Appearance Personality And Traits Of A Lab And Newfoundland Mix
This designer mixed breed dog is a combination of the large, solidly built Labrador retriever and the big, fluffy Newfoundland. Since this dog is a mixed breed, it can inherit physical traits from either purebred parent, and theres no way to predetermine how it is going to look like or how it is going to behave.
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The Mixed Breed Controversy
Advocates of purebred dogs claim the size, temperament, and health of a purebred can be reliably predicted. Moreover, their lineage can be traced back for many generations.
They also assert that supporting purebred dog breeders encourages the betterment of breeds.
This is mainly because breeders will ensure the characteristics and abilities inherent in purebreds can be improved upon and preserved for generations to come.
On the other hand, advocates of mixed breeds voice concern that inbreeding and exaggeration of certain physical characteristics in purebreds often result in dogs with serious health problems.
They point out that breed standards, which dictate the desirable physical attributes of purebred dogs, can at times have more to do with aesthetics than the welfare of the dog.
This has led to dogs with breathing difficulties, back and joint problems, and even difficulty giving birth.
Many believe hybrid dogs are healthier since they are purportedly less predisposed to inherited conditions than purebreds.
Indeed, one study has suggested that dogs with genetically diverse backgrounds are healthier and appear to live longer than their purebred counterparts.
Advocates of mixed breeds state that a truly responsible breeder will encourage traits that make the dog healthier and happier, even if that results in a divergence from the standard.
Is The Newfoundland German Shepherd Mix Right For Me
If you have the time and patience to socialize, train and exercise your dog, then a Newfoundland German Shepherd Mix can make a great companion.
One of these dogs is likely to be a big, smart, loyal, and devoted companion.
Do you own a Newfoundland German Shepherd Mix or are you considering making one of these beautiful dogs part of your family? Let us know in the comments.
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References And Further Reading
ONeill DG et al. 1997. Longevity and mortality of owned dogs in England. Veterinary Journal. DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2013.09.020
Orlean, S. 2012. Rin Tin Tin: The Life and Legend of the Worlds Most Famous Dog. Atlantic Books.
Duffy DL, Hsu, Y, and Serpell JA. 2008. Breed Differences in Canine Aggression. Applied Animal Behavior Science. DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2008.04.006
Newfoundland German Shepherd Mix Temperament
The large Newfoundland is famed for its sweet, gentle nature. As a result, it has earned a reputation as a nanny dog for kids.
Owning a dog of this size may bring with it challenges in terms of caring and housing for your dog. But the Newfoundland wins big points for being so agreeable.
Temperament-wise, the German Shepherd is quite different from the Newfoundland. Its definitive qualities are loyalty, intelligence, and courage.
Perhaps the greatest evidence of this is their status as the preferred breed for law enforcement and military organizations.
In the family setting, a German Shepherd will make a loyal protector. As such, they tend to remain a little reserved when introduced to strangers.
The sight of a German Shepherd may incite fear amongst many, and they have a reputation for being good watchdogs.
A study published in 2008 found that German Shepherds did score higher than other breeds when it came to dog on dog aggression as well as aggression toward strangers.
In terms of aggression towards owners, however, you have more to fear if you live with a Dachshund than a German Shepherd.
A mix of these breeds could produce a dog that takes after one breed more than the other.
However, the sweet nature of the Newfoundland could balance out the more serious and protective tendencies of the German Shepherd.
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Can Newfoundland Shepherds Live In Small Homes
This mixed breed doesnt tolerate warm weather well. They are best suited to cool or cold climates.
In warmer months, take care that your dog doesnt overheat. They should always be kept indoors when the sun is out. It is best if they are close to a fan or air conditioning. Keep a close eye on your pooch to make sure that they are as cool as possible.
Avoid taking your dog out during the hottest parts of the day as they can overheat quickly. Give them exercise early in the morning or later in the evening.
New Sheps are far too big for apartments. They need a lot of space so they will work better in larger homes. In smaller spaces, they may be prone to knocking things over.
As long as your dog gets enough exercise throughout the day, they dont need a yard. If your New Shep is of the high energy variety, though, having access to a yard can help them to burn off some excess energy.
These dogs love human companionship, so never leave them alone in the yard for a long period. Instead, give them the option of coming in and out so that they can spend time with you when they want.
New Shep Dogs Food Requirement:
Ideal body weight and adequate nutrition are compulsory for the dogs well-being. Make sure you are providing a hygienic and quality diet to your dog. Usually, a New shep dog eats 3 cups of kibble every day. Well, if you observe any disturbance in the health of the dog, immediately consult your vet.
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Newfoundland And German Shepherd Mix Grooming:
As discussed, the coat of the Newfoundland German shepherd mix dog is dense and tangles easily so, daily brushing is necessary to maintain the look of the dog. Usually, the coat sheds in the summer and spring season, so maintaining the coat in these seasons is a challenge.
