The Newfoundland Dog Golden Retriever Mix is a unique and loving companion that requires special care and attention.
These dogs can grow up to 26 inches in height and weigh between 80-120 pounds, making them a large breed that needs plenty of space to move around.
They have a thick double coat that sheds heavily, requiring regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling.
Their friendly and gentle nature makes them an excellent choice for families with children, but they also need consistent training and socialization from an early age.
Their intelligence and loyalty make them a great companion for active families who enjoy outdoor activities.
Parent Breeds
Understanding your Newfoundland dog Golden Retriever mix's parent breeds can give you key insights into your mutt's personality.
The Golden Retriever breed is known for being friendly and gentle, with a strong instinct to please their owners.
Newfoundlands, on the other hand, are giant dogs with a calm and patient nature, often described as "gentle giants".
Golden Retrievers are highly intelligent and trainable, which can make them excel in obedience and other dog sports.
Newfoundlands are also intelligent, but they can be slower to mature and may require more time and patience in training.
Their friendly and outgoing personalities make Golden Retrievers a popular breed for families and first-time dog owners.
Newfoundlands are often used as therapy dogs due to their calm and gentle nature, which makes them a great addition to families with children.
The combination of these two breeds can create a unique and loving companion that is both intelligent and loyal.
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Traits and Characteristics
The Newfoundland Dog Golden Retriever mix is a gentle giant, weighing between 80-120 pounds, with a thick double coat that sheds heavily.
They have a high energy level, requiring regular exercise to stay happy and healthy.
This mix is known for its intelligence, ranking 4th in Stanley Coren's book "The Intelligence of Dogs".
Their friendly and outgoing personalities make them excellent family dogs, especially with children.
With proper training, they can learn to be calm and gentle, even in the presence of strangers.
Newfoundland Dog Golden Retriever mixes are prone to hip dysplasia, a genetic condition that can lead to arthritis and mobility issues.
Big, Fluffy Pups
Newfoundlands are truly big dogs, weighing between 110 and 150 pounds.
Their luxurious coat sheds heavily, so be prepared for regular grooming sessions.
Newfoundlands are known for their patient, sweet personalities, making them a great addition to families with children.
These gentle giants bond closely with their humans and are always up for a quick swim.
Best Families
If you're thinking of bringing a Golden Newfie into your family, there are a few things to consider.
They thrive in homes where someone is always present, so if you have a busy schedule, this might not be the best fit.
These people-oriented dogs love to hang out with their family members and friends, and they can get separation anxiety if left alone for too long.
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To keep them happy and healthy, you'll need to provide regular training sessions, which should be positive and patient.
Golden Newfies are highly sensitive, so gentle training is a must.
They also need to be socialized early on, especially since they can be protective around strangers.
You'll want to make sure you have plenty of time to devote to training and socializing your Golden Newfie.
Here are some key characteristics to consider:
- Someone should be home most of the time
- You're ready to commit to regular training sessions
- You can handle the grooming needs of a heavy shedder
- You have plenty of space for a large dog to run around
- You're looking for a loyal companion
In return, your Golden Newfie will be a loving and loyal member of your family, always happy to spend time with you and your loved ones.
Where to Find
You can find a Golden Newfie through the internet, specifically pet-oriented search engines like Petfinder.
Scouring these websites can lead you to designer dog breeders or owners who may have a waiting list for a Golden Newfie puppy.
Meeting the parents of your future puppy is crucial to get an idea of what your furry friend may be like.
A reputable breeder is a must, so make sure to do your research and find one who prioritizes the well-being of their dogs.
You can also check local shelters and rescues for a Golden Newfie, even if it's an older dog with a mixed breed gene pool.
The Golden Newfie is a great option for families who want a patient and devoted companion.
Puppies
You'll need a lot of space for a Golden Newfie puppy, weighing between 75 and 130 pounds and standing up to 29 inches tall.
This breed requires a family that can spend most of their time with them, as they can become anxious and sad without human company.
You can expect a lot of dog hair, as Golden Newfies shed moderately all year round and experience a full-on shed during shedding season.
They're also known to drool, especially if they take after their Newfie parent.
The cost of owning a Golden Newfie is higher than most breeds, due to their large size and high food needs.
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Temperament & Intelligence
The Golden Newfie is a big softie and a member of the gentle giant fraternity in the canine kingdom. He's super affectionate with his family and loves to chill with them, receiving all the belly rubs for being the best boy.
He's a needy dog and will paw at you for more attention. This is great if you're seeking a doggy partner in crime, but not so much if you prefer more independent dogs.
He can be a bit of a diva and will sulk if he doesn't get his own way. You need to be strong-willed and not give in to his forever puppy dog eyes.
He has a protective nature inherited from his Newfie parent and will stand his ground and growl if he feels the need to. Thankfully, his sheer size and deep growl are enough to keep intruders away.
The Golden Newfie excels at being a 'nanny dog' and loves children. He'll probably choose to sit with them over his parents any day of the week.
Good Family Dogs?
Golden Newfies are perfect for families who are willing to put in the time and effort to care for them. They thrive on attention and interaction with their family members, so someone should be home most of the time to play with them.
These dogs are highly social and love spending time with friends and family members of all ages. They make great companions and are often described as "full-fledged family members".
Golden Newfies are also highly intelligent and need to stay busy throughout the day. They require plenty of activities and attention, such as trips to the dog park or the lake, to keep them happy and engaged.
If you're looking for a low-maintenance dog, a Golden Newfie is not the right choice. They shed heavily and sometimes drool excessively, requiring regular grooming.
Here are some key things to consider when deciding if a Golden Newfie is a good fit for your family:
- Someone should be home most of the time to play with and interact with the dog.
