Appearance of the Swiss Newfie
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The Swiss Newfie is a well-muscled, heavily boned dog that is slightly longer than it is tall, and while some females can weigh just under 45 kilos as adults, very few males will. Both parent breeds have broad, flat skulls and broad, blunt muzzles that are well balanced in relation to the head, and this is passed on to the Great Swiss Mountain Dog, although the Newfoundland Dog tends to have a slightly broader head and more pendulous lips than the Great Swiss Mountain Dog. Its brown eyes are generally very dark and almond-shaped, with a soft, delicate expression, and its triangular ears are set close to the edge of the skull, almost flat against the sides of the head. Dogs that most closely resemble the body style of the Great Swiss Mountain Dog may be a little leaner than those inspired by the Newfoundland Hound, but the difference is usually minimal. |
Temperament of the Swiss Newfie
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The Swiss Newfie is a combination of two dog breeds that are generally very sociable and easy to get along with, and they tend to need a lot of company for a big dog. They are generally very tolerant with children, but are powerful dogs that can be a little too boisterous in their interactions with toddlers and young children and need to be closely supervised. Although these dogs are affectionate and confident with their families, socialization may be necessary to ensure they remain confident and polite with strangers too. Properly socialized and trained, however, these dogs should make excellent therapy or emotional support animals, as they are particularly sensitive to the emotions of those around them. Socialization with other dogs is also wise for this crossbreed, as both parent breeds are known to be sometimes wary of other dogs, and some males are also aggressive towards other males, especially if not properly trained. While the Newfoundland can bring a bit of stubbornness and the Great Swiss Mountain Dog contributes to a long adolescence, this combination should otherwise be fairly easy to train, and training should start early to ensure a well-behaved, well-controlled adult dog. |
Needs and activities of the Swiss Newfie
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Although this dog doesn't need a lot of vigorous exercise, it does need to stretch its long legs at least several times a day, and the addition of strength training in the form of specially weighted backpacks or draft carts designed for dogs will help it maintain its strength and muscle tone. The Swiss Newfie is also likely to be particularly attracted to swimming and water sports due to its Newfoundland Dog heritage, activities that can prove particularly beneficial for large dogs prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, as they provide non-weight-bearing exercise for joints and muscles. A home with secure, enclosed grounds is essential to provide the most suitable environment for the Swiss Newfie. |
Maintenance of the Swiss Newfie
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The time and effort required to groom this hybrid depends largely on the coat each Swiss Newfie inherits. Both coats require fairly frequent bathing, usually every month or two, but those with the long, fluffy coat of the Newfoundland Dog will need to be brushed much more often than those who have inherited the short, smooth coat of the Great Swiss Mountain Dog. The Newfoundland's coat requires intensive daily brushing to prevent knots and tangles and to remove dirt and debris that have become embedded in its abundant fur, while the moderate shedding created by the Great Swiss's short coat can usually be controlled with just two or three brief brushing sessions a week. |