Excessive or cheap shampoo can damage the skin of your dog resulting in skin irritation so, only give it a bath when there is a dire need to remove the dirt. Keep on clipping the nails once a month and visit a professional groomer 3 to 6 times a year.
How To Find A Newfoundland German Shepherd Mix Puppy
The growing popularity of mixes can be good news for the general health of dogs.
However, some unscrupulous individuals have taken advantage of the demand, and view the production of puppies as nothing more than a way to make a profit.
While it may seem to be the easiest option, getting your new puppy from a pet shop is not recommended. Sadly, these puppies have more often than not been bred in puppy farms.
Dogs kept in puppy farms are housed in appalling conditions and often suffer untreated injuries and health problems.
Not only are they often neglected physically, but mentally these dogs are deprived of the chance to socialize and play.
First and foremost, make sure you can meet the parents of your dog, and see where they have been raised in person.
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Is It Easy To Train A Newfoundland German Shepherd
Newfoundland German Shepherds are highly trainable. They have a great work ethic and are intelligent to pick up a wide variety of commands and instructions.
You should start their training from the moment you bring your pup home. They can be difficult to control as they get bigger so starting young can help to avoid a lot of issues.
These dogs are people pleasers so use positive reinforcement to get them to learn tricks more readily.
How Popular Is The Newfoundland German Shepherd Mix
As far as crossbreeds go, the Newfoundland-German Shepherd mix is not very popular. That may have to do with the fact that each of these two breeds is more valuable as purebreds. So, most breeders dont find any incentive in crossing the two.
Additionally, the Newfoundlands arent very common dogs themselves. While German Shepherds are ranked as AKCs 2nd most popular breed, Newfoundlands rank the 40th.
Not many people have them so there arent really many opportunities for them to cross with other breeds, whether intentionally or accidentally.
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Characteristics Of The Crossbreed
If you are interested in a New Shep, learn what characteristic features it inherits from its predecessors German Shepherds and Newfoundlands.
German Shepherds look intimidating and bark loudly. They are highly intelligent and become loyal companions to their beloved owners. They are also pretty trainable, eager to please the owner, and have a strong working drive. Shepherds are multipurpose workers suitable for doing jobs in the police, military, and guidance services. Guarding is also a good job for them because they are fierce and alert.
Newfoundlands are much bigger and stronger than Shepherds. Though, they are also much calmer. The abundance of fur and big bones make them look impressive. They are gentle and sweet, but they also make perfect working dogs to carry out emergency services and rescues, especially those that include swimming in icy water. Rescuing children and adults from drowning is the job they have become well-known for. Nowadays, Newfoundlands are kept as home pets.
The German Shepherd Newfoundland mix puppy is the offspring of crossbreeding that displays the best characteristics of German Shepherds and Newfoundland dogs. It is larger than a Shepherd but much calmer and more affectionate. It is more open and patient to the presence of strangers, and more welcoming to other animals. Nevertheless, the New Shep has an outstanding work drive and very strong protective instincts.
Newfoundland Dog German Shepherd Mix Training:
If you have a good experience with dogs, then start training them with patience after purchasing it. As the Newfoundland and German Shepherd Mix dog is intelligent, so they pick up things easily.
Be aware of the little obstinate nature of the dog and handle it with patience rather than behaving harshly or aggressively. If you are unable to control and train the dog, then take it or group training sessions. Also, hiring a personal trainer will help you a lot in this regard but then get ready to pay a little more training price than usual.
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Lab And Newfoundland Mix Food Requirements
The best food choice for a big dog like your Lab and Newfoundland Cross should be rich in protein like fish or meat and carbohydrates which you can get from whole grains, peas, and beans. They have incredibly high energy, so they need sufficient amount of calories to restore what they have burned, For seniors, it is important to serve them with food rich in glucosamine and chondroitin for joint mobility and repair and DHA found in seaweed oil for proper brain and vision function. For your puppies, food should be hypoallergenic, rich in calcium for strong bones and teeth, and omega 6 and 3 essential for healthy skin and coat.
How much you feed them is dependent on their age and activity levels.
Here are some examples you can try:
1. Merrick Grain-Free Real Texas Beef + Sweet Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food for puppies is a grain-free formula that is allergy-friendly. It features real, deboned beef, along with sweet potatoes, peas, apples, blueberries and more.
2. Now Fresh Large Breed Adult Recipe is made with 100% fresh turkey, duck, and salmon. It also features 100% fresh omega 3 & 6 oils from canola and coconut, with fruits and vegetables and wholesome berries, that promotes a healthy coat.
3. Purina Pro Plan Bright Mind Large Breed Formula is specially formulated to meet the needs of large and elderly dogs. With chicken as the main ingredient, it also uses improved botanical oils that are an efficient and effective fuel source.
