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Newfoundland Mastiff Mix: Meet the Gentle Courageous Dog

Newfoundland Mastiff Mix

Why Should You Consider a Newfoundland Mastiff Mix?

Considering a Newfoundland Mastiff Mix is a great way to add a gentle giant of a dog to your family that everyone will love. One of the many reasons to love this dog is the sweet disposition that helps it warm up to everybody it meets.

However, the dog’s sweet temperament only tells part of the story about why this is such a desirable mix. These dogs are also naturally athletic. Read in to learn more about whether this type of dog is suitable for your needs.

Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Get a Newfoundland Mastiff Mix

  • Sometimes quite defensive around strangers
  • Often suffers from separation anxiety if left alone too much
  • May exceed 200 lbs. which puts them above most apartment and condos’ weight limits
  • Susceptible to obesity and resulting joint roblems
  • A relatively short lifespan in comparison to other breeds

Reasons Why You Should Get a Newfoundland Mastiff Mix

  • A mixture of two versatile breeds
  • One of the most affectionate breed mixes
  • This mix has modest exercise needs
  • Swimming and playing in the snow are popular activities
  • Easy to keep occupied with sturdy dog toys

Appearance, Personality, Coat and Colors, Lifespan, and Traits of a Newfoundland Mastiff Mix

One of the first things that many notices about the Newfoundland Mastiff Mix is its large size.

This mix personifies the idea of a giant dog with a block or square-shaped head. The chest is broad and deep in keeping with its robust appearance. Muscular legs also help round out this dog’s powerful appearance.

Depending on whether the Newfoundland or Mastiff is the dominant breed, this mix may have a short, smooth coat or a thicker, fluffier coat. One of the things that these dogs may inherit from the Newfoundland line is a waterproof coat.

These dogs can have an array of coat colors that include:

  • Brown
  • Black
  • Fawn
  • Gray
  • Brindle
  • Fawn
  • Apricot

One of the things that people thinking of getting one of these mixes should know is that their lifespan is often short. The proper nutrition and veterinary care could make all of the difference in this dog’s lifespan.

Mastiffs commonly live 6-10 years, while Newfoundlands live about 8-10 years. Giant breeds, in general, will not live as long as their small or medium counterparts. One of the things that you should expect is visible aging signs at a younger age.

A unique trait that Newfie Mastiff Mixes may have is webbed feet. This is a trait that comes from the Newfoundland side, in keeping with its water sports background. The webbed feet make it easier for this dog to swim while retrieving.

Where You Can Find Newfoundland Mastiff Mix Puppies

Because these dogs are considered a designer breed, there are not as many breeders that offer the Newfoundland Mastiff Mix.

The breeders who produce these dogs are interested in combining the best traits of both breeds. Some of the things that these breeders are looking for include great personalities and gentleness toward other animals.

Most breeders charge $1,000-$1,500 for these puppies. Although they are not part of any purebred registry, the parents’ bloodlines may make a difference in the cost. Purebred parents from good lines may produce top-notch puppies.

Sometimes, these dogs end up in shelter or rescue settings. Larger dogs often end up being relinquished by unprepared owners. Sometimes, these mixes are the result of accidental breeding, and the owners choose to surrender rather than sell them.

The adoption costs for shelter or rescue dogs may vary. These dogs go to their new homes already vaccinated and spayed or neutered in most cases. When you adopt a puppy not old enough for altering, you will need to agree not to breed your dog.

Grooming Your Newfoundland Mastiff Mix

If your dog has the shorter coat of a Mastiff, you’ll find the grooming requirements modest. Weekly brushing with a pin brush followed up with a rub from a polishing cloth will keep your dog’s coat looking fantastic.

During shedding season, you may need to brush your dog twice a week if short-coated. Your dog will only need a bath every 8-12 weeks in most cases. A quality shampoo will help protect the natural oils in your dog’s coat.

When your dog has a Newfie’s coat, daily brushing is necessary during shedding season. Slicker brushes are ideal for penetrating the top and undercoat. If your dog has coat mats, you may try gently detangling by hand or cutting the mat.

Trimming the chest, legs, feet, and the area around the ears helps keep your dog more comfortable. An important reason to cut around the ears is to provide better airflow, so the dog’s ears stay dry.

Dogs with Newfoundland coats should not be bathed more than twice a year. Using a bath mitt will help more of the shampoo penetrate your dog’s coat. Blow-drying on low heat after the last rinse will help dry your dog’s coat properly.

Monthly nail-trimming will help if your dog doesn’t walk on pavement over longer distances every day. Cleaning the ears every month with an ear cleaner is also a good idea. Dogs with floppy ears are more likely to end up with infections.

Newfoundland Mastiff Mix Health Problems

The Newfoundland Mastiff Mix is usually a healthy mix. Because designer dogs are a little more genetically diverse than purebreds, they may skip some of the worst health concerns. However, mixing two breeds may increase the risk of health issues.

Because both breeds have a drop or floppy ears, ear infections are more likely. However, proper ear hygiene helps prevent infections. Practicing good ear care includes monthly cleaning and keeping the hair trimmed to keep the ears dry.

