Komondor versus Newfoundland. Final Verdict on Which one is a Better Pet.

Quick Links: Table of Contents

Komondor Versus Newfoundland: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Komondor and the Newfoundland? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Komondor and the Newfoundland better suits you.

We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Komondor and the Newfoundland.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Komondor and the Newfoundland is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.

Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Komondor and for the Newfoundland. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Komondor and the Newfoundland.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Komondor or the Newfoundland.

Komondor versus Newfoundland

Komondor versus Newfoundland: Overview

A very important difference between the Komondor and the Newfoundland is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Komondor is a large-sized dog while the Newfoundland is a giant-sized dog.

Furthermore, both the Komondor and the Newfoundland are Working Dogs. This means both the Komondor and the Newfoundland were developed to assist humans in some capacity – including pulling sleds and carts, guarding flocks, guarding homes, and protecting their families. Breeds in the Working Group are known for their imposing stature, strength, intelligence, and fearless. Because of their size and strength, working dogs require a structured home life and firm, fair, consistent training by someone who can provide leadership without resorting to anger or physical force.

Komondor versus Newfoundland: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Komondor to the Newfoundland based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.

When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets

Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.

However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.

Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Komondor and the Newfoundland

Factor Komondor Newfoundland
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 3/5
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 1/5
Dog Friendly 1/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 1/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 5/5 5/5
Life Span 10 to 12 years 8 to 10 years
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 2/5 1/5
Does NOT Drool 4/5 1/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 2/5
General Health 2/5 1/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 2/5
NOT Rambunctious 4/5 3/5
Height 25 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder 2 feet, 1 inch to 2 feet, 5 inches tall at the sho
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 2/5
Kid-Friendly 3/5 5/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 1/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 3/5
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 5/5
Easy To Train 4/5 5/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 1/5 2/5
Weight 80 to 100 pounds 100 to 150 pounds
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 9.0 years
Average Price $840 $2160
Price Range $550 – $800 $1875 – $2500
Temperament Score 90.0 percent 87.5 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Dentition
  • Eye Examination- min age 9 months
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Cystinuria
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • OFA Website
  • Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds 170 37

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Komondor in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Newfoundland. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.

    The Better-Pet score for the Komondor is 70 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Newfoundland is 73 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Newfoundland is a better pet than the Komondor. So, you should get the Newfoundland!

    Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

    Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the Komondor and the Newfoundland so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Komondor and the Newfoundland

    Below is a list of where the Komondor and the Newfoundland are most different:

  • Komondors do not get along well with other dogs. However, Newfoundlands get along well with other dogs.
  • Komondors are not very friendly towards strangers. However, Newfoundlands are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Komondors do not have the tendency to drool. However, Newfoundlands have a very high tendency to drool.
  • The Similarities Between the Komondor and the Newfoundland

    The Komondor and the Newfoundland are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Komondor and the Newfoundland are most similar:

  • Both the Komondor and the Newfoundland do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Komondor and the Newfoundland do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
  • Both the Komondor and the Newfoundland do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Komondor and the Newfoundland require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • Both the Komondor and the Newfoundland have the tendency to develop certain health problems.
  • Both the Komondor and the Newfoundland have low energy levels. They do not require a lot exercise time.
  • Both the Komondor and the Newfoundland are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone.
  • Both the Komondor and the Newfoundland can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Komondor and the Newfoundland are very easy to train.
  • Both the Komondor and the Newfoundland are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Komondor and the Newfoundland have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Both the Komondor and the Newfoundland require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Komondor and the Newfoundland are very playful.
  • Both the Komondor and the Newfoundland are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Komondor and the Newfoundland are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Komondor versus Newfoundland

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Komondor and the Newfoundland.

    Komondors weigh 80 to 100 pounds when fully grown. Komondors are 25 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Newfoundlands weigh 100 to 150 pounds when fully grown. Newfoundlands are 2 feet, 1 inch to 2 feet, 5 inches tall at the sho when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Komondor versus Newfoundland

    The lifespan of Komondors is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Komondors is 11.0 years.

    The lifespan of Newfoundlands is between 8 to 10 years. The average lifespan of Newfoundlands is 9.0 years.

    Komondors live longer than Newfoundlands.

    Temperament of the Newfoundland Versus the Komondor

    The Komondor has a better temperament than the Newfoundland.

    This is because the temperament score for the Komondor is 90.0 percent while the temperament score for the Newfoundland is 87.5 percent, according to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).

    The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds.

    Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and are protective of their owners.

    The average temperament score across all dog breeds (over 250 breeds) is 83.7 percent.

    With its temperament score of 90.0 percent, the Komondor has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    With its temperament score of 87.5 percent, the Newfoundland has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Komondor and the Newfoundland by measuring the temperaments of 10 Komondors and 176 Newfoundlands.

    Price of Komondor versus Price of Newfoundland

    The average price of the Komondor puppy is $840. The price of the Komondor typically ranges from $550 – $800. However, the price of a Komondor can be as low as $500 and as high as $1800. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 17 Komondor puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Newfoundland puppy is $2160. The price of the Newfoundland typically ranges from $1875 – $2500. However, the price of the Newfoundland can be as low as $350 and as high as $4000. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 204 Newfoundland puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Newfoundland is more expensive than the Komondor.

