Mitis Farmdogs (Newfoundland Crosses)

Mitis Farmdogs are not a true breed; they are an intentional and purposeful cross-breeding program we developed to meet a need for a certain type of dog. We found many people wanted a dog with the gentle, loyal temperament of our Colorado Mountain Dogs but they wanted a pet, without the work drive and intensity that can make them and other livestock guardian breeds challenging for casual or city owners.

Initially, we were trying to start a purebred Newfoundland breeding program, because we had an absolutely amazing Newfoundland (FWF Rosie) who was everything a Newfoundland ought to be. But after purchasing multiple Newfoundlands that either ended up having major temperament or health issues, we were becoming discouraged about the state of purebred Newfoundlands. I was also disillusioned with the purism and close mindedness in many circles of purebred dogs. The model of the closed stud book purebred (which only originated 100 some years ago), along with popular sires, has driven up the coefficient of inbreeding (COI) in most breeds to the point where in many breeds health problems abound, even in dogs produced by responsible breeders. The higher the COI the greater the chance of health issues, temperament issues and breeding/fertility issues because there isnt the genetic diveristy available within the breed to breed away from the problems.

Not long after this, FWF Rosie ended up having an accidental litter with our Colorado Mountain Dog stud, FWF Pierre. As I kept in touch with people who got pups from that litter, I started seeing the beauty of the cross. The dogs were more moderate in physical type than purebred Newfoundlands and had easier care coats. They also seemed to mature a bit faster mentally and have more discernment than many Newfoundlands, and they did very well with livestock and smaller animals. But the goofy, easy-going Newfoundland tempered the work drive of the livestock guardian CMD and took the "edge" off -- they took life as a pet in stride. Furthermore, because in many ways the CMD temperament is very similar to the temperament a proper Newfoundland ought to have, the puppies actually had very consistent temperaments.

After this, the idea of the Mitis Farmdog began to grow. I used to teach Latin, and “mitis” is a Latin word meaning “gentle,” ”mild,” “kindly,” or “peaceful,” and it sums up what these dogs ought to be. The ultimate goal would be a dog who is just that -- gentle and kind, tolerant and nurturing toward children, lower energy, fast-maturing (mentally), easy to live with and willing to coexist peacefully with other animals, from other dogs to cats or farm animals. We want a dog that will bond closely with thier family yet still has a mild and friendly demeanor with strangers and doesn't need a serious “job” as many livestock guardians do.

While they are large, they are not as physically exaggerated as Newfoundland; the goal is for dogs that are not overly heavy and have no drooling, sagging eyelids, excess skin, squished faces, or excessive coats that take a massive amount of grooming to maintain. While they can be any color (except white), with or without spotting, we have a line of blue merle Mitis Farmdogs we are developing that we are especially excited about. Most of our Mitis crosses are ½- ¾ Newfoundland, with the remaining ½ -¼ being made up of other compatible breeds in various percentages, primarily Colorado Mountain Dog, Bernese Mountain Dog, and Leonberger.

If you have admired the gentle-giant breeds like Newfoundlands, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Saint Bernards, etc., but have wanted one that is not as genetically inbred and that does not drool or have excessive features and/or coat, a Mitis Farmdog cross might be what you want. Or if you have admired the watchful and nurturing livestock guardian breeds like Great Pyrenees but didn't want or need the working instinct that comes with them, a Mitis Farmdog cross might be what you want.