout the home.
- Skin/sebumHigh
Oily sebaceous secretions from the water-resistant double coat carry Can f 1 and cling to the dense undercoat before shedding.
- UrineLow
Minor route; intact males also produce Can f 5, a prostatic kallikrein, that falls sharply after neutering.
What the Newfoundland's heavy double coat and heavy drool mean for allergen exposure
Hypoallergenic potential is about how much allergen-laden material a dog spreads and how easily you can interrupt that spread. Higher scores mean friendlier for allergies. The Newfoundland is a giant, heavy-coated, heavy-drooling breed that spreads Can f 1 through three independent routes: dander from heavy shedding, saliva from heavy drooling, and total body mass that amplifies both. It is the worst-case scenario in this bundle.
Shedding
HighAKC 4/5 shedder with a dense double coat; heavy year-round shedding with seasonal blowouts that release concentrated dander bursts.
Dander
HighGiant 100-to-150-pound body at 4/5 shed produces the highest total dander output in this bundle; the worst possible dander score.
Drooling
HighAKC 4/5 drooler — heavy jowl drool deposits saliva-borne Can f 1 directly on surfaces; a major secondary allergen vector.
Grooming needs
HighAKC grooming 3/5; the dense double coat requires frequent brushing and professional grooming, but bathing a giant dog is physically demanding and the allergen-clearing benefit is temporary.
Coat type
HighDense double coat with oily undercoat; traps dander then releases it in seasonal bursts, creating a spiky allergen profile.
A higher allergy-friendliness score means the trait contributes less allergen to your home. Levels reflect each trait’s relative contribution to exposure — not grooming convenience.
Confirm it’s really a pet allergy.
Symptoms blamed on a pet are often pollen, dust mites, or mold. A simple at-home test from Curex measures your specific IgE to dog and cat allergens — so you treat the right trigger instead of guessing.
Take the allergy quizWhat it really costs an allergic owner
The Newfoundland is among the most expensive breeds for an allergic owner. The dense double coat requires professional grooming every 4 to 6 weeks at a premium rate for a giant dog. The heavy drool (4/5) means constant surface management — washable covers, drool towels, and frequent cleaning of floors and furniture. The giant body requires larger, more expensive HEPA units and more frequent HVAC filter changes. The overall added cost for an allergic Newfoundland owner is the highest in this bundle — above the Labrador Retriever and Golden Retriever because of the giant size and heavy drool. The most cost-effective first step is confirming the allergen trigger before spending on renovations.
HEPA air purifier(s)
$300-$500 upfront, $80-$120/yr filtersMultiple large-room HEPA units for shared living areas and the bedroom; a giant heavy-shedding dog releases enough fine dander to warrant continuous high-CADR filtration rather than on-demand use.
Professional grooming and bathing
$800-$1,500/yrProfessional grooming every 4 to 6 weeks for the dense double coat; bathing a 100-to-150-pound dog at home is physically demanding and often requires a non-allergic family member or professional.
Drool surface management
$30-$60/monthWashable covers for all furniture the dog contacts, drool towels near every entry point, and daily floor cleaning; the 4/5 drool rating makes this a major ongoing cost.
Allergy-friendly flooring
$2,000-$7,000 one-timeHard flooring throughout the home is essential; carpet under a giant heavy-shedding, heavy-drooling dog becomes an allergen reservoir that cannot be adequately cleaned.
HVAC and vacuum upgrades
$200-$600 + $80-$150/yrHigh-MERV HVAC filters changed monthly during seasonal blowouts; a heavy-duty sealed HEPA vacuum capable of handling the dense double-coat shed volume.
Antihistamines and nasal sprays
$60-$240/yrDaily OTC antihistamines and a steroid nasal spray for baseline symptom control; likely insufficient for this breed's allergen load.
Allergist evaluation and treatment
Varies; often partly insuredComponent-resolved IgE testing and possible immunotherapy address the underlying sensitization; the disease-modifying option when environmental controls fall short.
Ranges are rough estimates for budgeting only and vary by region, home size, and how reactive you are.