- The family should be willing to invest time and effort into training and socializing the dog.
- The family should have plenty of space, including a big fenced-in yard, to accommodate the dog's large size.
- The family should be able to provide plenty of activities and attention to keep the dog happy and engaged.
Pet Compatibility
The Golden Newfie is a chill breed that gets along with every pet, as long as he's socialized. He's a great candidate for a multi-dog household.
You shouldn't have trouble with him terrorizing neighborhood cats either. He may feel the need to protect his estate and growl at passersby, but he'll more likely be snoozing in the sun, minding his own business.
Owning Essentials
Owning a Newfoundland dog Golden Retriever mix requires careful consideration of their size, as they can grow up to 28 inches in height and weigh between 80-120 pounds.
Golden Newfies are known for their intelligence, which makes them relatively easy to train.
In addition to regular exercise, Golden Newfies need mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.
A large yard is ideal for a Golden Newfie, but they can adapt to apartment living if provided with regular walks and playtime.
Their thick coats require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling, especially during shedding season.
Golden Newfies are generally healthy, but they can be prone to hip dysplasia and other health issues that require regular veterinary check-ups.
Their friendly nature makes them excellent family pets, but they do require early socialization to ensure good behavior around children and other animals.
Golden Newfies are natural swimmers and love the water, but they should be supervised to prevent accidents.
Food & Diet
The Golden Newfie is a massive eater, consuming around 4 cups of food a day. This is because he's a giant breed with a large appetite.
He requires a high-quality kibble designed specifically for large or giant breeds, which will support his heavily laden joints and slower metabolism. This is especially important during his puppy stage to prevent muscular-skeletal diseases.
As a large dog, he's prone to putting on pounds, so you must monitor his food intake and treats carefully. An overweight Golden Newfie is unhappy and unhealthy.
To prevent Gastric Dilation Volvulus, never feed him immediately before or after exercise. This can bring on this life-threatening condition, so it's crucial to be aware of the symptoms.
Exercise
Exercise is a must for your Golden Newfie, and they need 60 minutes of it every day. They don't need intense exercise, but rather long country walks and playtime sessions in the yard.
Their Newfie genes might make them a bit lazy, so be prepared for them to try and convince you they don't need a walk. You'll have to take them on one anyway, or they'll become stubbornly lazy.
They'll love the water, so make sure to include it in your list of activities for the week. Rinsing off their large hairy body afterwards is a small price to pay for their happiness.
Their large size means they need to get their heart pumping and body moving to stay healthy. This is especially true for their big, furry bodies.
Training
The Golden Newfie is an intelligent dog who will quickly pick up tricks with consistent training and positive reinforcement. He'll be obedient in no time, especially with a treat in hand.
His Newfie genes might make him a little stubborn, but with patience and effort, he'll learn to respect his owners. Putting in the time and effort early on will be rewarded with a well-behaved dog.
Socialization with other dogs is essential for this breed, and he'll soon learn how to play nicely with smaller dogs. Taking him to the local doggy park is a great way to exercise his body and stimulate his mind.
Leash training is a must for this breed, as a Golden Newfie who pulls on the leash will be difficult to handle. It's also a great way to teach him who's in charge.
Crate training can be beneficial for this anxious pup, providing a safe and peaceful space for him to relax. Many owners find that their dogs come to love their crate, reducing anxiety and giving them peace of mind.
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Grooming
Grooming is a crucial aspect of owning a Newfoundland dog Golden Retriever mix. They require daily brushing to prevent matting and skin conditions.
Their thick, wavy double coat is a beautiful feature, but it needs regular attention to stay healthy. Brushing also strengthens the bond with your canine.
Bathtime should be done every 8 weeks, and it's essential to use a gentle doggy shampoo that can penetrate their thick water-resistant coat. Always rinse and dry thoroughly to prevent skin irritation.
Trimming their claws regularly is also a must to prevent overgrowth and cracking. Cleaning their eyes and ears daily can help prevent ear infections.
Regular ear cleaning is especially important, as the Golden Newfie is prone to ear infections if not done properly.
Health Conditions
The Golden Newfie is a relatively healthy dog, but like any breed, he can be prone to certain health issues. He enjoys a lifespan of 8 to 12 years, which is excellent for a dog of his size.
Entropian is a condition that can affect the Golden Newfie, causing his eyelids to roll inward and potentially leading to vision problems.
Von Willebrands disease is another potential concern, which affects blood clotting and can lead to bleeding issues. Cystinuria, a genetic disorder that causes kidney stones, is also a possibility.
Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis, a rare genetic disorder that affects the brain and nervous system, is another potential issue.
Hip and elbow dysplasia are common joint problems that can affect the Golden Newfie, causing arthritis and mobility issues. Subaortic stenosis, a heart condition, can also be a concern.
Cancer is a serious health issue that can affect any dog, including the Golden Newfie.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do golden Newfie dogs weigh?
Golden Newfies typically weigh between 100 to 150 pounds when fully grown. This impressive weight range makes them a majestic breed.
What is the lifespan of a golden retriever Newfoundland mix?
A Golden Newfie's average lifespan is around 10 years, similar to its parent breeds. With proper care, they can live a happy and healthy life for a decade or more.
Sources
- Golden Newfie Dog Breed Health, Temperament, Training ... (petguide.com)
- Raymond Spragley, DVM, (zendogvet.net)
- Newfoundlanddog-info.com (newfoundlanddog-info.com)
- Instagram (instagram.com)
- Newfoundland (petkeen.com)
- A post shared by OurNewfoundlandMixes (@cassieandbaileydogs) (instagram.com)
- leash training (akc.org)
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