Elbow and hip dysplasia, which involve displacement of these joints, are painful conditions. Dogs who become obese are more likely to have these problems. These conditions sometimes reach a level where surgery is necessary.

The cardiac disease may come from either side of the dog’s bloodline. Congestive heart failure is possible, as well as an abnormal heart rhythm. Medication is often necessary to preserve your dog’s quality of life.

Possible eye problems include glaucoma, cataracts, or Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA). Although glaucoma is treatable with medications and cataracts with surgery, PRA is incurable. Owners of dogs with this condition must help them adjust.

Seasonal allergies, although not life-threatening, can make dogs feel miserable. Some of the symptoms that dogs may live with because of allergies include sneezing and itchy skin.

Some of the less common conditions these dogs may get include:

  • Cystinuria – a condition where a dog cannot filter protein out of the urine
  • Degenerative Myelopathy – a degenerative disease of the spinal column that causes paralysis in the hind limbs
  • Epilespsy – a neurological condition where dogs get seizures
  • Von Willebrand’s Disease – a bleeding disorder usually inherited

One of the most dangerous conditions that dogs this size can get is bloat or gastric torsion. Bloat requires prompt medical attention to prevent death from the stomach twisting on itself. Surgery is necessary to prevent this from happening again.

Newfoundland Mastiff Mix Food Requirements

A Newfoundland Mastiff Mix will eat more food than many other breeds. One of the most important things to remember is that dogs this large will finish growing during their second year. Because of the size these dogs reach, nutrition is highly important.

The food that dogs this size eat at all life stages should help promote good health. Puppy food is necessary during the first two years to ensure healthier growth.

Ingredients that you should look for include calcium and phosphorus. If your growing puppy’s food has these ingredients, you can expect better bone growth. The better your puppy’s nutrition while growing, the healthier your dog will be as an adult.

When your dog is an adult, a nutritionally-complete food good for large dogs is the way to go. This food should be low in calories, which will help keep your dog from becoming obese. Grain-free foods may help your dog maintain a healthy weight.

Newfoundland Mastiff Mix Exercise Requirements

The Newfoundland Mastiff Mix has modest exercise requirements in comparison to many other large dogs. Unlike breeds driven by strong hunting instincts, these large dogs have relatively quiet personalities. This mix has a moderate, rather than high, level.

Daily walks are essential and, in many cases, will satisfy these dogs’ exercise needs. Walking your dog for 20-30 minutes around the neighborhood is often the best option. One of the things that you’ll benefit from is proper leash control.

Dogs the size of these mixes do well walked with a harness or head collar. These restraints help prevent pulling.

Because these dogs have a history of performing water sports, these mixes will usually enjoy swimming. Trips to the beach or a local lake can offer hours of fun. However, even if you only have a pool, that will also work well for these dogs.

Tossing balls or retriever dummies into the water for your dog to fetch is one of the best ways to provide stimulation. The Newfie ancestry encourages these dogs to react to objects that they see in the water.

Many of these dogs have waterproof coats, making time spent in the water more enjoyable. Your dog will usually be fine with a quick towel-dry when done. If the weather is particularly cold, blow-drying on low heat is best for your dog’s coat.

Newfoundland Mastiff Mix Training

Training a Newfoundland Mastiff Mix follows the same principles as training most other Mastiff blends. Your methods need to be positive and teach your dog what’s expected.

These dogs are usually eager to please their owners, making training enjoyable. However, sometimes the Mastiff’s guarding instincts come out in full force. Your dog should learn a healthy balance between protectiveness and excessive guarding behavior.

Training your dog from puppyhood, if possible, is essential. During this time, the dog should become accustomed to other people. Another helpful thing to do is take your dog to dog parks to interact with other dogs.

Mastiffs were trained to protect without being in a situation around an owner giving commands. This trait sometimes manifests in mixes. Some of the things you can do to encourage your dog to respond to commands:

  • Give out praise using words that your dog reacts very positively to
  • Healthy treats can reward your dog for a good job
  • Affectionate displays help encourage good behavior, while disapproving looks and holding back on attention help correct bad behavior

Newfoundland Mastiff Mix and Families

The Newfoundland Mastiff Mix has a personality that helps it stand out as a family pet. These dogs are very affectionate, as well as loyal.

These dogs are very good with and responsive to children. You can trust that these cogs will want to be wherever the kids are. The only concern that you need to have in the case of children or the elderly is these dogs can knock both over easily.

One thing to expect is these dogs being reserved toward strangers. As dogs descended from a breed bred for protection, unfamiliar people are seen as threats until proven otherwise. They are better with people they are used to.

Newfoundland Mastiff Mix and Other Pets

The Newfoundland Mastiff Mix often gets along with other pets very well. Their harmony with other pets also extends to cats.

Whenever you add another pet to the household, you should make sure there are proper introductions. Most dogs sort out conflicts with each other fairly easily. However, you may need to prepare to separate the dogs if a fight happens.

The good news is that most of these dogs will live harmoniously with other pets after initial introductions. Another dog with a laid-back personality might become your Newfie Mastiff’s best friend.