Origins Of The Newfoundland
Newfoundland dogs have long been relied on by Canadian fishermen to help on fishing boats. They would bring in the nets of fish and pull them to the markets on carts.
Their strength and natural swimming ability also earned them a reputation as lifeguards. They are skilled at saving people in trouble in the water.
The Newfoundlands courageous yet kind nature has won them many celebrated positions throughout history.
These included accompanying Lewis and Clark on their American Overland Expedition, providing companionship to Lord Byron, and minding Senator Kennedys children.
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Does A Newfoundland Shepherd Require A Lot Of Grooming
You can expect quite a bit of shedding with this mixed breed. The best way to minimize this is to brush them regularly. Make it a point to brush your dog at least three times a week to reduce loose fur around the house.
You will need to use a slicker brush and an undercoat rake as your dog has a double coat. The undercoat rake doesnt need to be used as often, but still, try to brush your dog with it at least once a week. It will make all the difference.
If your New Shep has a coat that is more similar to Newfoundland, you should be aware that it will attract dirt, grit, and burrs. This means that your dog needs to be brushed whenever you take them out to a wooded area or a dog park. Failing to do so can leave the fur matted and dirty.
Your dog will likely blow their coat a couple of times a year and the shedding will reach peak levels at this point. During this period, you should brush them out every day and use the undercoat rake more regularly. You will also have to add a de-shedding brush to the routine.
Newfoundland German Shepherds dont need to be bathed that often. Once every month or two is more than enough unless your dog gets dirty. Bathing them too often can dry out their skin and damage their coat.
It should be noted that their coat can be rather overwhelming to the groom. This is why owners will often hire groomers to handle this task.
Rescuing A Newfoundland German Shepherd Mix
If you are looking to rescue one of these dogs, check local rescue groups dedicated to the parent breeds.
Sometimes these groups will help find homes for crosses as well as purebreds.
Otherwise, check at your local shelter.
Get as much information as you can about the background of the dog, as they might have some special requirements if they have been abused or neglected in the past.
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Fun Facts About The Newfoundland German Shepherd Mix
There are plenty of fascinating facts about the parent breeds of the Newfoundland German Shepherd mix. Here are some that stand out:
The actions of one Newfoundland may have had a hand in how history played out.
In 1815 a Newfoundland reportedly saved the life of none other than Napoleon Bonaparte when he went overboard while fleeing the island of Elba.
In the 1920s, one German Shepherd named Rin Tin Tin was arguably just as famous as any Hollywood star.
Rin Tin Tin starred in 27 films throughout his life. Its rumored that he won the most votes for the most popular actor category in the 1929 Academy Awards.
In the end, the Academy decided the award must be given to a human.
Training Your Newfoundland German Shepherd Mix
First things first, youll want to potty train your puppy, particularly if they are going to be spending time inside with you .
Both these dogs are large and powerful. The German Shepherd is by nature a little wary of strangers and protective of their human family.
Socialization, which involves exposing your puppy to as many new situations and experiences as possible, is an absolute must if you decide to adopt a mix of these two dogs.
German Shepherds are active, intelligent dogs. It is important that you keep them busy and engaged mentally.
Both of these dogs enjoy regular exercise. the Newfoundland, in particular, is a natural swimmer and loves playing in the water.
Both breeds enjoy canine sports such as agility, dock jumping, and herding.
Sadly, German Shepherds are prone to conformational issues, so keep an eye on your pups gait to ensure they not experiencing any pain.
Crossing with a Newfoundland might reduce such problems. Ultimately, checking that their parents did not suffer from these issues before choosing your puppy is the wisest course of action.
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German Shepherd Newfoundland Mix History
Here is a brief history of both the Shepherd and the Newfoundland. Being that this is a mixed breed dog, there isnt a lot of history to it. However, we go more in depth to the history of all of the breeds.
As his name suggests, the German Shepherd originated in Germany, where he was created in the nineteenth century primarily by Captain Max von Stephanitz, who wanted to develop a dog that could be used for military and police work. The result was a dog that encompassed striking good looks, intelligence and versatility. World War I put a dent in the breeds burgeoning popularity because the dogs were associated with the enemy. German Shepherds braved artillery fire, land mines and tanks to supply German soldiers in the trenches with deliveries of food and other necessities. After the war, movies featuring Rin Tin Tin and fellow German Shepherd Strongheart brought the breed back into favor. American audiences loved them. For a time, the German Shepherd was the most popular breed in the United States.
Even Lewis and Clark relied on a sturdy Newfoundland dog to accompany them on their westward trek through the Americas.
“Summer 1803, Lewis oversees construction of big keelboat in Pittsburgh, then takes it down Ohio River, picking up Clark and some recruits along the way. With Lewis is a Newfoundland dog, Seaman, he has purchased for 20 dollars.”