Labrador Newfoundland Mix Facts

Newfoundland and Lab Retriever Mix

The Newfoundland Lab Combination is a hybrid borne from two stocky and largely-built dogs – the Newfoundland and the Labrador retriever. They are also known today as Newfador, New Labralound or Labrafoundland.  It is s an excellent choice for a family pet as it has a very gentle nature and will be perfect for children.

Let us delve deeper into the life of a Newfoundland Lab Mix.

3 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Get A Cross between a Newfoundland and Lab

One might ask if fit to become a dog owner.   You have to weigh in the pros and cons before deciding to get a mix of Lab and Newfoundland.  Some say it’s a leap of faith and we couldn’t agree more. Here are a few sensible things that may help you make that decision:

• Too Much Taradiddle!

This dog drools everywhere.

You’ll be surprised by the great deal amount of drool this dog can produce!

• Hair, Here, There, and Everywhere!

This Newfoundland and Lam combination is a large dog with a lot of long hair, and it sheds – to a great extent!

You’ll discover dog hairs all over the place – in every nook and cranny of your house, from the living space to the bedroom, and even in your clothes.

You can get a sturdy and dependable vacuum cleaner, or if you’re someone who has an aversion to dogs that leaves hair everywhere, then you better start looking for another mix.

• Very Long Walks!

The combination of a Newfoundland and Lab is an extremely active mix.  They are full of life, and they enjoy a lot of outdoor activities like walking, hiking and, believe it or not, swimming.

If you’re the type who doesn’t enjoy long walks, then this is probably not a wise choice for you.

If you think you will not be able to grant your Newfoundland Lab Mix puppy these whims, then don’t get one.

3 Reasons Why You Should Get a Cross between a Labrador and a Newfoundland

1. Newfoundland and Lab Cross makes us oh so happy!

Dogs, in general, make people happy for a variety of reasons, and further analysis has proven that owning one has many benefits health-wise.  Your Lab and Newfoundland cross can help you relax tense muscles, promotes a sense of serenity, and lower stress that may lead to depression. They also help cut down risks of cardiovascular disease by reducing cholesterol levels and triglycerides. People who are going through depression, desolation, homesickness, loneliness, and self-doubt are advised by doctors to get a pet as they are thought to improve social skills and general well-being of a person.

2. They make a good exercise buddy.

Your Lab and Newfoundland cross are incredibly energetic and lively, and it motivates you to become a more active individual.  Your combination of Lab and Newfoundland encourages you to go outdoors, to be up and about. Imagine this, an hour or two of vigorous exercise – walking, running, playing, and swimming – is like hitting the gym.  Not only that, you get a sufficient amount of Vitamin D which is good for your health.

3. A loyal pet.

The Lab and Newfoundland mix will be a constant and reliable companion; this cross will love any activity alongside its owner.

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 there’s no way to predetermine how it is going to look like or how it is going to behave.

Lab and Newfoundland Cross Puppies for Sale

You might be inclined to ask how much you would spend if ever you decide to get a Newfoundland Lab Cross.  The price ranges from $500 to $1,000, depending on the history of the purebred parents and the breeder. It is always sensible to conduct thorough research on the breeder first before you plunge into buying.   Never buy and do business online.

Always remember that breeders with a good reputation will offer you information about the purebred parents or previous litters.  They also provide relevant papers regarding your N puppy. You can start finding a breeder by going through your local AKC club. You can meet up with the breeders; some would even let you visit their kennels which is a good practice as it allows you to scrutinize the dog’s living conditions.