Who the Newfoundland realistically suits
The Newfoundland is a giant, gentle, and loyal working breed that was bred for water rescue. It is a constant indoor presence in most homes, distributing Can f 1 through heavy shedding, heavy drool, and a massive body that produces more total dander than any medium or small breed. Suitability for an allergic owner is extremely limited. The heavy drool (4/5) is the distinguishing factor from other heavy-shedding giant breeds. The Newfoundland deposits saliva-borne Can f 1 on every surface it rests its head on — floors, furniture, people — creating a continuous allergen reservoir that is difficult to manage with environmental controls alone.
Mild allergy
People with very mild, well-controlled dog allergy may attempt a Newfoundland with an exceptionally rigorous management plan: HEPA air purifiers in every room, a strict pet-free bedroom, hard flooring throughout, professional grooming every 4 to 6 weeks, and daily drool surface management. Even then, the total allergen load from a 100-to-150-pound heavy-shedding, heavy-drooling dog is likely to exceed what environmental controls can adequately reduce. Most mild-allergy owners will find this breed unmanageable.
Moderate to severe allergy
Not workable without medical evaluation and immunotherapy — and even then, the prognosis is poor. The triple burden of heavy shed, heavy drool, and giant body creates a sustained allergen load that is extremely difficult to reduce to comfortable levels. For people with moderate-to-severe dog allergy or allergic asthma, a Newfoundland is not a realistic choice.
Kids & asthma
Extra caution — the highest level of concern. The Newfoundland is a giant, heavy-drooling, heavy-shedding dog that spends considerable time indoors with its family. For a household with an asthmatic or eczema-prone child, the sustained high allergen load from this breed is a significant respiratory risk. Early-life pet exposure has mixed evidence and is not a reliable route to building immunity. A pediatric allergist assessment should precede any adoption decision, and many allergists would advise against this breed for an asthmatic household.
Can you build tolerance? (immunotherapy for pet allergy)
Environmental controls reduce Can f 1 in your home but do not change how your immune system responds to it. Allergen immunotherapy is the one treatment that can. By delivering gradually increasing, controlled doses of dog allergen through subcutaneous shots (SCIT) or sublingual drops (SLIT), immunotherapy retrains the immune response away from the IgE-mediated pathway toward tolerance. It is the only treatment regarded as disease-modifying: benefits can persist after the course ends, unlike antihistamines and nasal sprays that only work while you take them. For dog allergy specifically, honest expectation-setting is essential. Cat-allergy immunotherapy has solid randomized controlled trial evidence — Varney et al. (Clin Exp Allergy 1997) found symptoms dropped from 61.6 to 17.1 in actively treated patients, and Alvarez-Cuesta et al. (Allergy 2007) reported a 62 percent reduction with sublingual therapy. Dog-allergy immunotherapy is much weaker. A 2016 review in Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology by Smith and Coop concluded that studies over 40 years "failed to demonstrate any clearly reproducible clinical evidence" of effectiveness. Dog extracts are less standardized, and dogs have multiple relevant allergens including the male-dog-specific Can f 5. A typical AIT course runs three to five years, with gradual improvement over months. It is not a cure or a guarantee. For people with confirmed dog allergy not controlled by avoidance and medication, immunotherapy is the most rational next step under allergist supervision.
If you are allergic and want to keep your Newfoundland, Curex connects you with allergist-supervised immunotherapy for pet allergy aimed at reducing your sensitivity over a multi-year course. Keep expectations realistic: dog immunotherapy is far less proven than cat immunotherapy and offers no guarantee of relief. Take the quiz to find out whether you are a candidate.
Immunotherapy may provide long-term relief but is not a guaranteed cure; outcomes vary and treatment is prescribed after a board-certified allergist review.
How to live with a Newfoundland if you are allergic
If you share your home with a Newfoundland and experience allergy symptoms, the first step is to confirm the trigger. The heavy shed, heavy drool, and giant body make this breed a high-probability allergen source, but you should not assume — confirm it with Curex at-home allergy testing, which measures your IgE to Can f 1, the major dog allergen, so you treat the actual trigger. The quiz is a good starting point. Once the Newfoundland is confirmed as your trigger, the management plan must address three independent allergen vectors: dander from heavy shedding, saliva from heavy drooling, and the giant body mass that amplifies both. Unlike short-coated breeds, the Newfoundland's double coat creates a spiky allergen profile with seasonal blowout peaks that require proactive intervention before the shed event.
