Newfypoo Dog Breed Guide: All About the Newfoundland/Poodle Mix

The Newfypoo is a gorgeous crossbreed containing a mixture of the Newfoundland and the Poodle. They’re fluffy, clever, laid back, and sweet, but they also take a lot of looking after. If you’re thinking about getting one, keep reading for all of the key facts!

Newfypoo Fast Facts

History & Origin of the Newfypoo

As with many mixed breeds, the exact origin of the Newfypoo is not well-documented, but they are thought to have emerged in the late 20th – early 21st century in the United States when designer breeds started to boom.

Although they don’t have a long or detailed history, their parent breeds do. Let’s explore the history of its parent breeds to better understand their traits and characteristics. 

Poodles

Originally bred to be water-hunting dogs, Poodles have appeared in European works of art dating back to the 15th century. Despite their nickname of the “French Poodle”, they were first bred in Germany but were later developed in France where they were utilized as circus performers. 

Their name is a direct translation of the German word Pudel, which means to splash water. Poodles have canine ancestors linked to several European water dogs and are closely related to other modern European water breeds.

In recent years, Poodles have become a common symbol in the fashion industry thanks to their gorgeous curls. There are three variations of Poodle; Toy, Miniature, and Standard. They were recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1887 and remain one of the most popular breeds of dog in the world today, as well as the second smartest (after the Border Collie). 

They’re often used to create designer breeds because of their beauty, brains, and low-shedding coats. 

Newfoundlands  

Newfoundlands are a gentle giant and one of the biggest breeds in the world. They are direct descendants of the extinct St. John’s water dog and are part of the Mastiff family of dogs. Newfies were originally bred to assist Canadian fishermen in the icy North Atlantic Sea by hauling the fishing nets on board the boats. 

This is why they’re famously great swimmers and are still used in water rescue today. The breed was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1886 and their closest relatives are Irish Water Spaniels, Labrador Retrievers, Saint Bernards, and Curly-Coated Retrievers.  

Physical characteristics of the Newfypoo 

Let’s check out the physical traits of this crossbreed. Remember though, what YOUR Newfypoo looks like depends entirely on which genes come through. This should give you a general guide, though.

Size & weight

The size of a Newfypoo depends on the size of the Poodle used to breed them, as well as the sex of the dog.

The Standard Newfypoo’s height can range from 22 – 30 inches (56 – 76 centimeters) and weigh between 70 – 150 pounds (31 – 68 kilograms). They need somewhat spacious homes with backyards, whereas the Miniature Newfypoos is smaller at 15 – 20 inches (38 – 51 cm) in height, weighing 25 – 60 pounds (11 – 27 kilograms), and is a little more adaptable. 

Finally, the Toy Newfypoo, the smallest variety of the mixed breed, typically stands at 10 – 15 inches tall (25 – 38 centimeters) and weighs between 10 – 25 pounds (4.5 – 11 kilograms). They’re well-suited to small homes and apartments, so long as they are well looked after. 

Puppyhood

A litter of Newfypoo puppies can range from 4 – 12 puppies, depending on their size variety. They reach adolescence at around 6 months old and their full adult size at 9-12 months (Toy), 12-15 months (Miniature), or 18-24 months (Standard). All sizes should reach mental maturity by around 2 years of age. 

Appearance

The Newfypoo has a broad, charming, and expressive face, similar to that of the Newfoundland, with dark, beautiful eyes and little floppy ears. Standard sized Newfypoos are more sturdy and muscular in build, and the smaller varieties are more compact and delicate. Their coats are thick, curly, and wavy, and they come in a variety of beautiful colors.

Color

As mentioned above, Newfypoos come in a variety of coat colors, with the most common being black, brown, and cream. They usually have solid-colored coats, but some have bi-color or tri-color patterns. Those with markings typically have a white patch or blaze on the face, as well as chest markings and white markings on the paws.

Coat-type

Newfypoos typically have a thick, dense, insulating single coat with no undercoat that grows medium to long and can be wavy or curly in texture and soft to the touch. They’re typically low shedding but can be moderate shedders and do require a fair amount of maintenance.

Are Newfypoos heavy shedders?

