Looking for a sweet, patient pooch to add to your clan?
You don’t always have to pick a purebred pup — mixed breed doggos can make amazing family pets, and the Golden Newfie is no exception! This adorable cross between a golden retriever and Newfoundland produces a dignified designer dog that is sure to leave a pawprint on your heart.
We’ll share everything you need to know about these gentle giants below, so that you can determine whether or not these pooches are a good match for your lifestyle.
What Is A Golden Newfie?
As stated, the Golden Newfie is a magnificent mixed-breed mutt that’s created by crossing a Newfoundland with a golden retriever. While these wonderful pups don’t have a particularly long or well-documented history, it’s clear that the cross has risen in popularity due to the Golden Newfie’s pawsitive demeanor and unwavering devotion to his family.
Golden Newfies make amazing dogs for most families, though it’s important to evaluate any dog on an individual basis to ensure that they’re a good fit for your day-to-day life. Like any other breed or combination thereof, these dogs come with their own set of traits and characteristics you’ll want to consider before falling for those big puppy-dog eyes.
Understanding the Golden Newfie’s Parent Breeds
Predicting the characteristics of mixed breed pups can be difficult. That being said, understanding your pup’s parent breeds can give you key insights into your mutt’s personality.
We’ll try to help you do so below, by providing a basic overview of the golden retriever and Newfoundland.
Golden Retrievers: Perennial Four-Footed Favorites
Half of the Golden Newfie’s good looks and sweet disposition can be attributed to the beautiful golden retriever.
If you’re looking for a devoted and friendly furry best friend, these happy-go-lucky gundogs are an amazing choice. After all, there’s a reason these popular pooches rank as the AKC’s 3rd most popular dog breed in the U.S.
Goldens are medium-sized dogs weighing between 55 and 75 pounds. They were originally bred to hunt birds and retrieve waterfowl, and their history as loyal hunting companions plays into their tendency to bond closely with their humans. In fact, you’ll find that golden retrievers are up for just about anything, as long as they’re able to be near their families and earn a treat or two.
These trusting, intelligent dogs are eager to please and fairly are generally considered an easy to train dog breed. However, you’ll find that these dogs often act as permanent puppies, carrying a playful, puppy-like spirit well into adulthood. Golden retrievers are affectionate, adaptable dogs, who’re well-suited for a variety of living situations. So long as these loving dogs get enough exercise and time with their families, they make amazing canine companions.
Newfoundlands: Big, Fluffy, and Sweet Pups
The other half of the Golden Newfie’s gene pool comes from the Newfoundland.
These gentle giants weigh between 110 and 150 pounds and have hearts of pure gold. While they aren’t as popular as golden retrievers in the US (they currently rank as the 40th most popular breed), these extra-large dogs are well-loved for their patient, sweet personalities.
Newfoundlands were originally bred to haul fishermen’s nets out of the ocean, and they also served as water rescue dogs. These big buddies bond closely with their humans and are always up for a quick swim. While Newfies are known for being fairly mellow, they aren’t laid-back apartment dogs. Newfoundlands are working dogs who need regular exercise, mental stimulation, and plenty of room to stay happy.
Unfortunately, the Newfoundland’s luxurious coat sheds heavily. These dogs are also prone to drooling, so they aren’t the best choice for owners who aren’t willing to pick up after their pooches. But despite the minor challenges they present, these are some of the most devoted, loving dogs you can find.
Newfoundlands are known for their keen ability to befriend children, along with anyone else in your family. These big best buddies are easy to train due to their natural intelligence, and they make amazing canine companions as long as they have enough space to stretch out.
Golden Newfie Traits and Characteristics
As with all mixed-breed pooches, it can be challenging to accurately predict an individual dog’s personality and physical characteristics.
There’s no guarantee, for example, that your marvelous mutt will have traits perfectly split between the golden retriever and Newfoundland parents.
That being said, here are some general guidelines of what you can expect from a Golden Newfie. This way, you can determine whether or not these fabulous furry friends are a good fit for your family.
- Size and Shape: Golden Newfies are large dogs weighing between 80 and 130 pounds. They’re typically 24 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder, though this can easily fluctuate with mixed breed pups. These pups usually have on a golden retriever-like frame, with fluffier fur and a bulkier head, presumably from their Newfoundland parents.
- Temperament: Most Golden Newfies are known for their sweet disposition and sensitive personalities, deceivingly wrapped in a bear-like exterior. These big buddies are eager to please and love spending time with their families. Golden Newfies can be protective around strangers, though they’re generally friendly four-footers when socialized properly. These measured mutts are super patient and love being around children, though you’ll want to watch them closely since their large size could lead to accidents. Golden Newfies love lively households where someone is usually around to play or provide pets.
- Coat and Colors: These pups will inherit a thick-double coat that is unfortunately guaranteed to shed all over the house. Golden Newfies tend to have full brown, gray, red, or black coats, but there can occasionally be a bit of variation here. For example, you may find that your Golden Newfie has some white markings similar to his Newfoundland parent, though a full solid coat is most common. These patient pups will usually have big brown eyes.
- Intelligence: The Golden Newfie is naturally pretty smart and eager to please so he’s sure to learn a wide variety of tricks and commands. That being said, these sensitive dogs respond best to positive, consistent training sessions. A treat or two is sure to help throughout training sessions. These mentally sharp dogs will also enjoy puzzle toys and engaging in other challenging activities.
- Training Challenges: Since these dignified doggos are quite large, they must be trained as early and consistently as possible. As they get older, these powerful working dogs will become more challenging to guide, so you’ll want to get started with socialization and mastering all basic commands as soon as you can. While they are rarely aggressive, Golden Newfies can be naturally protective around strangers.