- 01
Confirm the allergen trigger
Test for Can f 1 and Can f 5 specifically. Can f 5 from an intact male Newfoundland may be part of your sensitization — component-resolved testing clarifies whether sex selection could reduce exposure without other changes.
- 02
Enforce a strict pet-free bedroom
Keep the Newfoundland out of the bedroom and off the bed; wash bedding weekly in hot water above 130°F. A giant dog distributes substantial dander and drool on every surface it contacts — protecting the bedroom gives you eight hours of lower-allergen air per night.
- 03
Run HEPA air purifiers continuously
Place multiple correctly sized HEPA units in shared rooms and the bedroom. The Newfoundland's heavy shed and giant body release fine dander particles that remain airborne for hours — continuous high-CADR filtration is essential.
- 04
Professional grooming before seasonal blowouts
Schedule professional grooming sessions just before the spring and fall coat blows to remove loose undercoat before it sheds into the home. Between professional sessions, brush the dog outdoors daily with a slicker brush and undercoat rake.
- 05
Manage heavy drool surfaces
Keep drool towels at every entry point and wipe the dog's muzzle after drinking. Use washable covers on all furniture the dog contacts. The 4/5 drool rating means dried saliva accumulates quickly on floors, furniture, and walls — daily surface cleaning is non-negotiable.
- 06
Replace carpet with hard flooring
Carpet under a giant heavy-shedding, heavy-drooling dog becomes an allergen reservoir that cannot be adequately cleaned. Hard floors can be damp-mopped daily to remove settled Can f 1 and dried drool residue.
How it stacks up against other breeds
Scored on the same five-factor model, the Newfoundland lands at 2.0 — in the Not hypoallergenic band, among the lowest scores of any breed — because its giant body, heavy shed (4/5), and heavy drool (4/5) combine to produce a very high total allergen load. The Labrador Retriever, a heavy-shedding double-coated breed at 2.0, has a similar dander profile but less drool (3/5). The Saint Bernard, another giant heavy-drooling breed, would score similarly if scored on this model. No dog reaches a true 10 on this model.
| # | Breed | Verdict | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Standard Poodledog Low-shed curly coat traps dander; still produces Can f 1 but disperses far less than the Newfoundland. | Moderately friendly | 7 |
| 2 | Golden Retrieverdog Heavy shed (4/5) from a dense double coat but less drool (2/5) and smaller body than the Newfoundland. | Not hypoallergenic | 2.5 |
| 3 | Siberian Huskydog Heavy shed (4/5) from a dense double coat but smaller body (35-60 lb) and less drool (2/5) than the Newfoundland. | Not hypoallergenic | 2.5 |
| 4 | NewfoundlandThis breeddog Giant double-coated heavy shedder (4/5) and heavy drooler (4/5); the triple burden of size, shed, and drool. | Not hypoallergenic | 2 |
| 5 | Labrador Retrieverdog Same heavy shed (4/5) from a dense double coat but less drool (3/5) — the Newfoundland's heavier drool is the differentiator. | Not hypoallergenic | 2 |
| 6 | German Shepherd Dogdog Heavy shed (4/5) from a dense double coat; similar dander profile but less drool (2/5) than the Newfoundland. | Not hypoallergenic | 2 |
Low-shed curly coat traps dander; still produces Can f 1 but disperses far less than the Newfoundland.
Heavy shed (4/5) from a dense double coat but less drool (2/5) and smaller body than the Newfoundland.
Heavy shed (4/5) from a dense double coat but smaller body (35-60 lb) and less drool (2/5) than the Newfoundland.
Giant double-coated heavy shedder (4/5) and heavy drooler (4/5); the triple burden of size, shed, and drool.
Same heavy shed (4/5) from a dense double coat but less drool (3/5) — the Newfoundland's heavier drool is the differentiator.
Heavy shed (4/5) from a dense double coat; similar dander profile but less drool (2/5) than the Newfoundland.
Higher score = lower realistic allergen burden. No breed reaches a true 10 — every dog and cat still produces allergen.
Curex Hypoallergenic Score finder
Search any popular breed and see its honest Curex Hypoallergenic Score — 10 means the lowest realistic allergen burden, 1 the highest. No breed is truly allergen-free.