How much a Newfypoo sheds is dependent on how dominant their Poodle genetics are. Those with dominant Poodle genes will shed minimally, whilst those with dominant Labrador or Golden Retriever genetics will shed moderately all year round, with heavier shedding occuring during the typical shedding seasons; the 2-4 week transition from spring to summer and fall to winter. 

Are Newfypoos hypoallergenic?

Whilst many Newfypoos inherit the Poodle’s hypoallergenic, low-shedding coats, some don’t. So when it comes to getting a puppy, they may not be the best choice for owners with serious allergies to pet hair, unless you can be sure of their genetics. 

Newfypoo Personality

The Newfypoo is renowned for its sweet and gentle nature, making it an ideal family companion. These dogs are highly intelligent thanks to their Poodle DNA and eagerness to please, which makes them relatively easy to train.

They’re fairly active, though not hyperactive, and they love to play and socialize. Newfypoos have an affinity with children and are friendly with strangers and other dogs. Their loyalty makes them excellent watchdogs as they very are protective of their loved ones, without being aggressive or territorial.

Are Newfypoos good family dogs?

Newfypoos are the best family dogs you could ask for! They form extremely close bonds with their family members and are great for families with children, older people, other pets, and family members with vulnerabilities because of their protective but gentle temperament. 

They’re also perfect for families who engage in a range of activities from camping trips to gentle walks and trips or vacations to chilling out together at home or in the backyard.

Are Newfypoos good with other dogs?

Newfypoos are friendly dogs that generally get on well with other dogs. They’re a good choice for households with more than one pet and they don’t tend to have aggression issues with other dogs, but every dog should be socialized from a young age, regardless of breed.

Are Newfypoos protective or aggressive?

Newfypoos are very protective of their loved ones but not they’re known to be aggressive, and they tend to get on with everyone they meet. That said, any breed of dog can react defensively when faced with a threat and any breed can have behavioral issues when they’ve been mistreated or untrained. 

Is Newfypoo easy to train?

Newfypoos are generally easy to train due to their high intelligence and eagerness to please. They respond well to positive reinforcement methods such as treats and praise but can get bored easily. So, your training sessions should be short and to the point with clear and consistent commands.

Remember to start with the basics before moving on to anything too advanced. You can start their training at any age, but you should aim to start training your Newfypoo pup by around 12 weeks old and aim to train once or twice a week for 5-15 minutes per session.

Does Newfypoos get separation anxiety?

Newfypoos are generally laid-back dogs, but any dog can get separation anxiety, and they are at a higher risk because they’re so social and intelligent. Pent-up energy from not getting enough exercise, boredom from lack of play, and loneliness from spending too much time alone can all increase the likelihood of separation anxiety. 

Separation anxiety is a form of canine anxiety bought on by separation from their owners. It’s very distressing for dogs and can cause destructive behaviors like howling and going potty indoors, so it’s important to make sure your pup is well looked after. To avoid separation anxiety with your Newfypoo, practice separation training early on. 

You can do this by building their independence gradually through alone time and creating positive associations and rewards. Stay calm and avoid reacting negatively to any destructive behaviors. You can also try out some anti-anxiety products to aid your training. 

Newfypoo Care

Let’s take brief look at the basic needs of Newfypoo for budding owners. 

Diet

To ensure the well-being of your Newfypoo, it’s crucial to provide them with a balanced diet with nutritionally complete dog food containing all of the essential vitamins and minerals, as well as healthy fats, carbohydrates, and lean protein sources. 

Avoid foods containing cheap filler ingredients and chemicals. Instead, you should go for kibbles and wet foods powered by real ingredients. They’re more expensive, but worth it to keep your dog healthy and full of energy. 

You should also buy your dog food tailored to their size and life stage, because puppies and seniors have different needs to adult dogs, and large-sized dogs like the Standard Newfypoo need more protein and omegas than the Toy-sized variety, to keep their bones and muscles strong. 

You may also like: What is the Best Dry Dog Food for Your Puppy? (Our Top 10 Picks)

How much should a Newfypoo eat?

You should give your Standard Newfypoo 2-3 cups of food per day split into two meals. Miniature Newfypoos typically need a cup of food per day and Toy Newfypoos typically need around ½ a cup of food. 

Puppies should eat 20kg per 1kg of their weight per day split into 3-4 small meals, and seniors should consume fewer calories as they slow down to avoid weight gain and health problems.

