The Newfoundland and Labrador Retriever, often referred to as the Newfie Lab, is a hybrid breed that combines the gentle giant of the Newfoundland with the energetic Labrador Retriever. This unique mix creates a loyal and loving companion.
Newfie Labs are generally medium to large in size, with males weighing between 80-120 pounds. They require regular exercise to maintain a healthy weight and prevent joint issues.
With proper training, Newfie Labs can thrive in a variety of living situations, from apartments to homes with yards. They are highly intelligent and eager to please, making them a joy to train.
Their thick double coat requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling.
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Getting a Cross Breed Dog
They make great companions, with a constant and reliable presence in your life. Your Lab and Newfoundland cross will love any activity alongside its owner.
Having a dog can help you relax tense muscles and promote a sense of serenity. It's a great way to lower stress that may lead to depression.
The benefits of dog ownership go beyond emotional support - they can also improve your physical health. Owning a Lab and Newfoundland cross can help cut down risks of cardiovascular disease by reducing cholesterol levels and triglycerides.
Regular exercise is essential for a healthy lifestyle, and a cross breed dog can be a great motivator. An hour or two of vigorous exercise with your dog is like hitting the gym.
Having a dog can also improve your social skills and general well-being. They encourage you to go outdoors and be more active, which is good for your health.
Getting a cross breed dog can be a life-changing experience, especially for those who are going through depression, desolation, homesickness, loneliness, and self-doubt. Doctors often advise patients to get a pet for these reasons.
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Characteristics and Care
The Lab Newfie Mix is a big dog, weighing between 70-115 pounds, and standing between 24-28 inches tall. They have a dense double-coat that's short to medium in length, and come in a variety of colors including black, brown, and cream.
Their size and coat type require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling. They need to be brushed at least twice a week, and their nails, ears, and teeth should be checked and cleaned regularly.
In terms of exercise, Lab Newfie Mixes are not high-maintenance, requiring only a modest amount of physical activity to stay happy and healthy. They are suitable for families with children and other pets, and are known to be loyal and affectionate companions.
Characteristics
The Lab Newfie Mix is a gentle giant, with a weight range of 80-115 pounds for males and 70-100 pounds for females. They're a large breed, but don't worry, they don't require a huge amount of space.
Their height is impressive, ranging from 24-28 inches for females and 26-28 inches for males. This makes them a great companion for families with large homes.
Their coat is a beautiful combination of the Labrador and Newfoundland's traits, with a dense double-coat that's short to medium in length. You can expect to see a variety of colors, including black, brown, sable, fawn, cream, pied, and brindle.
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Their eyes are a lovely brown, and their nose is black and leathery. Their ears are floppy and furry, adding to their adorable appearance.
In terms of temperament, Lab Newfie Mixes are known for being friendly, intelligent, and loyal. They're perfect for families with kids, and they're also great with other pets. With a life expectancy of 8-12 years, they're a long-term companion that will bring joy and love into your life.
Here's a quick rundown of their characteristics:
Double Coat
The Lab Newfie Mix has a thick double coat that provides insulation and protection in different weather conditions, making them adaptable to various climates.
Their coat is a dense double-coat, with a short to medium length.
This coat type helps to keep them warm in cold weather and cool in hot weather, making them a great companion for outdoor activities.
Their coat sheds to a great extent, so be prepared for dog hairs all over the place – in every nook and cranny of your house, from the living space to the bedroom, and even in your clothes.
The good news is that their coat is 100% hypoallergenic, making them a great choice for people with allergies.
Here's a quick rundown of their coat characteristics:
Exercise
Exercise is essential for your Lab Newfie Mix, and they'll need 30–60 minutes of activity each day to stay healthy and avoid becoming overweight.
They'll love walking, running, playing fetch, and tug of war, and swimming is also a great way to get them moving.
Exercise will help stimulate their mind, keeping them more focused during training sessions and less likely to misbehave at other times.
Your Lab Newfie Mix will be a constant and reliable companion, and they'll love any activity alongside their owner.
Health and Conditions
Newfoundland and Lab Mixes are prone to several health issues that can affect their quality of life.
Hip dysplasia is a common condition that can cause pain and arthritis in Lab Newfie Mixes. It's essential to monitor their weight and ensure they get regular exercise to manage this condition.
Elbow dysplasia is another joint condition that Lab Newfie Mixes may inherit, leading to pain, lameness, and joint deterioration. Regular veterinary check-ups can help manage this condition.
Bloat is a life-threatening condition where the stomach fills with gas and twists, which can be fatal if not treated promptly. Feeding small, frequent meals and avoiding vigorous exercise afterward can help prevent bloat.
Newfoundlands are prone to heart conditions, including dilated cardiomyopathy and subvalvular aortic stenosis. While mixed breeds are at a lower risk, it's still worth monitoring them for any signs of cardiac issues.
