Texas Heeler Newfoundland Mix (Ultimate Breed Guide)

The Texas Heeler-Newfoundland mix, or as I like to call it, the “Gentle Giant meets the Cattle Rustler.”

If you ever dreamed of a dog that could herd your sheep and then jump in to save you from a river, you’re in for a treat!

Picture a Texas Heeler, with its agility and herding prowess that can only be matched by its ceaseless energy.

Now mix that with a Newfoundland, a gentle giant known for its webbed paws, unrivaled swimming ability, and the kind of loyalty that makes Lassie look like a cat.

Together, they form a breed that’s one part cowboy, one part lifeguard, and entirely unique.

Let’s explore this one-of-a-kind mix!

Breed Summary

History of the Parent Breeds

Understanding the history of the parent breeds offers valuable insight into potential temperament, health predispositions, and care requirements.

These breeds were developed for specific roles, shaping their unique characteristics and behaviors.

Texas Heeler

The Texas Heeler is a relatively new breed, created by crossing the Australian Cattle Dog and the Australian Shepherd.

The breed is named after the state where they are most commonly found.

The Texas Heeler is known for its distinctive blue-tinged coat and energetic and intelligent nature.

The Australian Cattle Dog, also known as the Blue Heeler, was initially bred in the 19th century in Australia for cattle herding.

They were developed by crossing the native Dingoes with Collies and other herding breeds.

The Australian Shepherd, on the other hand, was developed in the United States in the 19th century for herding livestock.

They were initially bred from various shepherd breeds from Europe.

The Texas Heeler inherited many of the characteristics of both parent breeds.

They are intelligent, hard-working, and energetic, making them excellent working dogs.

They are also loyal and protective of their families.

Newfoundland

The Newfoundland is a large breed of dog that originated in Newfoundland, Canada.

They were originally bred for working purposes, including hauling heavy loads and rescuing people from the water.

The breed is known for its thick, water-resistant coat and webbed feet, making them excellent swimmers.

The Newfoundland is a gentle giant known for their calm and patient nature.

They are excellent with children and make great family pets.

They are also intelligent and trainable, making them suitable for various tasks.

The breed has a long history, with records dating back to the 18th century.

They were brought to England in the early 19th century, where they became popular as pets and working dogs.

The Newfoundland remains a beloved breed, prized for their gentle nature and loyalty to their families.

Appearance

As a Texas Heeler-Newfoundland mix, this dog breed has a unique appearance that combines the traits of both parent breeds.

This breed is generally medium to large in size, with a muscular and sturdy build.

Coat Type

The coat of a Texas Heeler-Newfoundland mix can vary depending on the dominant parent breed.

The Texas Heeler has a short and smooth coat, while the Newfoundland has a thick and long double coat.

As a result, this mix can have either a short and smooth coat or a longer and thicker coat.

Coat Colors

The coat colors of a Texas Heeler-Newfoundland mix are also diverse, depending on the dominant parent breed.

The Texas Heeler comes in various colors, including blue, red, black, and brown, while the Newfoundland is typically black, brown, or gray.

As a result, this mix can have a variety of coat colors, including black, brown, blue, and red.

A Texas Heeler-Newfoundland mix could inherit the Merle pattern if the Texas Heeler parent carries the Merle gene, as Newfoundlands do not typically carry this gene.

However, it’s important to note that predicting mixed-breed puppies’ exact colors and patterns can be somewhat unpredictable.

If the Texas Heeler parent is a merle, potential coat colors, and patterns might include:

Coat Colors

• Black
• Blue Merle
• Red Merle
• Brown
• Grey
• White
• Black & White (Landseer)

Coat Patterns

Solid: The coat is a single color with no spots or ticking.

Bicolor: The coat has two colors, often with the second color appearing as points or patches.

Landseer: A specific pattern in Newfoundlands, characterized by a white base coat with black patches.

Merle: This pattern appears as mottled patches of color on a lighter or white base coat.

Ticking: Small spots of color on a white coat, often found on the legs and muzzle.

Spots or patches: Larger areas of color on a different base color.

Again, it’s vital to note that each puppy’s coat will depend on the unique combination of genes it inherits from its parents.

As such, siblings can have quite different appearances from one another.

Size

As a mixed breed, the size of a Texas Heeler-Newfoundland mix can vary depending on the size of its parents.

However, this breed is generally considered a medium to large-sized dog.

Height

The height of a Texas Heeler-Newfoundland mix can range from 18 to 28 inches at the shoulder.

This is because the Texas Heeler parent breed is a medium-sized dog, while the Newfoundland parent breed is a large-sized dog.

Weight

The weight of a Texas Heeler-Newfoundland mix can range from 40 to 100 pounds.

Again, this is because the Texas Heeler parent breed weighs around 30 to 50 pounds, while the Newfoundland parent breed can weigh up to 150 pounds.

Temperament

The temperament of a Texas Heeler-Newfoundland mix is likely to be a combination of the parent breeds’ personalities.

Newfoundlands are known for their gentle and sweet disposition, making them great family dogs.

They are loyal, patient, and protective, which makes them excellent with children.

They are also known for their intelligence, which makes them easy to train.

On the other hand, Texas Heelers are energetic and hard-working dogs that thrive on activity and exercise.

They are also intelligent and loyal, making them great companions for those who enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, running, or biking.

When it comes to the temperament of a Texas Heeler-Newfoundland mix, it is essential to note that each dog will have its own unique personality.

However, this mix will likely be friendly, loyal, and energetic.

They will likely enjoy outdoor activities and will be great with children.

It is important to note that both parent breeds can be prone to separation anxiety.

This means a Texas Heeler-Newfoundland mix may not do well if left alone for extended periods.

Providing them with plenty of exercise and mental stimulation is vital to prevent destructive behaviors.

Overall, a Texas Heeler-Newfoundland mix is likely to be a friendly and energetic dog that will make a great companion for those who enjoy outdoor activities and have a lot of time to spend with their pet.

Health Issues

As with any mixed breed, the Texas Heeler-Newfoundland mix may inherit health issues from either parent breed.

Here are some of the common health issues that may affect this mix:

Hip Dysplasia

This is a common condition in large breeds like the Newfoundland and can also occur in the Texas Heeler.

It’s a genetic condition where the hip joint doesn’t develop properly, leading to pain and mobility issues.

Bloat

Also known as gastric torsion, bloat is a life-threatening condition where the stomach fills with gas and twists on itself.

This can cut off the blood supply to the stomach and other organs, leading to shock and death.

Eye Problems

Both the Texas Heeler and Newfoundland are prone to certain eye conditions, such as cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy.

Regular eye exams can help to catch these issues early and prevent further damage.

Heart Disease

The Newfoundland is prone to certain heart conditions, such as dilated cardiomyopathy.

While less common in the Texas Heeler, monitoring your dog’s heart health is still important.

It’s important to note that not all Texas Heeler-Newfoundland mixes will develop these health issues.

Regular veterinary check-ups, a healthy diet, and regular exercise can all help to keep your dog healthy and happy for years to come.

Lifespan

The average lifespan of a Texas Heeler-Newfoundland mix is around 10-12 years.

This is similar to the lifespan of both parent breeds, with the Texas Heeler typically living 12-15 years and the Newfoundland living 8-10 years.

While genetics play a role in determining lifespan, several factors can impact the health and longevity of your dog.

Proper nutrition, exercise, and regular veterinary care can all help to extend your dog’s lifespan.

Related: Meet the Texas Heeler-Pit Bull Mix