Newfiedoodle Pros and Cons [What is a Newfypoo]

In a world where purebred dogs have too many health issues to prize, more and more people are turning to hybrids. A hybrid dog is not only more likely to be a healthier pet, but crossing one breed with another can bring about an unexpectedly cute result. A Newfiedoodle is one such result.

newfiedoodle pros and cons
Newfiedoodle pros and cons and breed guide (with photos)

The Newfiedoodle

A Newfiedoodle or a Newfypoo is a cross between a Newfoundland dog and a Standard Poodle. They have the thick fur of a Newfoundland and the curls of a poodle, along with plenty more mish-mashed characteristics that make them so unique.

If you’re wondering whether or not to get one of these hybrids, here is a list of Newfiedoodle pros and cons to help make your decision.

newfiepoo pros and cons
A Newfypoo is a cross of the Newfoundland Dog and any size of Poodle

Pros of Newfiedoodles

When considering Newfiedoodle pros and cons, it is important to note that some might overlap. Certain qualities of a dog might be valuable to one person and not another. 

Newfiedoodles have similar characteristics to both poodles and Newfoundland dogs, and this mix can lead to certain benefits and disadvantages unique to the Newfiedoodle only. 

Temperament

The Newfiedoodle is notorious for being a calm, even-tempered dog. They are often praised for being kind and big-hearted, making them an all-around very nice dog companion.

Because of these qualities, the Newfiedoodle is a Poodle mix well-suited for families, single people, or seniors without discrimination. They are patient with young children and not typically aggressive, and with the proper training, they can easily become very agreeable and trustworthy pets.

Though they are friendly and kind, Newfiedoodles are very protective of their loved ones and can make a great watch or guard dog. Larger Newfiedoodles especially can look very intimidating, and they will use it to their advantage if they believe their families are being threatened.

newfypoo pros and cons
A happy Newfiedoodle puppy struts

Newfiedoodle Size

Size is an important factor when deciding to get a dog. After all, if your pet is too large for your living space, neither of you is going to be happy. So how big do Newfiedoodles get? 

You might assume that a Newfiedoodle will take after the Newfie side and grow up large. However, not all Newfiedoodles are the same. If the size is an issue, you can choose between a Standard Newfiedoodle and a Mini Newfiedoodle.

Standard

  • Weight: 65-130 pounds
  • Height: 22-25 inches at the shoulder 

Mini

  • Weight: 35-65 pounds
  • Height: 18-21 inches at the shoulder

The size of a Standard Newfiedoodle is smaller than a true Newfie, who stands at an average of 28 inches tall and weigh 150 pounds at their heaviest. In contrast, a Mini Newfiedoodle is very close to the size of a Standard Poodle.

Intelligence of a Newfypoo

Newfiedoodles are smart, generally well-mannered, and easy to please. This combination makes them much easier to train than other breeds, as they don’t need much time to remember commands or to become familiar with patterns.

Are Newfypoos Hypoallergenic?

A Newfiedoodle is one of those breeds with a low shedding rate. This trait is taken from the poodle parent and will also shed less than an average dog breed. Lack of shedding is thought to be one of the conditions for the absence of an allergic reaction in humans.

However, a low shed rate is also an attractive quality for owners who don’t have dog allergies. Less shedding means less sweeping up after your pet.

newfypoo pros and cons
To get a Miniature Newfiedoodle you need to breed with a Mini or Toy Poodle

Newfiedoodle Noise Levels

People have found that Newfiedoodles don’t bark all that much, especially in comparison to other dogs. Like many large dogs, Newfiedoodles typically bark only when anxious or threatened. Because of their easy-going nature, they rarely feel the need to do so.

Health

Because a Newfiedoodle is a hybrid dog, it’s less likely that they will inherit chronic health problems from either a poodle or Newfoundland parent. This means they will likely have better health than a purebred breed so they can enjoy life without ailments.

Appearance

Newfiedoodles don’t have a standard coloring, so you can pick and choose from a wide range of colors and coat styles. While appearance isn’t the biggest factor for many potential owners, plenty of people know exactly what they want and require more choices available. The Newfiedoodle can provide more choice for size, color, and coat texture as well.