Exercise 

Newfypoos need 40-60 minutes of exercise per day split into two walks, with Standard Newfypoos landing on the higher end of the spectrum and Toy Newfypoos at the lower end. They enjoy walking, running, and especially swimming, because of their Newfy genes. 

They are truly outdoor dogs and love camping trips and day trips out. If you can take your Newfypoo to a dog-safe lake or the beach, they will have the time of their lives! 

Young Newfypoo puppies, on the other hand, need around 5 minutes of exercise per month their age per day. For example, a three-month-old pup needs 15 minutes twice per day, and senior Newfypoos should slow down as they age to avoid damaging their joints. 

Grooming 

The Newfypoo’s gorgeous coat needs a lot of care to maintain. They’re prone to tangling and trapping dirt, so they need regular brushing to keep them clean and prevent matting. Mats are a serious issue for Doodle breeds; as well as being uncomfortable and pulling on the skin, they can lead to infections over time, so if you want a Newfypoo, you need to make sure you can commit to their grooming needs. 

They need to be brushed every 2-3 days with a slicker brush and bathed once a month with a natural dog shampoo for curly coats to keep them in good condition. Their fur can also get quite long, so they need haircuts every couple of months to prevent tangles and mats from forming. You may also want to invest in a good dog washing station or grooming table.

Are Newfypoos healthy?

Newfypoos have an average lifespan of 8-12 years. They are generally healthy dogs, but all breeds and crossbreeds are naturally predisposed to having certain health conditions. When buying a Newfypoo pup from a breeder, you should ask them for health documentation that covers the following conditions.

Hip dysplasia 

Hip dysplasia is a prevalent genetic ailment among dogs, resulting in abnormal growth of the hip joints. It eventually leads to arthritis and requires surgery to correct the joint, but that’s not usually necessary unless severe.

Vets diagnose the condition through a basic physical examination and x-ray. Mild cases can often be managed with lifestyle adjustments, non-surgical therapies, hip & joint supplements, and pain relief medications, and shouldn’t affect the length or quality of a dog’s life. 

Symptoms of hip dysplasia in dogs include:

• Limping or bunny hopping
• Whining or showing signs of pain/discomfort 
• Loss of muscle mass around the hips
• Low energy and irritability 
• Limited mobility 
• Inability to get comfortable
• Licking the affected joints 

Cataracts 

They’re also prone to cataracts, a cloudiness that develops on the lens of the eye causing impaired vision. It can be caused by genetics, old age, diabetes, or trauma to the eye. Diagnosis involves eye examination and specialized testing and can be treated surgically but is usually left alone in age-related cases. The prognosis is generally good.

Signs of cataracts in dogs include:

• Cloudy or milky-looking eyes
• Blue-grey looking eyes   
• Decreased or blurry vision
• Night blindness 
• Increased clumsiness 
• Squinting or rubbing of the eyes
• Anxiety 

Bloat 

Bloat in dogs is when the stomach fills with gas; it’s common in deep-chested breeds like Newfoundlands. It is extremely dangerous because it can twist the gut in a way that cuts off its blood supply. 

This stops the gas and food from being able to leave and is a life-threatening emergency. It can also make the spleen twist and lose circulation, and block vital veins in the back that carry blood to the heart.

Any dogs suspected of having bloat must be taken to the emergency vet hospital as soon as possible for life-saving treatment. They will need to have their stomach pumped and receive IV fluid treatment, antibiotics, painkillers, and surgery.

Symptoms of bloat in dogs include:

• A hard, swollen belly
• Retching
• Drooling
• Abdomen pain
• General distress

Epilepsy

Epilepsy is the most prevalent neurological disorder in dogs, impacting approximately 0.75% of the global canine population. This condition can be either hereditary or idiopathic and is characterized by seizures, often triggered by stress and fatigue, typically commencing at around six months of age.

If your Newfypoo experiences a seizure, it’s crucial to promptly contact your veterinarian. They will likely advise you to document the episode or provide comprehensive seizure details, possibly conducting a brain scan for diagnosis. While epilepsy can be managed through lifelong medication, it should not significantly impact a dog’s lifespan or overall quality of life when appropriately treated. 