Here are some breeders and kennels to launch your search:

1. Kennel Name: Johnson Farms

Breeder Name: Clancy Johnson

Lyndonville, NY 14098/585-7659855

2. Kennel Name: Bella Fleur Cavaliers

Breeder Name: Carol Johnson

Caledonia, MI 49316/ 616-490-522

3. Kennel Name: Burky Hill Acres

Breeder Name: Nelson Burkholder

Millersburg, OH 44654/330-763-0049

4. Kennel Name: Hergert Family Farm

Breeder Name: Spencer and Chrissy Hergert

Lingle, WY 82223/307-575-8668

5. Kennel Name: Monroe Valley Pups

Breeder Name: Laura

Fredericksburg, PA 17026/570-590-8203

Grooming Your Newfoundland Labrador Combination

A Newfoundland Lab Cross would necessitate a lot of grooming and would, therefore, require a lot of time.  If you’re a busy type of person and don’t want to be troubled grooming your dog, then this cross is not for you.  If you’re a frugal type of person who doesn’t want to pay a professional groomer, then this mix is better off without you.

The grooming requirements of a Newfoundland cross Labrador is mostly dependent on the coat it acquired – so you can use your better judgment to decide how often you should groom.

Here are the recommended products for grooming:

Combs and Brushes

1. Fine tooth comb – The fine-tooth comb offers very little resistance on the coat; it works to remove nits from your Newfoundland Lab cross.

2. Greyhound comb – The greyhound comb is a fit choice for line combing your Newfoundland Lab mix as it gets deep down to the skin. It is also useful in removing debris, like burrs and sticks, from the coat.

3. Pin Brush – The most favored brush for daily use, the pin brush is perfect for everyday grooming. It effectively removes knots and tangles from the longer coats of a Newfoundland Lab Mix.  The ends of the brush also work to gather dead hair.

You can select one from a wide array of products with unique features, in different shapes, sizes, and varieties. Try not to use pin brushes with small plastic balls on the end as they end up snagging on the coat.  The balls also tend to fall off quickly, and this may harm your Lab crossed with Newfoundland’s coat. The 27mm long tines is a good recommendation.

4. Undercoat Rake – An undercoat rake works to de-entangle double coated hybrids like the Newfoundland Lab Mix. This product is usually used when a dog is blowing coat – this is when the winter coat transition to summer coat or vice versa. The length of the tines makes it go deep into the hair and grab out loose fur skins and matting. They are available in the market with a wide selection, ranging from different styles, different teeth lengths, and for different textures and coats. A single row, single length undercoat rake is best for everyday use and the one with double rows, different lengths are excellent for removing the undercoat.

5. Slicker brush – The slicker brush works flawlessly for de-matting as the wire pins move effortlessly through the coat to untangle hair.  It is also a wise choice for removing dead hair from the undercoat with the curved ends working to gather dead, lifeless hair.

Available in soft and delicate or firm and sturdy pins, slicker brushes also come in different sizes.

6. Mars Coat King – This tool conveniently gets rid of dead hair and undercoat. The chest and pants are heavily coated areas, so the Mars Coat King works for de-bulking wonders. It’s a stripper with blades, so be careful when using it.  Many products are now available in the market, but the most commonly used in Lab Newfoundland cross would be the 18″ double-wide blade.

7. Mat Splitter – You can use this tool to cut up the mats to allow easier combing. They come in several varieties, with sharp blades that can leave behind holes so use it with caution. The single-blade is widely used in Lab Newfoundland mix.

Grooming Scissors

• Thinning shears – With a regular blade on one side and a comb-like one on the other, this is a perfect choice for your Newfoundland and Lab combination.  You can use this to immaculately trim out the hair on the chest, paws, pants, ears and other parts of the dog’s body. Available in beauty supply stores, they come in a variety of choices and ranges – in price, shape, and size.  It is important to note that the lesser set of teeth you use means a choppier cut you can make. A 40-tooth shear makes an exceptional choice for a Newfoundland and Lab cross.
• Straight shears – The straight shears are ideal for trimming paws and flyaway hairs. It is somewhat sharp and could easily wound the skin.  And worse, it could leave a rough and irregular appearance on the body. You can get this at local supply stores, but it can be pretty expensive, be careful when choosing as inexpensive ones may have blades that dull easily.
• Curved shears – You can use a pair of curved shears to enhance the shape of the ears, paws, and legs.