- Grooming: These fluffy friends take quite a bit of maintenance, requiring daily brushing to maintain their lustrous coats. You’ll also want to make sure you stay up to date with doggie basics like daily tooth brushing and monthly baths. Since these pups like to swim, you’ll also want to clean their ears often to prevent infections. Some Golden Newfies tend to drool as well, so it’s worth having plenty of puppy wipes to help Fido stay fresh.
- Exercise Needs: Don’t let the laid-back dispositions fool you! These working dogs need to be engaged and exercised regularly to keep their tails wagging. Golden Newfies love going for a good swim (they even have webbed feet), though a lively game of fetch or a couple of long walks will also serve this purpose.
- Health: Unfortunately, these dogs have a shorter lifespan than other breeds (as is the case with many large breed dogs). Golden Newfies live around 10 years with proper care. These dogs are fairly healthy otherwise, though they can be susceptible to conditions like hip dysplasia and bloat which are experienced by both parent breeds.
Best Families and Owners For A Golden Newfie
Are you ready to welcome one of these big buddies into your life? Hold your horses! There are a few important things you need to take into consideration before bringing one of these sweeties home.
Here is a quick checklist to make sure the Golden Newfie is the dog of your dreams:
- Somebody is usually home at your house. These people-oriented pooches want nothing more than to hang out with their family members and friends. They can be prone to separation anxiety and do best in homes where there’s always someone to play with. Though these pups are sweet and laid back, they are still a working breed so they need to be mentally and physically engaged on a daily basis to stay happy.
- You’re ready to work on training. With large breeds like the Golden Newfie, focused training sessions are an absolute must. That being said, these people-pleasing pups are highly sensitive, so you’ll need to be as positive and patient as possible. These dogs also need to be socialized early on, as they may have a tendency to be protective around strangers.
- You don’t mind grooming. The majestic Golden Newfie isn’t for someone who’s looking for a low-maintenance dog, as these pups shed heavily and sometimes drool excessively. While this daily upkeep can be a lot of work, a grateful Golden Newfie is sure to show his appreciation in unwavering loyalty and care.
- You can keep these smart pups entertained. These intelligent working dogs need to stay busy throughout the day, whether that’s breaking for trips to the dog park or for a dip in the local lake. Golden Newfies need more than just their mandatory potty walks. These pups should be paired with families that are able to provide them with plenty of activities and attention throughout the day.
- You have plenty of space. Though these dogs are fairly adaptable, you’ll need plenty of space to accommodate their large size. Any Golden Newfie is sure to appreciate having a big, fenced-in yard to stretch his legs in.
- You’re looking for a devoted family dog. Should you choose to take on one of these floofs, you’re sure to find a lifelong, loyal companion. Golden Newfies love spending time with friends and family members of all ages.
To sum it all up, Golden Newfies are a good pick for any family looking for a big, sweet, smart, and lovable companion, who’ll surely become a full-fledged family member. While these dogs are incredibly loving and wonderful canine companions, they do require considerable amounts of attention and maintenance on a daily basis.
With that in mind, most Golden Newfie owners find that these big buddies are worth the extra care and effort.
Where Can You Find A Golden Newfie?
As with any designer dog, Golden Newfies result from a unique cross and are, therefore, somewhat tricky to track down. With that in mind, one of your best resources is the internet! Scour pet-oriented search engines like Petfinder for leads on these designer dogs.
You can also ask other Golden Newfie owners if you could get in contact with their breeder. While there may not be any active litters available, you’ll probably have a good chance of getting added to a waiting list.
Throughout any puppy search, you’ll want to ensure that you’re selecting a reputable breeder. You should also meet your future puppy’s parents ahead of time to get an idea of what your four-footer may be like.
Should the characteristics of either parent seem unfit for you and your family, the puppy might not be the right pick for you.
Of course, you can also check your local shelters and rescues — particularly if you aren’t opposed to adopting an older Golden Newfie. You may have to settle for one that also has a few other dog breeds in his gene pool, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing at all.
Similar Breeds and Breed Mixes to the Golden Newfie
If you aren’t sure these patient pups are the perfect fit for your family, here are some other similar breeds and breed mixes to take into consideration.
- Bernefie: This Bernese Mountain dog and Newfoundland mix is gentle, intelligent, and good with kids. These big buddies bond closely with their family members and may be naturally wary of strangers, so early socialization is paramount.
- Golden Saint: This Saint Bernard and golden retriever mix is a gentle, loving family companion that is sure to keep you on your toes with his playful personality. These fluffy friends have infectious, happy-go-lucky personalities.
- Newfoundland Labrador Mix: This Newfoundland and Labrador mix is incredibly intelligent and loyal. These people-pleasing pups love following their family members from one room to the next.
- Golden Pyrenees: This golden retriever and great Pyrenees mix is a sweet, protective pooch. These friendly floofs like to stay busy, but they will enjoy curling up with you after a long day of work.
- Bernese Mountain Dog: The Bernese mountain dog is good-natured, kind, and endlessly devoted to his family members. These hard-working pups do particularly well with kids.
- Leonberger: These highly intelligent gentle giants love playing and spending time with their family members. Leonberger dogs are eager to please and fairly easy to train.
- Saint Bernard: Saint Bernards (and, for that matter, most Saint Bernard mixes) are playful pups that are known for their big size and even bigger hearts. These dignified dogs are super sweet, though you’ll need to be ready to clean up some slobber with these big buddies.
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The Golden Newfie is a sweet, patient pooch that is sure to be eternally devoted to you and your family. These gentle canine companions make amazing furry family members when paired with the right home.
Do you have one of these friendly four-footers at home? Does he act more like a golden retriever or a Newfoundland? We’d love to hear all about it in the comments below!
(Header image from Newfoundlanddog-info.com)
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