Newfoundland vs Skye Terrier
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Newfoundland
Working Group
Skye Terrier
Terrier Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Newfoundland Overview
Majestic and powerful, Newfoundlands are gentle giants with thick black, brown, or white-and-black coats. Their massive heads, deep chest, and muscular build reflect their water rescue heritage. Standing up to 28 inches tall with males weighing up to 150 pounds, they possess webbed feet and a water-resistant double coat. Their calm, patient demeanor and soft expression embody their reputation as natural caregivers.
Skye Terrier Overview
Skye Terriers possess a distinctive long, low-set body draped in a flowing double coat that gracefully sweeps the ground. Their elegant silhouette features a proud head carriage, expressive eyes, and characteristically large, upright ears. Known for their dignified bearing and regal appearance, these terriers combine strength with refinement, displaying the perfect balance of robustness and elegance in their movement.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Newfoundlands are less energetic than Skye Terriers, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Newfoundlands require less grooming attention compared to Skye Terriers.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Newfoundlands tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Skye Terriers.
- Trainability: Skye Terriers may be slightly easier to train due to their Skye Terrier's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Skye Terriers adapt better to apartment living, while Newfoundlands typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Newfoundland and Skye Terrier, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Newfoundland | Skye Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Large | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 9-10 years | 12-14 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Working Group | Terrier Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Newfoundland | Skye Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 26-28 inches 66-71 cm | 10-10 inches 24-25 cm |
| Weight | 100-150 lbs 45-68 kg | 35-45 lbs 16-20 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Newfoundland | Skye Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Sweet, Patient, Devoted | Courageous, Good-Tempered, Canny |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Newfoundland | Skye Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Newfoundland Temperament
The Newfoundland is known for being sweet, patient, devoted, making them excellent family dogs. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They're typically friendly with strangers, making them poor guard dogs but excellent social companions. Their moderate energy level makes them adaptable to different lifestyles, though they still need regular exercise.
Skye Terrier Temperament
The Skye Terrier is characterized by being courageous, good-tempered, canny, which makes them better for households without small children. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They're naturally cautious around strangers, which enhances their ability to serve as watchdogs. Their moderate energy level makes them versatile companions that can adapt to your activity level, though regular exercise is still important.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Newfoundland and Skye Terrier, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:
Sociability with Strangers
Good with Children
Side-by-Side Trait Ratings
GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
Newfoundland
Rating: 5/5
Skye Terrier
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Newfoundland
Rating: 5/5
Skye Terrier
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Newfoundland
Rating: 3/5
Skye Terrier
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Newfoundland
Rating: 1/5
Skye Terrier
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Newfoundland
Rating: 3/5
Skye Terrier
Rating: 5/5
Care & Maintenance
Newfoundland Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Newfoundlands require moderate daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Newfoundlands require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
Skye Terrier Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Skye Terriers need regular daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Skye Terriers require significant grooming attention. This includes brushing several times per week to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is typically necessary.
Health & Lifespan
Newfoundland Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Heart Issues
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Bloat
Skye Terrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Renal Dysplasia
- Mammary Cancer
- Autoimmune Issues
- Premature Closure
Pros & Cons
Newfoundland
Pros
- Excellent with children
- Gentle and patient
- Strong swimming abilities
- Loyal and protective
- Good therapy dogs
Cons
- Heavy shedding
- Excessive drooling
- Expensive to maintain
- Need lots of space
- Short lifespan
Skye Terrier
Pros
- Loyal and devoted to family
- Good watchdog capabilities
- Adaptable to different living spaces
- Low exercise requirements
Cons
- Requires extensive grooming
- Can be stubborn during training
- Reserved with strangers
- Moderate shedding
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Newfoundland and Skye Terrier, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.