Other Grooming Tools

• Clippers – You can use Clippers in place of the straight shears. They work flawlessly on the paws or for a belly trim during the warm months. They come in a variety of styles. The blade size depends on what trim you want to achieve.
• Grooming table – A grooming table is a wise investment if you’re planning to be your Lab Newfoundland cross’ exclusive groomer. It is always best to introduce the grooming table while your mix is still a young pup to allow time of getting used to it.  The tab will keep him in place while grooming session is ongoing. Get one that is adjustable so you can set it in a comfortable height – this will help you maintain a good posture. Don’ t leave your dog alone and unattended on a grooming table to prevent a fall and subsequently, any injury it might cause.
• High-speed dog dryer – This is essential for a Newfoundland and lab cross that is fond of swimming.

Drying out your dog will help reduce hot spots because the high-speed dryer thoroughly dries deep into the skin. It can also work to snuff out loose hair and dandruff on a dry coat. And your Lab Newfoundland combination can amass plenty of dandruff, depending on the severity of the condition.

Dryers are usually expensive.  For your dog friend, A cool dryer with varying airflow adjustments is highly recommended. Some examples are the K9 high-velocity dog dryers and Metro Air Force dryers.

It is important to note that you never attempt to use a regular blow dryer on a Lab and Newfoundland combination as it gets extremely hot and it not at all dry their coat.

• Grooming spray – A grooming spray allows you to brush and comb the hair without any difficulties. There are so many grooming sprays to choose from, and it can be particularly hard to pick one that would work for your cross between Newfoundland and Lab. You can start by selecting a scent that you like.  Some examples are Ice on Ice Detangler Spray, Earthbath Vanilla Almond, and Crown Royale.
• Tackle Box – What better way to store and organize all your dog-grooming tools than to use a Tacklebox? You can place your combs and scissors on the top compartment and your brushes and grooming spray on the underneath.

If you decide to accommodate all grooming care, it can be a great bonding experience for you both.  Starting your dog young is a sure-fire hit.

Ultimately, grooming tools are dependent on your personal preference.

You may follow a certain standard, but it all comes down to what works best for you and what you can afford.

Newfoundland and Labrador Cross Health Problems

Ensuring that your Newfoundland and Lab Mix’s health and happiness should be in your list of priorities, The Lab Newfoundland cross is susceptible to several health conditions that may also have afflicted the parent breeds.  It is vital that we can identify the symptoms so we can take action. Here are some of the most common illnesses of a Lab Newfoundland cross:

1.    Subvalvular aortic stenosis – a heart disease that affects the valves
2.    Gastric dilatation volvulus or gastric torsion – bloat or twisted stomach
3.    Hip and elbow dysplasia – the hip and elbow joints do not fit or develop accordingly, causing them to rub and grind instead of gliding smoothly
4.    Epilepsy – neurological disorder defined by intermittent seizures
5.    Cataracts – the lens loses transparency, may impair vision or even cause blindness
6.    Ruptured cranial cruciate ligament – ruptures occur in the mid ligament (hind legs) and is linked with progressive fatigue
7.    Cancer – such as mammary cancers, lymphoma, leukemia, osteosarcomas, mast cell tumors, and skin cancers
8.    Chronic allergies – can be food, skin or environmental allergy

Remember that even the most appropriate health screening does not guarantee a healthy Newfoundland and Lab combination.

Regular checkups with a Veterinary Doctor accompanied with a healthy diet and lots of exercises can extend the Newfoundland Lab Cross’ life expectancy.

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.

