70-110 lbs
18-27"
Unknown
The Native American Newfie is a hybrid of the Native American Indian Dog and the Newfoundland; as such, the Native American Newfie will inherit traits from both parent breeds. The Native American Indian Dog can vary significantly in size from 40 to 100 pounds and from 18 to 32 inches in height. A dog of this breed will be very loyal and attached to his family. The Newfoundland is a large dog that weighs between 100 and 150 pounds, standing at 25 to 29 inches. Known to be calm and intelligent, the Newfoundland will also be loyal to his humans. As both breeds do well with children, the hybrid Native American Newfie likely will as well.
The Native American Newfie is a relatively new hybrid, though the two breeds that make the hybrid have long histories. The Native American Indian Dog is one of the few remaining native North American dogs of the original American people. With ancestors that are thousands of years old, some of the dogs remained close to settlements of people while others remained wild. Prior to the 1500’s when Spaniards introduced horses to the United States, dogs were the only help that Native Americans had and pulled carts, helped with hunting, carried heavy packs and offered protection. Over time, the dogs that were domesticated were bred with dogs from Europe. A very small number of native dogs that were not bred with those from Europe survived in the Savannah River region of South Carolina. Some believe that the Native American Indian Dog is a pure descendent of the dogs kept by Native Americans while others feel it is a separate breed. Some believe that the Native American Indian Dog is the same as the Carolina Dog, while others believe the breed is a close relative. The Newfoundland is from Newfoundland Island in Canada, where it is believed that the breed’s ancestors were brought by fisherman from Europe. The breed’s makeup is unclear however, some feel the Newfoundland descended from the white Great Pyrenees while others believe the breed is a descendent of the French Hound. Old prints point to the breed having husky ancestry and the breed has similarities to the Labrador. No matter its ancestry, the breed became suited to the island; excellent in and around water, Newfoundlands are typically amazing swimmers who have rescued many from drowning. In 1919 for example, a Newfoundland pulled a life boat with 20 people from a shipwreck. As residents of Newfoundland were only initially allowed one dog, as well as the dog being exported to Europe, the breed’s numbers declined in Newfoundland and breeders in America had to seek new dogs from Europe. After World War II, the breed’s numbers decreased in Europe and Europeans had to seek new dogs from the United States.
There is not much information available about the appearance of the Native American Newfie, though we can consider the hybrid’s parent breeds to get an idea of the traits their offspring can inherit. The Native American Indian Dog can appear similar to a wolf. He will have a long, thin muzzle, prick ears and an athletic build. He may range in color from silver to black and can be solid through a tortoiseshell pattern. The breed’s tail will either be tightly curled or long with a slight kink at its end. The Newfoundland is large with a broad head and a strong neck and back. The breed will have a wide, short muzzle and teeth that meet at a level bite. His eyes will usually be rather small and his ears will be triangular. A dog of the breed will have webbed feet, which is particularly helpful in the water. Both the Native American Indian Dog and the Newfoundland have double coats; your Native American Newfie will be strong and agile like his parent breeds with an athletic build.
There is not much information available regarding the maintenance of the Native American Newfie, though we can look at the breeds that make up the hybrid to get an idea of the maintenance requirements. The Native American Indian Dog will not require much maintenance despite his fluffy coat. Occasional brushing will be important; during times of heavier shedding brushing will need to occur more often. The Native American Indian Dog will rarely require a bath and is considered hypoallergenic. The Newfoundland will require brushing several times per week with a hard brush in order to avoid having his fur become matted. The Newfoundland is a heavy shedder, particularly during the spring. It is recommended that the Newfoundland not be bathed often so that the natural oils of his coat are not removed. When drinking the breed tends to be messy and will drool quite a bit; having a towel handy to wipe him up will be helpful. The parent breeds will create offspring with moderate coat care needs; brushing on a weekly basis and the use of a shedding tool will make the process easier.
While not much information is available about the Native American Newfie’s temperament, you can look at the temperament of the hybrid’s parent breeds to determine what you may see in your Native American Newfie. The Native American Indian Dog is a bright dog who will be playful with his humans, loyal and affectionate. The breed is typically eager to please and while he will be reserved around stranger, he will not be aggressive. The Native American Indian Dog will get along well with other animals. The Newfoundland is also a bright dog who will gentle and calm. Loyal to his humans, he will make a great watchdog as he is wary of strangers and seems to be able to sense when someone does not have good intentions. The Newfoundland does well with children and usually with other pets, though he can be aggressive with other males. The Native American Newfie will prove to have a sensitive nature that will enable him to fit in to the family quite nicely.
There is not much information about the activity requirements of the Native American Newfie, though considering the requirements of his parent breeds can help give an idea of the needs of the hybrid. The Native American Indian Dog will need a moderate amount of exercise, to include at least a few walks each day. The breed will do best with a medium to large size fenced-in yard where he can run and play as he will enjoy having space to roam and this will help in burning energy. The Newfoundland can enjoy being lazy, though he requires exercise to maintain his health. In addition to walks, the Newfoundland will enjoy swimming as well as playing outdoors on his own or with his humans. It is important to keep in mind that the Newfoundland does better in colder temperatures and will have a hard time tolerating the heat. In warmer temperatures, particularly when involved in activity, the Newfoundland should have access to cool water and shade. The Native American Newfie hybrid will always be ready to join you on an adventure; keep him busy and when you are ready to rest, he will be as well.
Written by a Australian Shepherd lover Ilyssa Bozza
Published: 11/09/2017, edited: 02/24/2021
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