Golden Newfie: Your Complete Guide

Golden Newfies (also known as Newfie retrievers) are a cross between a golden retriever and a Newfoundland. They often have the intelligence and obedience of a golden retriever as well as the gentle and calm demeanor of Newfoundlands. These traits combine to make some big, friendly, and lovable pups.

In this article we will learn everything about Golden Newfies. From their weight, grooming needs, temperament, and attitude with kids/other animals to their history and breeding.

Quick Look at the Golden Newfie

Below, we have added a table that summarizes the characteristics and traits of the Golden Newfie.

What Is the History of Golden Newfies?

Golden Newfies are a relatively recent dog breed, no more than a hundred years old, that originated in the United States and Canada. While there isn’t a detailed historical record of Golden Newfies, we know that they were crossbred to gain traits from both their parents, golden retrievers and Newfoundlands.

Golden retrievers originated in Scotland. Used as hunting dogs who would retrieve prey like birds, they are known for being very obedient, intelligent and gentle, making them popular as both working dogs and family pets.

Newfoundlands originated in Canada. Used as working dogs to help fishermen, they were bred for their strength, swimming ability and willingness to work in water. They are large dogs and  often referred to as “Gentle Giants.”

Golden Newfies are great family companions. The combination of breeds makes them very versatile and helps them to excel in various roles such as therapy dogs and service dogs.

What Do Golden Newfies Look Like?

Golden Newfies come in a variety of different coat colors. Apart from the above mentioned colors, they also come with a Landseer coat, i.e., a white base coat with patches of black, or any combination of black, brown, cream, or fawn.

They have a dense, water resistant coat along with a strong muscular build with a broad chest and strong limbs. They have fluffy thick tails and dark, expressive eyes that often convey their sweet, gentle nature. Golden Newfies are friendly dogs with a very sociable temperament, evident through their body language and expressions.

What Size Is a Golden Newfie?

Golden Newfies fall into the large category. They are typically large dogs, with males often weighing between 100 to 150 pounds and females ranging from 60 to 120 pounds. They usually stand between 20 to 24 inches tall at the shoulder.

Their size and muscular build gives them the strength and versatility to act as both a working dog as well as a protective watchdog.

What Is a Golden Newfie’s Coat Type and Length?

Golden Newfies typically have medium to long hair that can vary in texture from straight to slightly wavy. Their coat is dense and double layered, providing them some level of water resistance inherited from the Newfoundland breed.

Their hair is not coarse and tends to be soft and somewhat silky. It isn’t as curly as a Newfoundlands coat but it has gentle waves similar to a golden retriever’s. Their coat usually requires regular grooming to avoid matting and to keep it in good condition.

What Is a Golden Newfie’s Temperament?

Golden Newfies are known for their gentle and calm demeanor. They often exhibit a patient and tolerant attitude, making them excellent companions, especially for families with children. These dogs are typically very affectionate and enjoy spending time with their human family members. They often form strong bonds and thrive on companionship and attention.

They’re typically friendly and sociable with people and other animals, and can be very welcoming to strangers. They absolutely love meeting new people and making friends. While not considered guard dogs in the traditional sense, Golden Newfies may exhibit some level of protectiveness towards their family members, especially in situations where they sense a threat or perceive their loved ones may be in danger.

Both golden retrievers and Newfoundlands are intelligent breeds, a trait inherited by Golden Newfies as well. They are usually quick learners and respond well to training, making them relatively easy to train for various tasks and commands.

They are also known for their loyalty and devotion to their families. Despite their large size, Golden Newfies can be quite playful and enjoy engaging in activities such as fetch, swimming, and interactive games with people they consider family.

Are Golden Newfies Good With Kids?

Golden Newfies are generally excellent with children of all ages and are often considered to be great family pets. They tend to be gentle, patient, and tolerant, making them well-suited for households with children. They often show patience and tolerance, even in situations where children may be loud or energetic.

Since they are large dogs, it is best to monitor their behavior when they engage in play with children. It’s also very important to teach children how to properly interact with and respect the dog.

Are Golden Newfies Good With Other Animals?

Golden Newfies usually get along well with other dogs and cats, especially if they are properly socialized from a young age. They tend to be friendly and amicable, enjoying play and companionship with other canines.

However, their size and exuberance may intimidate some cats, so it’s important to supervise interactions and provide a safe space for both pets if needed.

Newfie retrievers may have a prey drive, inherited from their parent breeds, which could make them view smaller animals as potential prey. Due to this, like many dogs, they may be prone to chasing small wildlife such as squirrels, rabbits, or birds. Their instinct to chase can be strong, especially if they are not properly trained.

Are Golden Newfies Aggressive?

Like any dog breed, individual temperament can vary, and factors such as genetics, socialization, training, and environment play significant roles in shaping a dog’s behavior.

Generally speaking, Golden Newfies are not aggressive dogs. They are not prone to snapping or growling without reason. However, like all dogs, they may exhibit these behaviors if they feel threatened, scared, or are in pain. They are typically not highly territorial dogs. However, they may exhibit some level of protectiveness over their family members or home.

Do Golden Newfies Bark?

Golden Newfies may bark occasionally, but they are not typically excessive barkers. They generally only bark to alert their owners to something unusual or to express excitement, but they are not as vocal as some other breeds.

Their barks are usually not exceptionally loud or piercing. Their size may influence the volume of their bark, but overall, they are not considered to be particularly loud barkers.

Golden Newfies may not be the best choice for apartments with strict noise restrictions as they tend to bark when excited.

Are Golden Newfies Affectionate?

Golden Newfies are known for their affectionate nature and often enjoy cuddling and being pet by their family members. They often seek out physical affection, including belly rubs, scratches behind the ears, and snuggling close to their owners.