32 breeds
| # | Breed | Verdict | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bichon Frisedog | Among the friendlier breeds | Score 8 out of 10 |
| 2 | Poodledog | Among the friendlier breeds | Score 8 out of 10 |
| 3 | Maltesedog | Moderately friendly | Score 7 out of 10 |
| 4 | Moderately friendly | Score 7 out of 10 | |
| 5 | Schnauzerdog | Moderately friendly | Score 7 out of 10 |
| 6 | Moderately friendly | Score 7 out of 10 | |
| 7 | Balinesecat | Moderately friendly | Score 6 out of 10 |
| 8 | Havanesedog | Moderately friendly | Score 6 out of 10 |
| 9 | Shih Tzudog | Moderately friendly | Score 6 out of 10 |
| 10 | Siberiancat | Moderately friendly | Score 6 out of 10 |
| 11 | Cavapoodog | Low-allergen at best | Score 5 out of 10 |
| 12 | Cockapoodog | Low-allergen at best | Score 5 out of 10 |
| 13 | Cornish Rexcat | Low-allergen at best | Score 5 out of 10 |
| 14 | Devon Rexcat | Low-allergen at best | Score 5 out of 10 |
| 15 | Goldendoodledog | Low-allergen at best | Score 5 out of 10 |
| 16 | Labradoodledog | Low-allergen at best | Score 5 out of 10 |
| 17 | Low-allergen at best | Score 5 out of 10 | |
| 18 | Sphynxcat | Low-allergen at best | Score 5 out of 10 |
| 19 | Beagledog | Low-allergen at best | Score 4 out of 10 |
| 20 | Bengalcat | Low-allergen at best | Score 4 out of 10 |
| 21 | Russian Bluecat | Low-allergen at best | Score 4 out of 10 |
| 22 | Boxerdog | Not hypoallergenic | Score 3 out of 10 |
| 23 | Not hypoallergenic | Score 3 out of 10 | |
| 24 | Not hypoallergenic | Score 3 out of 10 | |
| 25 | Ragdollcat | Not hypoallergenic | Score 3 out of 10 |
| 26 | Not hypoallergenic | Score 2 out of 10 | |
| 27 | Not hypoallergenic | Score 2 out of 10 | |
| 28 | Not hypoallergenic | Score 2 out of 10 | |
| 29 | Maine Cooncat | Not hypoallergenic | Score 2 out of 10 |
| 30 | Not hypoallergenic | Score 2 out of 10 | |
| 31 | Persiancat | Not hypoallergenic | Score 2 out of 10 |
| 32 | Not hypoallergenic | Score 2 out of 10 |
- Score 8 out of 10Among the friendlier breedsdog
- #2PoodleScore 8 out of 10Among the friendlier breedsdog
- #3MalteseScore 7 out of 10Moderately friendlydog
- Score 7 out of 10Moderately friendlydog
- Score 7 out of 10Moderately friendlydog
- Score 7 out of 10Moderately friendlydog
- #7BalineseScore 6 out of 10Moderately friendlycat
- #8HavaneseScore 6 out of 10Moderately friendlydog
- #9Shih TzuScore 6 out of 10Moderately friendlydog
- #10SiberianScore 6 out of 10Moderately friendlycat
- #11CavapooScore 5 out of 10Low-allergen at bestdog
- #12CockapooScore 5 out of 10Low-allergen at bestdog
- #13Cornish RexScore 5 out of 10Low-allergen at bestcat
- #14Devon RexScore 5 out of 10Low-allergen at bestcat
- #15GoldendoodleScore 5 out of 10Low-allergen at bestdog
- #16LabradoodleScore 5 out of 10Low-allergen at bestdog
- Score 5 out of 10Low-allergen at bestcat
- #18SphynxScore 5 out of 10Low-allergen at bestcat
- #19BeagleScore 4 out of 10Low-allergen at bestdog
- #20BengalScore 4 out of 10Low-allergen at bestcat
- #21Russian BlueScore 4 out of 10Low-allergen at bestcat
- #22BoxerScore 3 out of 10Not hypoallergenicdog
- Score 3 out of 10Not hypoallergenicdog
- Score 3 out of 10Not hypoallergenicdog
- #25RagdollScore 3 out of 10Not hypoallergeniccat
- Score 2 out of 10Not hypoallergenicdog
- Score 2 out of 10Not hypoallergenicdog
- Score 2 out of 10Not hypoallergenicdog
- #29Maine CoonScore 2 out of 10Not hypoallergeniccat
- Score 2 out of 10Not hypoallergeniccat
- #31PersianScore 2 out of 10Not hypoallergeniccat
- Score 2 out of 10Not hypoallergenicdog
Higher score = lower realistic allergen burden. Scores reflect coat type, shedding, and dander or Fel d 1 output — not a guarantee. Every dog and cat still produces allergen.