Cons of the Newfiepoo

For the most part, Newfiedoodles don’t have any outstanding cons that could deter your decision-making. But they do have certain features that can help you decide if you can provide them the best home.

newfypoo pros and cons
Newfypoo AKA the Newfiedoodle

Energetic

Newfiedoodles benefit from large yards and daily exercise, just like any large dog. This means they’re not very well suited to smaller apartments or owners who prefer small walks around the block.

Newfiedoodles like to be outside, going for long walks or even swims. So, even though their temperament will help them get along with just about anyone, their physical needs make them ill-suited for anyone who can’t keep up with a Newfiedoodle’s energy.

Life Expectancy

A Newfiedoodle has an average lower life expectancy than other dogs of eight to 12 years. Most other dog life expectancies are a little higher on average, which could sway your decision when choosing a Newfiedoodle. Falling in love with a Newfiedoodle comes with the bittersweet knowledge that they will not be in your life for very long. 

Health

The Newfiedoodle’s health is a tricky topic because it’s a bit of a toss-up on whether or not they will have good health or not. Even though Newfiedoodles are potentially healthier than either of their parents, they can potentially inherit their parents’ ailments. 

For instance, a Newfiedoodle could inherit a poodle-only disease and become incredibly unhealthy. So, although it’s less likely that they will inherit a bad health condition, there is still the possibility that they will inherit one or all health issues.

The most common health issues a Newfiedoodle will contract are eye issues and bone issues. Taking your dog for regular vet visits can prevent these issues so your pup stays healthy.

Separation Anxiety

Because Newfiedoodles can become so attached to their owners, they often suffer from separation anxiety. Leaving a Newfiedoodle alone for hours at a time can take its toll, which can lead to them acting out.

Acting out could include destructive behavior to your furniture and property or barking. Though typically quiet dogs, the Newfiedoodle, especially the standard size, has a loud bark. This could disrupt your neighborhood and cause you to get complaints. 

newfypoo pros and cons
To get a Miniature Newfiedoodle you need to breed with a Mini or Toy Poodle

Coat Mainainence

Newfiedoodles get their curly fur from the poodle side of the family tree and the oiliness from the Newfoundland side. This combination makes their coats less likely to shed but also more difficult to clean.

Most Newfiedoodle owners make use of groomers to keep their dogs clean, but it’s important to brush them every week regardless. The oil in a Newfiedoodle’s coat makes them water-repellant, but it doesn’t leave them impervious to mud, foliage, or anything else your dog might venture into.

Unpredictability

Because Newfiedoodles aren’t an official breed, they don’t have an official set of traits. This lack of consistency can make them unpredictable in terms of behavior, appearance, and size. So, these Newfiedoodle pros and cons are very general and are considered guidelines rather than actual standards. 

Unpredictability is especially true when referring to your new dog’s appearance. There is no set coloring or fur type for a Newfiedoodle, so it’s hard to imagine what they will look like before you see them. They might be curlier than you imagine or a patchwork instead of solid coloring.

Higher Costs

Owning a Newfiedoodle is a costly endeavor, sometimes more so than other dog breeds. Besides the price of a Newfiedoodle puppy (which can range anywhere from $500-$1600), large Newfiedoodles will eat a lot, meaning the cost of feeding them is more than a smaller dog. 

Grooming also increases the cost of a Newfiedoodle, as their difficult coats need a lot of maintenance to keep healthy. If you can’t justify spending time, energy, and money every month keeping your best friend looking their best, a Newfiedoodle probably isn’t for you.

Conclusion

Because a Newfiedoodle is not a standard breed, it can be difficult to understand what they are like across the board. But the general temperament, size, energy, and health of a Newfiedoodle are positive instead of negative. 

Known for being intelligent, lovable dogs, Newfiedoodles are becoming more and more popular. Their ability to win people’s hearts is their greatest asset, and they can become beloved dogs for anyone able to care for them.