Yes, Newfoundlands are intelligent. They are easily trained and typically learn a new command within 15 – 25 attempts. Even at only 5 weeks old, many Newfoundland puppies can be fully house-trained.
Newfoundlands have been used by fishermen in Newfoundland due to their intelligence and size. Newfoundlands learned their commands quickly and helped the fishermen by pulling in large fishing nets and heavy carts. Newfoundlands could also discern when a fisherman was drowning and were able to save the men even if they were unconscious.
