The Border Newfie is a cross between a Border Collie and Newfoundland. They are large dogs that are affectionate and loyal and need a lot of work to keep them entertained. They are a relatively new breed, so we’re still getting to know them, but what we know points to a dog that thrives in busy homes.

Breed Overview

We don’t know much about the Border Newfie’s origins or characteristics, but you can always anticipate much about a breed from the parents. Border Collies and Newfoundlands are hardworking dogs requiring moderate activity levels to keep them happy and healthy.

Border Collies originate from Scotland and have a long history of herding. They’re active, athletic, and energetic and are frequent contestants in sheepdog trials and dog sports. They’re considered to be one of the most intelligent breeds. Newfoundlands were bred as working dogs in Canada to aid fishermen. They’re large, strong, and incredibly loyal, and they are also strong swimmers with a protective double coat that makes them excellent lifesaving dogs.

Border Newfie Characteristics

Border Newfie Puppies

Border Collie and Newfoundland puppies can be pricey, and the same can be said for the Border Newfie. Generally, we suggest adopting when you can, but since the dog is still so new, finding one at a shelter might be tricky.

Border Newfie puppies are adorable balls of energy that will easily worm their way into your heart, but it’s important to note that these dogs don’t stay small for long. And just like their parents, they require a lot of mental and physical stimulation to avoid becoming bored. You will also need to invest time in training because intelligent, strong, large dogs need to be well-behaved to prevent people or pets from getting injured.

Temperament & Intelligence of the Border Newfie 🧠

The Border Newfie has intelligent parents, so it’s unsurprising that they are intelligent. They have strong herding and guarding instincts and can be strong-willed, so expect some pushback during training.

Border Newfies might be cautious around strangers and bark unless you train the trait out of them. However, they are generally calm and are known to be fiercely loyal and even-tempered.

Are These Dogs Good for Families? 👪

Border Newfies are gentle dogs that will fit in with most families. They aren’t known to be aggressive and are protective of their humans but may attempt to herd small children unless trained not to do so. They are social and love spending time with their families, so they would not enjoy a home where they are left alone for long periods. Like their parents, they love to have a job and thrive when mentally and physically active.

Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets? 🐶 😽 

The Border Newfie is friendly, sociable, and not known for being aggressive, so they get along great with other dogs! Thanks to their herding instincts, they might try to herd smaller pets, which could be distressing. They are also quite large as adults and could hurt smaller animals if playing with them unattended.

Things to Know When Owning a Border Newfie

Border Newfies are extraordinary canines, but if you adopt one, it’s best to know more about their food and diet requirements, exercise needs, training requirements, and more.

Food & Diet Requirements 🦴

When it comes to big dogs, you must be prepared for big appetites! Border Newfies need what every dog needs from their diet: high-quality and nutritionally balanced food. You need to pick food that is formulated for large breeds and is suitable for the life stage your dog is currently in.

Border Newfies require protein for meat sources, so look for brands that have real meat listed as the first two or three ingredients. Look for brands with essential fatty acids, omegas, and small amounts of carbohydrates from herbs, vegetables, and berries. Ideally, there should also be minerals and vitamins from plant and bone sources. Stay away from food with artificial colors and preservatives like BHA and BHT.

Border Newfies like their food and will overeat if you aren’t paying attention to portion sizes and how many treats you’re giving them. Obesity is incredibly dangerous for your dog and leads to other health problems that compromise their quality of life; big dogs are already at a higher risk of suffering from joint problems, and obesity strains joints. You can also get food that will promote joint health if that is something your Border Newfie requires.

Exercise 🐕

Border Newfies come from hardworking, herding breeds and thus require regular exercise. They have a lot of energy that needs to be burned off, so we recommend at least 2 hours of exercise daily, and they also need mental stimulation. Intelligent dogs must keep their minds active, so the 2 hours should be split into walks, activities, and playtime. Border Newfies love swimming, playing fetch with their humans, and running.

Border Collies have incredible stamina, so if the Border Newfie takes them, you will need to work hard to tire them out. Newfoundlands are known to be more laid back and docile but will still require plenty of exercise to keep fit and healthy.

If your dog doesn’t exercise enough, they can develop undesirable behaviors like barking and biting the furniture. They are also at a high risk of obesity if they eat more than they are burning off, which puts them at risk of hypertension, cancer, heart disease, and diabetes, amongst other health problems.

Training 🎾

Border Newfies should be trained at a young age, and it can be a difficult journey. Intelligent dogs like Border Collies are known to be challenging, so they do better with an experienced owner. If you are struggling with training, you can always seek help from a professional; getting training right with this breed is essential.

They do best with positive reinforcement and consistency, and be sure to keep training sessions short, around 10–20 minutes, so they don’t become bored or frustrated. Training should be kept fun so they want to do it again. Early socialization is also crucial with Border Newfies, especially if you are single; try getting them out to meet new people and places. This will ensure that your dog is open to new experiences and becomes a confident adult.

Grooming ✂️

Both parent breeds have thick, dense coats, so it won’t surprise you to learn that your Border Newfie will also have a coat that requires brushing at least every day to keep their fur mat and tangle-free and loose fur under control. Their ears must be checked, especially if your dog enjoys swimming. Check for signs of infection, irritation, or debris inside the ear.

Your Border Newfie will also need their nails trimmed and their teeth brushed. Ideally, you should brush your dog’s teeth twice a day or at least three times a week. Invest in toothpaste and a toothbrush designed for dogs. Taking care of your dog’s dental health will avoid future pain, diseases that can affect their overall health and shorten their lives, and pricey vet visits.

Health and Conditions 🏥

Border Collies and Newfoundlands are relatively healthy, and the same can be said for Border Newfies. Most commonly, they are at risk of elbow and hip dysplasia. Newfoundlands are also prone to eye problems such as entropion and ectropion, which are common in Bulldogs whose eyelids droop.

They might also be at risk of gastric dilatation volvulus (GDV), which is known as bloat and involves stomach twisting, which traps the stomach’s contents and gases. The solution to this problem is urgent veterinarian care.

Male vs. Female

There aren’t many notable differences between male and female Border Newfies. The males tend to be slightly bigger and heavier, but not in a way that will make a significant difference in terms of how much space they take up. Males tend to be slightly calmer than females and a little needier.

3 Little-Known Facts About the Border Newfie

1. They Love Eating

A dog that will weigh around 100 pounds when they’ve finished growing likes eating and must be monitored closely for weight gain.

2. They Have Webbed Feet

Webbed feet are inherited from their Newfoundland parent, and coupled with their long toes, they are very good swimmers!

3. They Love Their Humans

Border Newfies have giant hearts to go along with their giant bodies. If you bring a Border Newfie into your family, you’re guaranteed a loyal, affectionate, lifelong pal.

Final Thoughts

Border Newfies are still a bit of a mystery, but the great thing about mixed breeds is that you get a lot of information from the parent breeds. Border Newfies are wonderful family dogs that require plenty of exercise and activities to keep them busy. Thanks to a thick, dense coat, they have high grooming needs and love nothing more than being with their humans. They are intelligent, loyal, affectionate, and gentle giants at heart.

See also:

• Dalmatian Dachshund Mix: Care Guide, Pictures, Info & Traits
• Boxmatian (Boxer & Dalmatian Mix): Care, Pictures, Info & More

Featured Image Credit: (L) Pauline Loroy, Unsplash | (R) Iuliia Khabibullina, Shutterstock