New Labralound

The New Labralound is a cross between the Newfoundland and the Labrador Retriever. Because each hybrid inherits a unique combination of traits from both parents, we recommend thoroughly researching both breeds before choosing a New Labralound. Pay special attention to temperament, health issues, and care requirements, as your dog may express characteristics from either parent breed.

Newfoundland

Newfoundland

The Newfoundland is a massive, powerfully built working dog that exemplifies strength, endurance, and dignified bearing. Males typically stand around 28 inches at the shoulder and weigh between 130 to 150 pounds, while females average 26 inches in height and weigh 100 to 120 pounds. The breed possesses heavy bone structure and substantial muscle throughout, with a body that is slightly longer than it is tall, presenting a balanced and well-proportioned appearance. The head is massive with a broad skull, slightly arched crown, and strongly developed occiput, while the muzzle is broad, deep, and square-shaped with soft flews. The eyes are relatively small, deep-set, and dark brown, conveying the breed's characteristic benevolence, intelligence, and dignity. The ears are relatively small, triangular with rounded tips, and set well back on the head. The Newfoundland's coat is a defining feature of the breed, consisting of a flat, water-resistant double coat that naturally falls back into place when rubbed against the nap. The outer coat is moderately long, coarse in texture, and lies close to the body, while the dense, soft undercoat provides essential insulation and is particularly prominent around the neck and thighs. Recognized colors include solid black, brown, gray, and the distinctive Landseer pattern featuring a white base coat with black markings typically on the head and saddle area. Solid-colored dogs may display white markings on the chin, chest, toes, and tail tip, which are considered typical and not penalized. Several physical adaptations make this breed exceptional for water work. The feet are proportionate to the body, webbed between the toes, and cat-like in structure, enabling powerful and efficient swimming strokes. The tail is broad at the base, reaching to the hock, and serves as a rudder during swimming activities. The forequarters feature muscular, heavily boned forelegs that are straight and parallel, while the powerful hindquarters provide substantial drive. The dog's gait is smooth and rhythmic, covering maximum ground with minimum steps while giving the impression of effortless power, and a slight roll of the skin while moving is characteristic of the breed.

Key Characteristics

Temperament
Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament The breed's social nature extends to other household animals, and they generally coexist peacefully with other dogs and cats when properly socialized from an early age. While not built for endurance running or high-intensity athletic activities, Newfoundlands are natural swimmers who genuinely love the water and require regular moderate exercise to maintain physical and mental health. They adapt well to various living situations provided they receive adequate attention, exercise, and family interaction, though their substantial size and deep need for human connection mean they are not suited to outdoor-only housing or kennel living arrangements.
Health Considerations
Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Additional health concerns include cystinuria, a metabolic disorder affecting the kidneys' ability to filter certain amino acids, potentially leading to painful bladder stone formation. Progressive retinal atrophy and entropion are eye conditions that can affect vision and comfort, requiring veterinary attention. Osteosarcoma, an aggressive form of bone cancer, occurs at higher rates in giant breeds including Newfoundlands and typically affects the limbs. The breed's average lifespan ranges from 8 to 10 years, typical for dogs of their substantial size. Preventive care including appropriate nutrition, careful weight management, and regular veterinary health screenings helps identify potential issues early and supports overall wellbeing throughout their lives.
Learn More About The Newfoundland

Labrador Retriever

Labrador Retriever

The Labrador Retriever is a medium to large-sized dog with an athletic, well-balanced build designed for function, endurance, and versatility in the field. Males typically stand 22.5 to 24.5 inches at the shoulder and weigh between 65 to 80 pounds, while females measure 21.5 to 23.5 inches and weigh 55 to 70 pounds. The body is strongly built with substantial bone structure and muscular development throughout, presenting a nearly square profile when viewed from the side. The breed possesses a broad skull with a clean-cut appearance, powerful jaws, and a wide nose that varies in color depending on coat pigmentation. The eyes are medium-sized with a kind, friendly expression that reflects the breed's gentle temperament, typically brown in black and yellow dogs and brown or hazel in chocolate-colored individuals. The Labrador's coat is one of its most distinctive and functional features, consisting of a short, straight, dense outer layer over a soft, weather-resistant undercoat that provides excellent insulation. This double coat provides superior protection against cold water and harsh weather conditions, reflecting the breed's origins as a working water retriever in the North Atlantic. The coat requires no trimming and lies close to the body without waves or feathering, making grooming relatively straightforward. Three recognized colors exist: black, yellow ranging from cream to fox red, and chocolate. The coat may fade slightly with age, particularly around the muzzle, and this natural fading is not considered a fault. Physical adaptations for water work are prominent throughout the breed's structure. The feet are compact, well-arched, and strong with webbing between the toes that significantly aids swimming efficiency and power. The tail, often called an otter tail, is thick at the base and tapers gradually toward the tip, covered in the characteristic short coat without any feathering, and serves as a powerful rudder during swimming. The ears hang close to the head, set slightly above eye level, and can cover the eyes when pulled forward. Movement is free and effortless with excellent reach in front and strong drive from the rear, reflecting the breed's remarkable stamina and working capability over extended periods.

Key Characteristics

Temperament
Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Labrador Retrievers possess high energy levels requiring substantial daily exercise to maintain physical health and mental balance. Without adequate activity, they may develop destructive behaviors or hyperactivity. They thrive with active families who can provide swimming opportunities, hiking, running, or other vigorous exercise. The breed's love of water runs deep, and most Labradors will eagerly enter any available body of water. Despite their energy, they possess an adaptable nature and can settle calmly indoors when their exercise needs are met, making them suitable for various living situations provided activity requirements are fulfilled.
Health Considerations
Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Progressive retinal atrophy affects the breed at concerning rates, causing gradual vision deterioration and eventual blindness, though genetic testing can identify carriers before breeding decisions are made. Gastric dilatation-volvulus poses a life-threatening risk, particularly in deep-chested individuals, requiring immediate emergency veterinary intervention when symptoms such as distended abdomen and non-productive retching appear. Centronuclear myopathy is an inherited muscle disorder causing weakness and exercise intolerance from a young age. Ear infections occur frequently due to the breed's floppy ear structure that tends to trap moisture. Cancer, including hemangiosarcoma and lymphoma, affects Labradors at concerning rates, particularly as they advance in age. The breed typically enjoys a lifespan of 11 to 13 years with proper care, nutrition, and regular preventive veterinary attention.
Learn More About The Labrador Retriever

Important to Remember

Each hybrid dog is unique and may inherit any combination of traits from either parent breed. The information above represents the characteristics of the purebred parent breeds. Your New Labralound may favor one parent over the other or display a blend of both. We strongly encourage you to read the complete breed profiles for both the Newfoundland and Labrador Retriever to fully understand the range of possible temperaments, health concerns, and care requirements.