Healthy mixes?

emilin_rose

New member
I'm keeping an eye out in my local shelter for that one special dog, but i'm not a high energy person. I love newfies and want one of my own but i'm concerned about the health problems associated with the breed. I get very sad seeing a pet suffering, even if i do the best i can to help. So i was looking into mixed breeds, and i was wondering if there are any particular breeds who may cover some of the weaknesses of the Newfie breed? What should i be looking for, in the event i don't find one in a shelter?
 

Angela

Super Moderator
Not all Newf have health problems you know.
My Gracie who died last July was 14 3/4 years old and was never sick until the last few months of her life.

Evan, who is 10 1/2 years old only had bone chips removed when he was 2 years old. Touch wood, nothing since.

My first dog was a Newfie Lab cross which actually got me into Newfs many years ago. He had the laid back Newf temperament.

Good luck in your search for your buddy.
 

wrknnwf

Active member
I don't buy into to the notion that mixed breeds are healthier. If the parents carried bad genes, the pup will too. Those genes may or may not express themselves, but that is true of any animal. Look at humans. If mixed breeds are healthier, then with the size of the human gene pool, why are humans so disease ridden?
 

Jeannie

Super Moderator
Like Angela said, not all are unhealthy. The most important thing is to be sure you purchase from a reputable breeder. The healthier the parents the more likely the pup will be healthy too.

I have had a total of 5 newfs. Only one of them had genetic health problems and that was allergies. She still lived to be over 14 and as she got older the allergies went away.

I own a boarding kennel. Many of my customers with mix breed dogs have health issues. More so than I have with my newfs.

You stated you were looking in shelters for a mix breed dog. Are you looking in a shelter for a newf? If so you never know what the breeding will be or even if it is pure bred. You get what you pay for. I know the cost of a puppy from a reputable breeder is a lot of money, but that is only a drop in the bucket when you figure how much a newf will cost to raise. They eat more, their medications are more because they have to take such large dosages - heartworm and flea medications. IMO a newf is not a cheap dog to own.
 
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CathyC.

New member
Have you considered a rescued newf? A more mature newf might be lower energy. That said my one year old is a pretty low energy dog and perfect for us. A reputable breeder is a great resource to have.
 

victoria1140

Active member
Whats a low energy newf.yes they are out there but never had one yet as mine have all been hyper and needing a lot of training and redirection but oh so worth it.

Have you factored in cost of good insurance as well for any dog.plus time off work, travel to vets/specialists if they are ill, etc.newfs arent cheap dogs if they need medical care .
 

wrknnwf

Active member
Good point about low energy Newfs. Everyone seems to think that Newfs just lay around all the time. While they are quiet and usually well mannered in the home as adult dogs, a Newf, especially a youngster, without a job can be a real problem.

That means they need training and the more training the better. When they're pups, they have far more energy than you can ever imagine. It's not unusual for new owners to come to this forum out of desperation, because their puppy is "out of control". Just know that their laid back personality is in there somewhere.
 

BLCOLE

Active member
Good point about low energy Newfs. Everyone seems to think that Newfs just lay around all the time. While they are quiet and usually well mannered in the home as adult dogs, a Newf, especially a youngster, without a job can be a real problem.

That means they need training and the more training the better. When they're pups, they have far more energy than you can ever imagine. It's not unusual for new owners to come to this forum out of desperation, because their puppy is "out of control". Just know that their laid back personality is in there somewhere.
I've always been a fan of older Newfs for this reason. Most of mine have come to me as Seniors...
 

emilin_rose

New member
Well i wanted to give a rescue pup a chance if i could. And that's a fair point about mixed breeds. My only experience with pure-breds was a cat one of my relatives had that had a few health problems of her own.

Can you guys recommend breeders you know?

I've met a newfoundland puppy before so i know they're high energy when they are small. Also are there any tips you guys could give on getting them used to cats?

I think the following picture is a bernese mountain dog, not a newf, but its still cute, so have a cute dog.
 

lmfoltyn

New member
Newfs are not for every person...we have had 4, three rescues and a puppy from a breeder...if you are a low energy person, I would not get a puppy...they will drive you insane if you don't know what you are getting into...well actually they can drive you there even if you know...LOL. Our two senior newfs were just the most adorable and adored dogs EVER...I know that is where my heart is and I will always hope to adopt more seniors in my lifetime. I wish you well in your quest for a new addition to your family...but maybe a newf isn't the best choice for you...
 

R Taft

Active member
Some newfies are high energy forever..i have one, Annabelle she runs the pants of anyone at eight, still does agility and loves it..still swims and does water work. I also have katy , who was quiet and the perfect puppy from day one....just remeber they are still all just dogs and have different personalities. i also had one newfie that was extremly high energy.....meet the parents, check out the "line" you are buying from. that is the joy of buying a puppy from reputable breeders..you can kinda "pick" what you will be getting. Rescue and mixed breeds is pot luck and you can still get a double dose of bad.......I love finding a good breeder and than knowing that you have a good chance of getting what you want........They know their puppies and can often help you get the right puppy and also TRAINING from day one..set the rules you want to live by from day one. i was looking for high energy pups and I found the perfect breeder for those. Locally here in Australia I could help you withte low enegy dogs as I have had a couple and she has a definite line of them...I have three Rescue newfies and I also help with Newf rescue....There can be a lot of re-training involved and some are just prefect from day one..........Like I said they are still dogs and a lot is dependent on how they are trained and how involved the handler is with them. My high energy dogs was so gorgeous and quiet in the house that no one knew she was high energy , until she was out and about and at training...you can make your perfect dog, if you spend the time it takes withthem........i think training will make even the highest energy dog a joy to live with
 

Puppypeoplenj

New member
If you do go the puppy route, do your research! There are puppy buyer stickies (permanent threads) here on newf.net and on the NCA website. I'd never get a dog who wasn't on the NCA's national or local club breeder list, FYI
 

BLCOLE

Active member
if you are a low energy person, I would not get a puppy...they will drive you insane if you don't know what you are getting into...well actually they can drive you there even if you know...LOL.
:D :D :p. I LOVE this, it is so well put! And TRUE.
 

emilin_rose

New member
Well i always feel like a shelter dog deserves a home as much as any other dog, but i'd be happy to get a newf, either an adult or a puppy. I know they can be high energy as puppies.

My mom had 4 lab puppies at one time, who kept thinking the black cat was their littermate. He didn't like them though. "Leave kitty alone" will forever be a phrase i associate with the little rascals.

But yes, whether a quiet puppy or an adult i'd love one in the future.

I also plan to get a cat, and i'm thinking if i don't find that special dog in the pound, a younger dog might adjust better to the cat. unless i'm mistaken. but I also think a calmer, older newf would probably be better since it would technically be my therapy animal.

Thank you all for your advice.

Taft: i wish i could go there and get your help, but i'm about as far from Australia as is physically possible anywhere short of the moon.
 
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BLCOLE

Active member
I'd suggest a meet and greet with a cat BEFORE you get both a Newf and a feline. I've had some Newfs with high prey drives...
 

emilin_rose

New member
Will do. i'll be sure to ask about the line as well. With an older dog, which is more what i'm leaning toward, i figure it'll be easier to figure out their personality, which will be a huge help.
 

Sound Bay Newfs

Active member
Not all newfs have health problems and not all mixes are healthier. And not all newf pups are high energy, but they can be. You may want to contact breeders on the NCA site, as some of them will re home an adult past show dog that may not fit into their breeding program.
 
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