Frequently asked questions
Are Newfoundlands good for allergy sufferers?
No. Newfoundlands score 2.0 out of 10 on the Hypoallergenic Score, placing them among the least allergy-friendly breeds. The dense double coat sheds heavily year-round with seasonal blowouts (AKC 4/5), the heavy jowl drool (AKC 4/5) deposits saliva-borne Can f 1 on every surface, and the 100-to-150-pound body produces total dander that overwhelms most environmental controls. The ACAAI states that studies have not shown any dog can be hypoallergenic. Even people with mild dog allergy will likely find this breed unmanageable without immunotherapy.
Do Newfoundlands shed a lot?
Yes, heavily. The AKC rates the Newfoundland a 4 out of 5 shedder — among the highest ratings. The dense double coat sheds year-round with pronounced seasonal blowouts in spring and fall when the undercoat turns over. During these periods, the shed volume increases dramatically for several weeks. The heavy shed combined with a giant body (100 to 150 pounds) means the total dander output is very high — far more than a medium-sized dog at the same shed rate.
Why isn't the Newfoundland hypoallergenic?
Because Can f 1 — the major dog allergen — is produced in every dog's salivary and sebaceous glands, not in the hair. The Newfoundland's dense double coat, heavy shed, and heavy drool make it exceptionally efficient at spreading Can f 1 throughout the home. The giant body (100 to 150 pounds) means more total skin surface area producing dander. The ACAAI states that studies have not shown any dog can be hypoallergenic, and the Newfoundland's triple burden of size, shed, and drool makes it one of the worst choices for allergy sufferers.
What hypoallergenic score does the Newfoundland get?
The Newfoundland scores 2.0 out of 10, placing it in the Not hypoallergenic band — among the lowest scores of any breed. The five-factor breakdown: allergen production 2/10 (40% weight; near-constant for all dogs), shedding 1/10 (20% weight; AKC 4/5 heavy double coat), dander 1/10 (15% weight; giant body at 4/5 shed produces very high total dander), saliva spread 2/10 (15% weight; AKC 4/5 heavy drool), and groomability 3/10 (10% weight; dense coat requires frequent grooming but benefit is temporary). The Labrador Retriever also scores 2.0 but has less drool (3/5 vs 4/5).
Does neutering a male Newfoundland reduce dog allergies?
For a minority of dog-allergic people, yes. Intact male dogs produce Can f 5, a prostatic kallikrein, in addition to Can f 1. Around 30 percent of dog-allergic patients are sensitized to Can f 5, and some react to it exclusively. Neutering eliminates the Can f 5 source, which can meaningfully reduce symptoms for monosensitized patients. For the majority sensitized to Can f 1 — present in every dog regardless of sex or neuter status — neutering makes no practical difference to allergen levels. Component-resolved IgE blood testing is the most efficient diagnostic step before making sex or management decisions.
How does the Newfoundland compare to the Labrador Retriever for allergies?
Both are heavy-shedding double-coated breeds scoring 2.0 on the Hypoallergenic Score, but the Newfoundland has a heavier drool burden (AKC 4/5 vs 3/5) and a larger body (100-150 lb vs 55-80 lb). The Newfoundland's heavier drool means more saliva-borne Can f 1 deposited on surfaces, and the larger body means more total dander at the same shed rate. In practice, the Newfoundland is the more difficult breed to manage for an allergic owner because of the additional drool management burden.
Is the Newfoundland better for allergies than the Saint Bernard?