4. Wild Calling! Xotic Essentials Rabbit Meal Recipe – for dogs with skin or food allergies, formulated for alternative feeding, so a dog doesn’t get too much exposure to just one type of meat protein, other recipes use kangaroo and bison

5. Natural Balance Limited Ingredients Diets – Sweet Potato & Fish Formula Small Breed Bites Dry Dog Food, grain free with limited ingredients, quality, alternative ingredients that are easily digestible for a dog with a sensitive stomach

Whether you have a puppy or a grandpa-dog, you want to keep them happy and healthy at all times. That is why you should never give them the worst dry dog food, and only choose the best dry dog food for your fuzzy friend. For instance, Wellness Core Dog Food, Dog For Dog Food, or Nutra Thrive dog food supplement would all be excellent choices for your mixed pooch. If your furry baby is still just a munchkin, we have a list of the best puppy food brands that they will chow down on in seconds. In case you have a wise, silver-coated senior in your home, give them only the best senior dry dog food to keep them sprightly even past their prime.

Never forget that your crossbred charmer carries the genes of their vastly different and unique parents. So, try giving them more variety in their bowls — they may like these best dry dog food for small dogs or have a taste for these best large breed dry dog food instead. The point is that you can never know! That is why you should also consult with your vet before you switch your pup’s diet for good!

Newfoundland and Labrador Cross Exercise Requirements

Routinary walks and regular visits to the dog park are great opportunities for your Lab Newfoundland mix to get sufficient exercise. Make sure your dog gets at least sixty to ninety minutes of vigorous activity each day, every day.  They are huge and naturally tend to become obese if they do not engage in physical activities often.

To make the routines more fun and enjoyable, take a look at these tools:

• Agility Equipment – This is a superb choice if your dog is fond of running, climbing and jumping.  Bar jumps, tire jumps or weave poles are some examples.
• Lure Coursing – This is a splendid choice if you have a pet with undeniably strong prey nature.  This equipment creates a mechanical lure which is then pursued by your dog. An example is the Injoy Lure Coursing.
• Toys for exercising – If you’re into DIY, then you can make these toys from scratch effortlessly – Sock balls and sock swing balls, Paddio sticks, and the whip whir.

Newfoundland and Lab Mix Training

Whether your aim is for socialization or participation in sports, training holds the key to a more confident and comfortable Newfoundland Lab cross.  The variety of activities during exercise not only allows a good bonding experience with your pet but also helps improve your dog’s general form and behavior.

Check out these Sports activities that you can train for:

1. Companion Events – This sport aims to show the deep connection shared between you and your dog. Events like agility, obedience, and tracking, will demonstrate the teamwork between the owner and a well-trained dog.

2. Title Recognition Program – The activities enable you to show off your dog’s superior and outstanding abilities and earn recognition from them.

3. Performance Sports – The events in this category will show off your dog’s exceptional qualities as he performs practical skills and functions.

Lab and Newfoundland Mix and Families

The Labrador Newfoundland Mix is a fantastic family pet who loves the company of people, especially children.  He’s an intelligent dog you won’t have to deal with a lot of problems training him. He’s also a big and extremely active dog; he needs a lot of space and convenient access to the great outdoors. Ideally, this mix will thrive in large, open spaces so if you’re accustomed to being outside or you like swimming; the Newfoundland Lab Mix will be an excellent companion for you.

References:

1. Davison, L.j., et al. “The CaninePOMCGene, Obesity in Labrador Retrievers and Susceptibility to Diabetes Mellitus.” Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, vol. 31, no. 2, 8 Feb. 2017, pp. 343–348., doi:10.1111/jvim.14636.
2. Zhai, Guangju, et al. “Genetic Structure of the Newfoundland and Labrador Population: Founder Effects Modulate Variability.” European Journal of Human Genetics, vol. 24, no. 7, 16 Dec. 2015, pp. 1063–1070., doi:10.1038/ejhg.2015.256.
3. Wilcox, Charlotte. The Newfoundland. Capstone High/Low Books, 1999.
4. Walton, Joel, and Eve Adamson. Labrador Retrievers for Dummies. Wiley Publishing, 2007.
5. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Labrador_Retriever
6. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Newfoundland_dog