While Golden Newfies are large dogs and may not fit comfortably on a person’s lap like smaller breeds, they often don’t realize just how large they are and may attempt to sit on their owner’s lap.

They are typically friendly towards strangers, but what they love the most is forming strong bonds with their family members and spending time with them. They show loyalty and affection towards their family and enjoy being included in family activities and outings.

Are Golden Newfies Intelligent?

Golden Newfies are intelligent dogs. They are quick learners and are eager to please their owners. They respond well to training, especially when positive reinforcement techniques are used. Alongside this, they exhibit good problem-solving skills and can figure out solutions to challenges they encounter. They may use their intelligence to find ways to access treats or toys, navigate obstacles, or interact with their environment in creative ways.

They are alert and attentive to their surroundings and may often bark to alert their owners to potential threats or unusual situations, demonstrating their protective instincts.

Are Golden Newfies Energetic?

While not as energetic as most other high energy dog breeds, Golden Newfies have a moderate level of energy and require daily walks and exercise. We recommend a 30-60 minute walk. Adding structured exercise is also essential for the growth of their abilities. Toys and games like tug of war help keep them physically stimulated while giving them food puzzles and training will keep them mentally stimulated.

Are Golden Newfies Easy to Train?

Due to their high intelligence and quick learning skills, Golden Newfies are very easy to train and can learn very quickly and efficiently. Despite their large size, they are very good candidates for agility training thanks to their strong muscular build and their genetic connection with golden retrievers who had been used as hunting dogs in the past.

Their gentle nature, paired with their remarkable intellect makes it very easy to train them. Even if you have very little understanding of how to train a dog, you’ll easily be able to teach your Golden Newfie tricks and commands (which is also the reason why they are a great breed for first time dog owners).

Are Golden Newfies Good Watchdogs?

The Golden Newfie’s playful and friendly nature doesn’t mean they become oblivious to threats around them. While they can warm up to strangers fairly quickly, they are alert and smart enough to quickly recognize threats and are fearless when protecting their loved ones.

They are brave dogs who very often do not show they are afraid and are protective of their family even when they themselves are scared.

Are Golden Newfies Good Service Dogs?

Since Newfie retrievers are very gentle and compassionate, they make great therapy dogs. They can recognise signs of distress in people and shower them with love and warmth. Their expressive face coupled with their friendly personality makes them a very good fit for the role.

They also make great service dogs because of how receptive they are to training. They can sense and cater to their owner’s needs and reliably help them with their disabilities.

How to Care for a Golden Newfie?

Caring for a Golden Newfie involves meeting their physical, emotional, and grooming needs.  Regular playtime and exercise is essential along with some form of training to keep them well stimulated in all aspects.

Do You Need to Groom a Golden Newfie?

Yes, grooming is an essential aspect of caring for a Golden Newfie due to their dense and often long coat. Golden Newfies typically require regular grooming to keep their coat healthy and free of mats and tangles.

Aim to brush their coat several times a week to remove loose hair and prevent mats from forming. Many Golden Newfie owners also opt to take their dogs to a professional groomer for occasional grooming sessions. Professional groomers can provide services such as bathing, trimming, and de-shedding to help keep the coat in optimal condition.

Do Golden Newfies Shed?

Golden Newfies shed, but it’s only a moderate amount. They are not considered heavy shedders and they maintain a moderate level of shedding throughout the year. The only exception is during fall and winter where their shedding increases and they need a little more grooming attention than usual.

What Health Problems Do Golden Newfies Have?

Here are some of the health problems Golden Newfies usually experience:

• Hip Dysplasia: This is a common orthopedic condition in larger breeds like Golden Newfies. To prevent hip dysplasia, it’s essential to provide proper nutrition and maintain a healthy weight.
• Elbow Dysplasia: Similar to hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia is a developmental condition that affects the elbow joint. Preventive measures include providing a balanced diet.
• Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV): This is a life-threatening condition that can occur in large, deep-chested breeds like Golden Newfies. To reduce the risk of bloat, feed them smaller, frequent meals.
• Heart Conditions: Some Golden Newfies may be prone to heart conditions such as dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Regular veterinary check-ups and screening tests can help detect heart issues early, allowing for proper treatment and preventive measures.

How Long Do Golden Newfies Live?

Golden Newfies live on average 8-12 years.

What Should a Golden Newfie Eat?

Golden Newfies have different nutritional needs at different life stages. Feed puppies a specially formulated puppy food to support their growth and development. As they mature into adults, transition them to an adult formula dog food.

Senior Golden Newfies may benefit from a senior dog food formulated to support joint health and maintain an ideal body weight. Their diet is an important part of their health and it is essential to not overfeed them as their weight and obesity can make them prone to both Hip and Elbow Dysplasia

Is a Golden Newfie the Right Dog for Me?

If you’re an active person who enjoys frequent walks and outdoor adventures, a Golden Newfie will very easily fit into your routine. They love to play, walk, and exercise, and nothing makes them happier than spending some quality time with their owner.

They are also the perfect breed to have around children. They often form strong bonds with them and enjoy their time spent together. Their affectionate nature and strong desire for companionship will make them an ideal addition to any family.

Both first-time and experienced dog owners find their obedience particularly helpful. Experienced owners can train their Golden Newfies for various tasks, given the breed’s high intelligence and adaptability.

If you’re looking for a loyal and devoted companion who can chase away your loneliness, adopting a Golden Newfie is a very solid option. Be aware, though, these dogs require regular grooming, exercise and mental stimulation to thrive. If you’re willing to invest your time and effort into meeting their needs, then they can turn into a very rewarding companion.