Newfoundland and Poodle: Everything You Need to Know About the Mix

The Newfoundland-poodle mix captures most dog enthusiasts’ hearts. They have Newfoundland’s majestic nature and the poodle’s intelligence.

In this article, we cover everything about this mix, including temperament, characteristics, size, personality, exercise needs, and grooming. Whether you are just curious about the breed or want to add one to your family, checkout this detailed review of the charming hybrid.

Newfoundland and Poodle Mix Breed Origin

Newfoundland and poodle breeding results in a Newfoundland doodle, also known as a Newfypoo. The breed combines the good-natured, giant, water-loving Newfoundland and the multi-talented, intelligent poodle.

Poodle are often used as therapy dogs and are favored for their intelligence. Despite their immense popularity in France, they are of German origin. Their name, pudlehund, means to splash about in German.

In the early 1700s, hunters used these dogs to collect waterfowl and ducks in ponds and lakes, for they were good in water.

People realized their trainability potential after their increase in Europe. Their curious and circus nature made them good companions for street performances.

The Newfoundland helped fishermen on Canada’s East Coast in Newfoundland by dragging fish nets and retrieving rope. Also, they helped rescue passengers from drowning in shipwrecks, pulling them from the water to the shores.

In addition, these dogs’ intimidating size qualified them for various jobs. Blacksmiths used them to power bellows and pull wagons and carts with supplies. At the same time, residents used them as guardians or watchdogs. Nowadays, the Newfypoo mix is steadily gaining popularity.

Newfypoo Characteristics

The Newfypoo breed has both poodle and Newfoundland traits. They are loyal, intelligent, and gentle dogs. Their characteristics include the following:

Appearance

Newfypoos are giant canines with square-shaped heads. However, some breeds may have a streamlined, thin head and tapered muzzle like a poodle.

Their brown to amber eyes are small to medium and oval in shape. Poodles have either grey or blue eyes at birth, which darken with time. On rare occasions, some keep their light eyes. Newfypoos can inherit these genes to give them light eyes.

The breed mix may inherit Newfoundland triangle-shaped ears or poodle long droopy ears.

In some cases, the breed may be hypoallergenic, like poodles. However, their allergen production may just be dormant until they mature. Either way, they have single or double-coat layers with curly and dense coats.

Size

Newfypoos inherit a large giant-like size from their Newfoundland parent, varying from 24 to 30 inches at shoulder height. At the same time, they can weigh about 32 to 68 kgs (70 to 150 pounds) with a muscular, strong, and broad chest body. These dogs need large spaces to accommodate their large sizes.

But you can consider a mini Newfypoo. This miniature version of the large breed with all their characteristics weighs 35 to 65 lbs. Be sure to do your research and vet the breeder.

Coat and Colors

Newfypoos have many different coat colors. Some of their standard colors include black, white, brown, pied, gray, blue, silver, cream, or red. And their noses can be brown or black. Their coats are either short or long, with texture varying from straight to corded.

In addition, Newfypoos are among the low shedding dog breeds, meaning they are usually hypoallergenic and suitable for people with allergies.

Temperament

Newfypoos have exceptional temperaments. They are playful and natural caretakers, often befriending any animal or human they encounter. Also, they are friendly, protective, and fiercely loyal.

With small children, Newfypoos are mindful as they exhibit a caring and gentle nature. However, their high intelligence requires frequent physical exercise and mental stimulation. They need regular outdoor activities and playtime.

Lastly, they need regular companionship and form strong bonds with humans. They may suffer separation anxiety if left alone for too long. It’s essential to consider your lifestyle before adopting.

Intelligence and Trainability

Because poodles and Newfoundlands have high intelligence, Newfypoos are quick learners with high deductive logic. Also, they are loyal and aim to please, making them eager to work on tasks.

Due to their trainability, these dogs are suitable for different activities. You can use them for therapy, and they often enjoy agility training. These dogs thrive on repetitive training methods and positive reinforcement techniques.

Exercise Needs

Although Newfypoos are not hyperactive dogs, they enjoy physical activities. They have incredible endurance and strength, making them great running companions.

They enjoy chasing frisbees and balls around the local park. Also, they are great swimmers. Older Newfypoos enjoy being in the water to ease joint pain.

It’s advisable to engage your Newfypoo for at least one hour daily. They need moderate or vigorous exercise. Potential owners should have significant dog-handling experience and an active lifestyle.

Socialization

Puppy socialization helps to introduce Newfypoos to different surroundings, other animals, humans, pets, and experiences. Through socialization, they can develop admirable social skills.

Also, when done well, socialization helps to:

Improve behavior: Puppies that experience behavioral socialization display positive behaviors. They learn proper interaction with humans and other pets.

Anxiety and fear management: Socializing your Newfypoo helps expose him to unusual sights, noises, and places. Through exposure to these stimuli, they can learn to cope with potential anxiety.

Enhance trainability: Well-socialized Newfypoos are more receptive to new behaviors. In addition, exposing them to different environments and interactions boosts their flexibility and reception to new tricks.