    Komondor Newfoundland
    Average Price $840 $2160
    Price Range $550 to $800 $1875 to $2500

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Komondor and Newfoundland. For different price points, the charts show how many Komondor puppies or how many Newfoundland puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

    A breakdown of the prices of Komondors. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Komondors. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Newfoundlands

    A breakdown of the prices of Newfoundlands

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Komondor puppy or the Newfoundland puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.

    Nevertheless, when looking to buy a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from a puppy mill. Puppy mills mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

    You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.

    The Popularity of Komondor versus Popularity of Newfoundland

    Every year, the American Kennel Club (AKC) publishes information on how popular a dog breed is in that particular year. The AKC gets the popularity information of a breed from how many dogs of that breed the owners register with the AKC every year. The AKC collects this data for about 200 dog breeds. The AKC collects this data for purebred dogs only(no mixed or hybrid dogs).

    The graphs and the table below show the popularity of the Komondor and the Newfoundland over the years.

    Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Newfoundland is more popular with dog owners than the Komondor. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Newfoundland is 37 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Komondor is 170 out of about 200 dog breeds.

    Popularity of Komondor

    Popularity of Komondor

    Popularity of Newfoundland

    Popularity of Newfoundland

    Year Komondor Popularity Rank Newfoundland Popularity Rank
    2013 159 37
    2014 168 37
    2015 163 37
    2016 177 35
    2017 163 36
    2018 173 40
    2019 181 40
    2020 178 41

    Health Problems of Komondor versus Health Problems of Newfoundland

    Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. There is nothing like a perfect dog breed.

    Both the Komondor and the Newfoundland are prone to certain genetic health conditions. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is the organization that keeps track of health problems in dogs. Based on the extensive records that the OFA keeps, the OFA knows what health problems each dog breed is naturally prone to develop. Hence, the OFA recommends which health screening that breeders should perform on a dog breed to make sure that the breeders won`t breed `defective` dog parents that can pass down defective genes to their puppy offspring.

    The more health problems a dog breed is prone to develop, the more health tests the OFA will recommend for that dog breed.

    Based on our review of OFA records, we found that the Newfoundland is prone to more genetic health problems than the Komondor.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Newfoundland than for the Komondor.

    3 health tests are recommended for Komondor while 5 tests are recommended for the Newfoundland.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Komondors and in Newfoundlands.

    Komondor Health Problems

    Komondors are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Komondor puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a Komondor puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Komondor breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Komondors for:

  • Dentition
  • Eye Examination- min age 9 months
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Komondors here.

    Newfoundland Health Problems

    Newfoundlands are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Newfoundland puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a Newfoundland puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Newfoundland breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Newfoundlands for:

  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Cystinuria
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • OFA Website
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Newfoundlands here.

    More Discussions on Health Problems in Komondors and Newfoundlands

    Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Komondor Breed is Eyes problems.

    This is because the Komondor ranks 19 out of 182 dog breeds for Eyes problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 54 Komondors, 1 of them had Eyes problems.

    The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Komondors, and how common these diseases are in Komondors relative to other dog breeds, are given below:

  • Eyes problems: Rank 19 out of 182 Dog Breeds
  • Degenerative Myelopathy problems: Rank 30 out of 70 Dog Breeds
  • Hips problems: Rank 90 out of 198 Dog Breeds
  • Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Newfoundland Breed is Shoulder problems.

    This is because the Newfoundland ranks 1 out of 22 dog breeds for Shoulder problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 129 Newfoundlands, 13 of them had Shoulder problems.

    The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Newfoundlands, and how common these diseases are in Newfoundlands relative to other dog breeds, are given below:

  • Shoulder problems: Rank 1 out of 22 Dog Breeds
  • Elbow problems: Rank 15 out of 144 Dog Breeds
  • Hips problems: Rank 28 out of 198 Dog Breeds
  • Congenital Cardiac problems: Rank 33 out of 159 Dog Breeds
  • Advanced Cardiac problems: Rank 36 out of 71 Dog Breeds
  • Degenerative Myelopathy problems: Rank 48 out of 70 Dog Breeds
  • Eyes problems: Rank 78 out of 182 Dog Breeds
  • Thyroid problems: Rank 101 out of 115 Dog Breeds
  • Patella problems: Rank 122 out of 145 Dog Breeds
  • The table below lists the common health problems in Komondor and in Newfoundland and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Komondor and the Newfoundland:

    Disease Komondor Rank Newfoundland Rank
    Eyes problems 19 out of 182 dog breeds 78 out of 182 dog breeds
    Degenerative Myelopathy problems 30 out of 70 dog breeds 48 out of 70 dog breeds
    Hips problems 90 out of 198 dog breeds 28 out of 198 dog breeds
    Shoulder problems Not Common 1 out of 22 dog breeds
    Elbow problems Not Common 15 out of 144 dog breeds
    Congenital Cardiac problems Not Common 33 out of 159 dog breeds
    Advanced Cardiac problems Not Common 36 out of 71 dog breeds
    Thyroid problems Not Common 101 out of 115 dog breeds
    Patella problems Not Common 122 out of 145 dog breeds

    *To learn more about each of these diseases, go to OFA.org and search for the disease.