They are comparable — both are giant, heavy-drooling, heavy-shedding breeds that would score similarly on this model. The Saint Bernard is slightly larger (140-180 lb) with similar shed and drool ratings. Neither is appropriate for allergy sufferers without immunotherapy and an exceptionally rigorous environmental management plan. The Newfoundland's double coat sheds more heavily than the Saint Bernard's longer single coat, but the Saint Bernard's heavier drool (5/5) may offset the difference.
Can I reduce allergens from a Newfoundland at home?
Partially, but the total allergen load from a giant heavy-shedding, heavy-drooling dog is extremely difficult to reduce to comfortable levels. The most effective measures are: keep the dog out of the bedroom, run multiple HEPA air purifiers continuously, replace carpet with hard flooring, schedule professional grooming before seasonal blowouts, and manage drool surfaces daily with washable covers and frequent cleaning. Dog washing cuts airborne Can f 1 by roughly 61 percent for several days (Hodson et al., JACI 1999), but bathing a 100-to-150-pound dog is physically demanding and often requires professional assistance.
How does the Newfoundland allergen profile differ from the Golden Retriever?
Both are heavy-shedding double-coated breeds, but the Newfoundland is larger (100-150 lb vs 55-75 lb) and drools more heavily (AKC 4/5 vs 2/5). The Golden Retriever scores 2.5 on the Hypoallergenic Score versus the Newfoundland's 2.0 — the half-point difference comes from the Newfoundland's heavier drool and larger body. The Golden Retriever's moderate drool is easier to manage than the Newfoundland's heavy jowl drool, which deposits saliva-borne Can f 1 on every surface.
Can immunotherapy help me keep a Newfoundland if I am allergic?
For some people, potentially — with honest expectations for dog allergy. Allergen immunotherapy gradually retrains the immune system over a three-to-five-year course and is the only disease-modifying treatment. Cat-allergy immunotherapy has solid randomized trial support; dog-allergy immunotherapy is considerably weaker — a 2016 review in Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology concluded that four decades of studies failed to produce clearly reproducible clinical evidence of effectiveness. Dog extracts are less standardized and the multi-allergen complexity of dog sensitization complicates treatment. Immunotherapy is not a cure, but for people with confirmed dog allergy not controlled by avoidance and medication, it is the rational next step under allergist supervision.
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No. The Westie scores 3.5/10 on the Hypoallergenic Score. Wire coat, atopic skin tendency, and Can f 1 — the wiry reputation doesn't hold up.
Read moreIs the Abyssinian Cat Hypoallergenic? Low-Shed Coat, Same Fel d 1
No. The Abyssinian scores 4.0/10 — low-shed single coat means less dander dispersal. But Fel d 1 production is the same as every other cat.
Read moreIs the American Polydactyl Cat Hypoallergenic? Extra Toes, Normal Allergens
No. The American Polydactyl scores 4.0/10 on the Hypoallergenic Score. Its moderate shedding and normal Fel d 1 production mean extra toes do not equal lower allergens.
Read moreIs the American Eskimo Dog Hypoallergenic? The Straightest White-Fluff Debunk
No. The American Eskimo Dog scores 3.5/10. Pure white, soft, and fluffy — but a double coat brushed 2–3x/week still blows seasonally and carries Can f 1. Full data inside.
Read moreIs the Akita Hypoallergenic? The Coat Blow Reality, Scored
No. The Akita scores 3.0/10 on the Hypoallergenic Score. Its large double coat blows twice yearly, flooding your home with allergen-laden dander.
Read moreIs the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Hypoallergenic? The Lowest Score in the 'Hypoallergenic' Bundle
No. The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon scores 2.5/10 — the lowest in this marketed bundle. AKC 3/5 shedder AND 3/5 drooler. The most clearly mislabeled breed here.
Read moreNot sure it’s the dog? Find out for sure.
An at-home Curex test measures whether you’re truly sensitized to pet allergens. If you are, personalized immunotherapy can target the underlying immune response — so for many people, keeping the pet you love becomes realistic. No breed is fully hypoallergenic, but your allergies can be treated.
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This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. No dog or cat breed is fully hypoallergenic. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider about allergy symptoms. Content reviewed by board-certified allergists at Curex.