Improve their health: Include veterinary facilities in your Newfypoo’s socialization. Train your pup to get used to health checkups, vaccines, and preventive treatment.

Boost their confidence: Through a range of experiences, your puppy develops self-assurance in different situations.

Improve their social life: At a young age, socialization helps to prepare your dog for life in different situations. You can take them to dog parks and participate in friendly activities to achieve this.

Grooming

Newfypoo coats vary from straight to curly, making it challenging to groom them. You must groom them regularly to prevent their coat from matting, which can cause discomfort. Here are some recommendations:

• Brush his fur at least twice weekly to remove loose hair, dirt, dandruff, leaves, and other particles. Regular brushing helps to keep his coat healthy and good-looking.
• Bath him at least once a month. Besides making him feel good, bathing your dog also helps to enhance your bond with him.
• Cut his hair every three to four months, depending on age, coat, and diet.

You can groom your pup yourself or look for professional services, depending on your preferences, budget, and personal circumstances. If you opt to groom him yourself, remember to:

• Massage his body as you look for possible dry patches, hair loss, and lumps. This way, you can identify any abnormalities and take action.
• Pay special attention to prevent water getting in the ears to avoid ear infections.
• Face fur needs regular trimming to enable clear vision.

Dietary Needs

Similar to other dogs and animals, Newfypoo diet requirements depend on certain factors such as their activity level, age, size, and general health. Here are some helpful diet tips for consideration:

Look for quality dog food meant for giant and large dog breeds. Avoid artificial foods, by-products, and feeds with excess fillers.

Balanced nutrition: Feed your dog food rich in vitamins, fats, carbohydrates, proteins, and minerals. Proteins help in muscle development, whereas carbohydrates are energy-giving foods. At the same time, fats help their skin and coat.

Enough proteins: High protein helps to boost their active lifestyles by facilitating healthy muscle development and repairing muscles. It’s advisable to give them food with about 20-25% protein content.

Control their calorie intake: Newfypoos are famous for their weight gain, which can destroy their general health. Read and follow different food manufacturer guides to give them appropriate portions.

Water: Always provide your Newfypoo with clean and fresh water. Proper hydration helps them to maintain regular hydration and body functioning.

Maintain a predictable feeding schedule: feeding consistency helps dogs’ digestion and prevents grazing-like behavior. An adult Newfypoo can feed twice a day, but young ones do well with more frequent feeding, three to four times a day.

Avoid dangerous or harmful foods: Give them pure dog foods and avoid human foods. Some food meant for humans, like garlic, onions, caffeine, grapes, raisins, and others with xylitol ingredients, can be harmful or even fatal.

Health Care

Newfypoos are prone to certain conditions, including:

• Sebaceous adenitis skin problems
• Hip dysplasia
• Bloat
• Heart disease
• Subvalvular aortic stenosis heart diseases
• Minor problems include;
• Ectropion
• Entropion
• Cherry eye
• Pemphigus
• Retinal dysplasia
• Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM)
• Progressive retinal atrophy(PRA)

With proper care, you can prevent the occurrence of these diseases. Make sure to monitor your dog’s weight to prevent obesity concerns.

Exercise

Your dog needs regular exercise to prevent obesity and weight gain. Take your dog to parks and take walks daily. Due to their thick fur, they are prone to overheating. So, consider walking them during cooler weather.

Pros and Cons of Owning a Newfypoo

Newfypoos have their pros and cons. However, their puppies grow into wonderful pets!

Newpoos Pros

• Hypoallergenic: Pet lovers prefer them for their low shedding coats. This makes them suitable for people with asthma or allergies.
• Temperament: You will love them for their sweet and calm spirit. They are easy to train and loyal.
• Intelligence: Newfypoos are intelligent, trainable, and eager to please.
• Excellent watchdogs: Newfypoos are protective. They inherited this characteristic from the Newfoundland parents who are good in farmstead and livestock protection.
• Gentle with kids: These dogs are calm and peaceful with kids.
• They are available in different sizes: Newfypoos are available in many sizes. Minis grow to 25 to 50 pounds, while standards grow up to 150 pounds.
• Rarely bark: These dogs only bark when necessary to scare intruders.

Newfypoos Cons

Here are some reasons why you might not prefer a Newfypoo:

• Grooming difficulty: Please note that these dogs need frequent grooming, which takes a time commitment.
• High energy: These dogs need about 60 to 90 minutes of exercise daily.
• Medical conditions: As hybrid dogs, they are prone to diseases. Good breeders will screen for conditions before breeding.
• Separation anxiety: These dogs can suffer separation anxiety if left alone for a long time. They are unsuitable for working and traveling owners.
• Oily coats: Newfypoos have oily water-resistant coats. Also, their coats collect dirt, making it necessary to bathe them frequently.
• Hard to predict: As a new breed in the market, it is difficult to foretell their sizes.
• Expensive: They cost about $500 to $1600. Also, Newfypoos have expensive feeding and grooming demands, increasing their costs.
• Life span: They have an average lifespan of about eight to 12 years, which is relatively short.