    Again, most of these health problems can be prevented through health screening. Responsible breeders screen male and female dog parents for genetic problems. These breeders will only breed dogs that are free of genetic defects. That way, there is little or no chance that their puppies will grow up to have genetic health problems. Always ask a breeder for the list of health tests the breeder screens their dogs for before buying a puppy from such a breeder.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Komondor versus Newfoundland

    Komondors do not like to be left alone.

    Newfoundlands do not like to be left alone.

    Do Komondors shed more than Newfoundlands?

    Komondors shed moderately.

    Newfoundlands shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Komondor or the Newfoundland

    Komondors do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Newfoundlands have a very high tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Komondor or the Newfoundland?

    Komondors require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Newfoundlands require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Does the Komondor Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Newfoundland?

    Komondors have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to get along well with other pets.

    Newfoundlands have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.

    Do Komondors Bark and Howl? What about Newfoundlands?

    Komondors are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Newfoundlands are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Can Komondors Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Newfoundlands Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Komondors can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Newfoundlands can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Komondor vs. Newfoundland

    Komondors have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Newfoundlands have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Komondors Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Newfoundlands Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Komondors can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Newfoundlands cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Komondor or the Newfoundland?

    Komondors do not get along well with other dogs.

    Newfoundlands get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Komondors good family dogs? What about Newfoundlands?

    Komondors are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Newfoundlands are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Komondors and Newfoundlands?

    Komondors get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

    Newfoundlands get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Komondor Easier to Train than the Newfoundland?

    Komondors are very easy to train.

    Newfoundlands are very easy to train.

    Is the Komondor Better for Apartment Owners than the Newfoundland?

    Komondors do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Newfoundlands do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Komondor or the Newfoundland?

    Komondors are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Newfoundlands are OK for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Komondor

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Komondor that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Komondor:

  • Belgian Tervuren (70 percent match with Komondor). Here is our comparison of the Newfoundland vs Belgian Tervuren.
  • Black Russian Terrier (70 percent match with Komondor). Here is our comparison of the Newfoundland vs Black Russian Terrier.
  • Giant Schnauzer (72 percent match with Komondor). Here is our comparison of the Newfoundland vs Giant Schnauzer.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Newfoundland

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Newfoundland that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Newfoundland:

  • Golden Retriever (71 percent match with Newfoundland). Here is our comparison of the Komondor vs Golden Retriever.
  • Saint Bernard (68 percent match with Newfoundland). Here is our comparison of the Komondor vs Saint Bernard.
  • Bernese Mountain Dog (79 percent match with Newfoundland). Here is our comparison of the Komondor vs Bernese Mountain Dog.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

    You may also be interested in how the Komondor and how the Newfoundland compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Komondor and of the Newfoundland to other breeds:

    Komondor Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Komondor versus Alaskan Klee Kai     Komondor versus Clumber Spaniel     Komondor versus Japanese Spitz     Komondor versus Boxer     Komondor versus Neapolitan Mastiff     Komondor versus Aussiedoodle     Komondor versus Great Dane     Komondor versus Maltese     Komondor versus Catahoula Bulldog     Komondor versus Standard Schnauzer     Komondor versus Fila Brasileiro     Komondor versus Keeshond     Komondor versus Glen of Imaal Terrier     Komondor versus Affenhuahua     Komondor versus Kishu Ken     Komondor versus American Pit Bull Terrier     Komondor versus German Wirehaired Pointer     Komondor versus English Setter     Komondor versus Bernedoodle     Komondor versus Black and Tan Coonhound     Komondor versus Basenji     Komondor versus Boxer     Komondor versus Siberian Husky     Komondor versus Dalmatian     Komondor versus Chihuahua     

    Newfoundland Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Newfoundland versus Basenji     Newfoundland versus Tibetan Spaniel     Newfoundland versus American Water Spaniel     Newfoundland versus Fila Brasileiro     Newfoundland versus Valley Bulldog     Newfoundland versus Finnish Lapphund     Newfoundland versus Norwegian Buhund     Newfoundland versus Plott     Newfoundland versus Frenchton     Newfoundland versus Border Collie     Newfoundland versus Shiba Inu     Newfoundland versus Briard     Newfoundland versus Bergamasco Sheepdog     Newfoundland versus Doberman Pinscher     Newfoundland versus Valley Bulldog     Newfoundland versus Bluetick Coonhound     Newfoundland versus Chinook     Newfoundland versus Rottweiler     Newfoundland versus Swedish Vallhund     Newfoundland versus Mountain Cur     Newfoundland versus Japanese Spitz     Newfoundland versus Scottish Terrier     Newfoundland versus Chow Chow     Newfoundland versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi     Newfoundland versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi     

    Conclusion: Komondor versus Newfoundland. Which One is a Better Pet?

    In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Komondor and the Newfoundland better suits you and your family.