Signs of an epileptic seizure in a dog include:

• Loss of bodily control during seizures
• Irregular seizures that start and finish very suddenly
• Short seizures ranging from seconds to minutes 
• Seizures that are repetitive and similar

Ear infections

Ear infections can be bacterial or fungal, and they are common in floppy-eared breeds like the Newfypoos. They can affect both the inner and outer ear and are most often picked up after exposure to water. 

Vets can treat ear infections with antibiotics, but they need to be treated quickly before they spread or cause hearing damage. 

• Droopy ears 
• Redness
• Swelling
• Irritation
• Discharge 
• Head shaking
• Scratching the ears 

Allergies

Newfypoos are also prone to getting allergies. Dogs can get allergies to food, such as gluten, soy, eggs, and proteins from meat and dairy, as well as topical allergies to grooming products and environmental allergies like dust and pollen. 

Food allergies can cause smelliness and changes in the coat, as well as low energy and stomach upsets. Topical allergies can cause hives, hair loss, and skin irritation, while common environmental allergies can cause irritated eyes, sneezing, and runny noses. 

Dogs suffering from allergies can benefit from elimination diets, hypoallergenic foods and shampoos, and antihistamines, depending on their allergy problem.

Newfypoos puppy health tests 

When getting a Newfypoo puppy from a breeder, it’s imperative to request comprehensive health documentation signed by a veterinarian, confirming that the pup’s parents have been tested and cleared of all pertinent breed-specific hereditary conditions. It should also verify that your puppy has received all necessary vaccinations.

While a health issue should not be grounds for rejecting a puppy, responsible breeding should not involve intentionally breeding dogs with serious health conditions. Being informed about your pup’s health status can also prevent future heartache and costly vet visits.

Furthermore, it’s advisable to inquire about a health warranty from your breeder, specifying that if your Newfypoo puppy is diagnosed with any of the covered conditions, the breeder will assist with your veterinary expenses.

How much is a Newfypoo?

The cost of a Newfypoo puppy can vary widely depending on several factors, including the breeder’s location, reputation, and the lineage of the puppy’s parents. On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $1,500 – $3,000 for a Newfypoo puppy in the United States. 

Dogs from working bloodlines, champion bloodlines, or who have unique colors, such as merle coats, can cost more. It’s essential to do thorough research and choose a reputable breeder. 

Where can I find a Newfypoo?

When considering getting a Newfypoo puppy from a breeder, it’s crucial to select an ethical and responsible breeder. Puppy mills and backyard breeders often operate by luring buyers online at low prices, but they provide no quality care for their dogs, and their puppies often die or have serious health problems.

Always choose small-scale hobby breeders who operate through reputable sources like the American Kennel Club, PuppySpot, or PetFinder. Be sure to read online reviews about the breeder and prefer those who only rehome puppies after they’ve reached at least 8 weeks of age. 

Responsible breeders should readily provide photos, and updates on the puppies, and offer visits to their facilities. Don’t hesitate to ask questions, consider in-person visits if possible, and always request valid health documentation.

Rescue Newfypoos

Adopting a rescue Newfypoos will cost the rescue shelter’s adoption fee, which could be anywhere from $50-$400, depending on the size and popularity of the adoption center.

The process for adopting a dog is fairly straightforward and starts with filling out an application form. If you are approved by the shelter, you will be allowed to meet them in person and the shelter will carry out a home inspection before signing off on the adoption. 

Cost of owning a Newfypoo 

The cost of owning a Newfypoo can vary, but on average, it’s around $100 – $150 per month. This includes medical expenses like routine vet check-ups, vaccinations, and potential medication, which can account for approximately $20 to $50 per month. Pet insurance can range from $30 to $50. 

You can expect to pay $40 to $60 per month for food, treats, toys, and grooming supplies, plus around $10 to $20 for extras like collars and bowls. Annually, these expenses can add up to approximately $1,200 to $1,800 per year. 

However, you can expect the first-year costs to be a little higher, as puppies go through more supplies. The average lifetime cost of Newfypoo ownership is between  $12,000 to $18,000.

FAQs on Newfypoos

Answering some frequently asked questions about the crossbreed. 

Are you thinking of getting a Newfypoo? They are a gorgeous crossbreed that brings together the best traits from the gentle giant Newfoundland and the curly-coated clever Poodle. Tell us what you love about them in the comments below!