Here are some common health issues that Lab Newfie Mixes may face:
- Subvalvular aortic stenosis – a heart disease that affects the valves
- Gastric dilatation volvulus or gastric torsion – bloat or twisted stomach
- Hip and elbow dysplasia – the hip and elbow joints do not fit or develop accordingly
- Epilepsy – neurological disorder defined by intermittent seizures
- Cataracts – the lens loses transparency, may impair vision or even cause blindness
- Ruptured cranial cruciate ligament – ruptures occur in the mid ligament (hind legs)
- Cancer – such as mammary cancers, lymphoma, leukemia, osteosarcomas, mast cell tumors, and skin cancers
- Chronic allergies – can be food, skin or environmental allergy
Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial to prevent obesity, which can lead to various health problems, including joint issues, diabetes, and heart disease. Regular exercise and a balanced diet can help prevent obesity.
Care and Maintenance
To keep your Newfoundland and Lab dog's coat healthy and free from mats, regular grooming is a must. Use a slicker brush and a wide-toothed comb to remove loose hair and tangles, aiming to brush them at least two to three times a week.
Their nails need regular trimming if you hear them clicking on the floor, and brushing their teeth frequently with dog-safe toothpaste can help prevent dental diseases.
Regular ear checks and cleanings are also crucial to prevent wax buildup, infections, or other ear-related issues.
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Grooming
Grooming is a crucial part of your Lab Newfie Mix's care and maintenance. Regular grooming helps keep their fur healthy and free from mats.
Use a slicker brush and a wide-toothed comb to remove loose hair and tangles. Aim to brush your Lab Newfie Mix at least two to three times a week.
You'll also need to trim their nails if you hear them clicking on the floor. Brushing their teeth frequently with a dog-safe toothpaste is essential to prevent dental diseases.
Regularly checking and cleaning your Lab Newfie Mix's ears is necessary to prevent wax buildup, infections, or other ear-related issues.
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Owning Essentials
A well-maintained home is a happy home, and that starts with owning the right essentials. A reliable vacuum cleaner can make a huge difference in keeping your floors clean and dust-free.
Regular vacuuming can help reduce allergens and dust mites, which can exacerbate respiratory issues like asthma.
A good vacuum cleaner can last for up to 10 years with proper maintenance, making it a worthwhile investment for any homeowner.
Proper storage of cleaning supplies can help prevent accidents and make cleaning easier.
Labeling and organizing cleaning supplies can save you time and reduce clutter in your home.
Best Dog Food
Your Newfoundland Labrador Mix needs a diet rich in protein from fish or meat, and carbohydrates from whole grains, peas, and beans. They have high energy levels, so they require a sufficient amount of calories to restore what they've burned.
For seniors, food rich in glucosamine and chondroitin is essential for joint mobility and repair. DHA found in seaweed oil is also crucial for proper brain and vision function.
Puppies, on the other hand, need hypoallergenic food, rich in calcium for strong bones and teeth, and omega 6 and 3 for healthy skin and coat.
Merrick Grain-Free Real Texas Beef + Sweet Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food is a great option for puppies, as it's a grain-free formula that's allergy-friendly. It features real, deboned beef, along with sweet potatoes, peas, apples, blueberries, and more.
Now Fresh Large Breed Adult Recipe is made with 100% fresh turkey, duck, and salmon, and features 100% fresh omega 3 & 6 oils from canola and coconut, with fruits and vegetables and wholesome berries.
Your crossbred charmer may have a unique taste, so it's a good idea to try different options, like best dry dog food for small dogs or large breed dry dog food. Always consult with your vet before switching your pup's diet.
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Temperament and Training
The Newfoundland and Lab mix is known for being friendly, gentle, and affectionate.
They are typically welcoming to strangers, making them poor guard dogs but excellent family dogs.
These dogs are patient with children and other pets, which is a great asset for families with multiple pets.
Their intelligence and quick learning abilities make them a joy to train, especially if you start early and establish a routine.
Positive reinforcement techniques are a must when training, as they can take several weeks to learn a new trick and commit it to memory.
Short, scheduled training sessions are key to getting them into a routine that carries over into adulthood.
By starting training early and being patient, you can help your Newfoundland and Lab mix become a confident and comfortable companion.
Finding and Preparing
You can find a reputable breeder by going through your local AKC club. They can provide you with information about breeders who have a good reputation.
It's essential to research the breeder thoroughly before buying a Newfoundland Lab Cross. Prices range from $500 to $1,000, depending on the history of the purebred parents and the breeder.
Never buy from a breeder who doesn't let you visit their kennels. This allows you to see the living conditions of the dogs and get a sense of the breeder's operation.
You can contact Clancy Johnson, Carol Johnson, Nelson Burkholder, or Spencer and Chrissy Hergert to start your search. They are listed as breeders with a good reputation.
A good breeder will provide you with relevant papers regarding your puppy and information about the purebred parents or previous litters.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Newfoundland and Labrador mix called?
A Newfoundland and Labrador mix is commonly known as a Newfador, New Labralound, or Labrafoundland. This unique hybrid is a loving and gentle companion perfect for families with children.
Are Newfoundlands related to Labradors?
Yes, Newfoundlands are related to Labradors, as both breeds share a common ancestry with the Irish Water Spaniel. This shared heritage is supported by genome analysis.
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