The Newfoundland Mix is a series of mixed breeds where at least one parent is a Newfoundland. Common pairings with the Newfoundland in the mix include Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, Rottweilers, Poodles, German Shepherds, Saint Bernards, and Bernese Mountain Dogs. Despite the wide ranges of other breeds that can be included in this mix, the Newfoundland’s traits are often dominant, which makes the Newfoundland Mix a loving and capable pup that is just as comfortable herding small numbers of sheep as it is as a family companion.
Newfoundland Mixes are very friendly dogs, known to be affectionate with both its own family as well as other dogs and children. Their gentle nature often makes them friendly towards strangers, which makes them a great pup to take to the local park.
While their fur makes them great at handling colder weather, it does give them a hard time in warmer climates. The large size of the Newfoundland Mix means that they aren’t a good choice when it comes to apartments, since they prefer to live in larger homes or areas with open land.
Newfie Mixes can be prone to the same health issues as both parent breeds. On the Newfoundland side, this means that they are typically a moderately healthy breed, but do have their own set of risks involved typical to the large and giant dog breeds. They are known to have issues, especially later in life, concerning their joints and eyes. Talking to the breeder about the health and genetic history of the parents is a great way to find out what to expect with your Newfoundland Mix.
Considered very easy to train and highly intelligent, a Newfoundland Mix is a great dog for anyone who has had experience training a pup before. They do like to roam and chase prey, so depending on where you live, it’s a good idea to consider placing them on a leash. They also have a penchant for barking, but with some quick and early training, this typically isn’t a lasting problem.
Because of their large size and thick coat, a Newfoundland Mix will shed a significant amount. To counteract this, they require regular grooming. Daily brushing also goes a long way in cutting down on shedding, removing tangles to prevent mats, and helping your pup be more comfortable. Their flat, water-resistant double coat tends to mat, but is extremely useful in inclement weather.
It’s also important to take care of your dog’s nails, ears, and teeth. Monthly nail trimming is usually sufficient to keep a dog’s nails from getting too long. But, you may need to trim or file more often if your Newfie Mix doesn’t wear down their nails naturally enough between trimmings.
Part of the Newfoundland Mix’s adorable expression is their floppy ears. But, droopy ears are more prone to ear infections because they tend to trap dirt and moisture more often than ears that stick straight up. Checking your dog’s ears regularly and carefully cleaning them as needed helps to ensure their ears are dry and clean.
Dental diseases like gum disease and tooth decay are one of the most common health issues in dogs. With proper dental care for dogs, it’s also preventable. Brushing your dog’s teeth or using an enzyme toothpaste every day is ideal for preventing the tartar buildup that leads to dental disease in dogs. Vet-approved dental hygiene chews or treats and a special dental care diet can help supplement your efforts.
These Newfie Mixes tend to have moderate energy levels that require regular play or walks, but nothing overly rigorous. They tend to be very playful though, and love to chase when they play.
A Newfoundland Mix typically tends to be between 24 and 27 inches at their shoulder. This may shift slightly depending on the other breed involved in the mix.
This dog breed typically lives up to 10 years.