Are you considering bringing a Newfoundland dog into your family? Known for their gentle nature and impressive size, Newfoundlands are not only excellent swimmers but also wonderful companions. Let’s look at the cost of a Newfoundland dog, comparing breeders, breed rescues, and shelters. We’ll examine the pros and cons of each option and the services they offer.
We love Newfies and, in fact, one of our previous dogs Hershey was a Newfoundland mix. She brought us 15 years of joy and love and was just as sweet as her name!
How Much Does a Newfoundland Dog Cost from a Breeder?
The price of a Newfoundland puppy typically ranges from $1,200 to $3,000, though exceptional lines can cost more. Several factors influence the price:
- Genetic Testing: Reputable breeders conduct health screenings on the puppy’s parents, often with Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) numbers which shows the dog has taken the health tests mentioned below.
- Breeder’s Location: Prices vary by region, with higher costs in metropolitan areas.
- Pedigree: Puppies from award-winning lines in dog shows or working backgrounds will be priced higher.
- Dog’s Purpose: Prices differ for show quality, working line, or pet quality Newfoundlands.
- Age and Color: Puppies are almost always more expensive. Newfoundland colors include black, brown, gray, and Landseer (white with black markings).
When buying from a breeder, the price typically includes registration papers, vaccinations, and a health guarantee.
It’s crucial to choose a reputable breeder and avoid backyard breeders or online scams. Below we’ll look at how you can be sure you are talking with a responsible breeder to help you avoid heartache and additional expense down the road.
Health Tests for Newfoundlands
Inquire about health tests conducted on the puppy’s parents. Newfoundlands are prone to certain health issues, so responsible breeders perform tests to ensure a healthy litter. Essential tests include:
- Hip and Elbow Dysplasia Screening: This test assesses the dog’s hip and elbow joints for dysplasia, a common genetic condition in large breeds where the joints develop improperly, leading to arthritis and mobility issues.
- Heart Examinations: These evaluations check for congenital heart conditions common in Newfoundlands, like subvalvular aortic stenosis (SAS), ensuring the dog’s heart is functioning properly.
- Eye Health Evaluations: This screening looks for inherited eye diseases such as cataracts or progressive retinal atrophy, ensuring the Newfoundland’s eyes are healthy and not at risk of vision loss.
- Cystinuria Testing: This genetic test identifies the presence of Cystinuria, a hereditary condition in Newfoundlands that causes the formation of cystine stones in the kidneys and bladder, potentially leading to urinary blockages.
Finding a Reputable Newfoundland Breeder
To find a reputable Newfoundland breeder:
- Consult the Newfoundland Club of America’s ambassadors in your area for suggestions on local breeders.
- Seek recommendations from dog shows, veterinarians, or Newfoundland owners.
- Research breeders online, checking for complaints or scams. Search for “BREEDER NAME complaints” or “BREEDER NAME scam” for past issues. Also, look to see if there any Better Business Bureau (BBB) complaints for the business.
- Visit the breeder, meet the puppy’s parents, and inspect the breeding facility. If the breeder doesn’t want you to visit the facility, this is a huge red flag; look elsewhere.
Adopting a Newfoundland from a Breed Rescue
Adopting from a breed-specific Newfoundland rescue typically costs $300 to $800, varying with age and location. Breed rescues that specialize in Newfoundlands can provide insights into the dog’s personality and needs. However, the dog’s full history and health screenings may not always be available.
Newfie enthusiasts scour shelter websites in search of Newfoundland dogs, who wind up in shelters for a wide variety of reasons:
- The previous owner passed away.
- Changes in the owner’s living circumstances, such as moving to non-pet-friendly housing, facing health issues, being unable to afford the costs of dog ownership, having a new baby, or entering a relationship with someone who doesn’t want a dog.
- Owners who underestimated the responsibilities of caring for a large, energetic breed like the Newfoundland.
- Newfies that were lost and subsequently found by the rescue through shelter websites.
- Newfoundlands that were relinquished by breeders, possibly due to being unsuitable for breeding or showing.
Regardless of the reason for their surrender, Newfoundlands in rescue may or may not have registration papers, depending on whether they were given up with such documentation.
When you adopt a Newfoundland dog from a breed rescue, the dog will typically have received a comprehensive array of essential services, including:
- Spaying or neutering in most cases
- Vaccinations appropriate for their age
- Heartworm testing and ongoing preventative treatments
- Deworming procedures
- A general wellness check-up
- Any necessary veterinary care provided during their stay at the rescue
If you were to independently pay for these veterinary services, the costs could range between $300 and $500 and up, varying based on factors like your vet’s fees and the dog’s gender.
Finding Newfoundland Breed Rescues
Locate breed rescues by searching online or checking the Newfoundland Club of America rescue network. Adoption fees usually cover spaying/neutering, vaccinations, and other veterinary care.
You can also search for Newfoundland rescues. Note: some will adopt out of their area while others require home visits and require adopters to live in the area. Be sure to check each rescue’s requirements.
Here are just a few breed-specific rescues you might check:
Adopting a Newfoundland from a Shelter
Shelters are the most economical option, with adoption fees generally ranging from $100 to $300.
As with a rescue, most shelters will have done veterinary work on the adoptable Newfie including:
- Spaying or neutering in most cases
- Vaccinations appropriate for their age
- Heartworm testing and ongoing preventative treatments
- Deworming procedures
- A general wellness check-up
- Any necessary veterinary care provided during their stay at the rescue
While shelters offer a range of veterinary services, breed identification may not always be accurate. Research and understanding the breed’s characteristics can really help you in identifying a Newfie at a shelter.
To find a Newfoundland at a shelter, you can start by contacting your local animal shelter or initiating an online search. Websites like Petfinder have specific pages for different breeds, including Newfoundlands. On these sites, you can filter your search based on your location by entering your zip code, which will show you available Newfoundlands in your area. These listings typically include both rescue organizations and shelters.
You can refine your search based on the dog’s age, gender, and even distance if you’re willing to consider adopting from a shelter outside your immediate area. Some people also prefer specific coat colors, and this option may be available in your search criteria.
Like adopting from a breed rescue, the reasons Newfoundlands end up in shelters are varied and often relate to changes in their previous owner’s circumstances, such as relocation, financial constraints, or lack of time to properly train and care for a large breed dog.
Unlike breed rescues, dogs in shelters are typically housed on-site, which means the shelter environment may not provide as much information about the dog’s personality. It’s a good idea to speak with shelter staff to learn about any temperament testing the dog has undergone and to gather insights into their character, such as whether the dog is shy, outgoing, or has received any prior training.
Additionally, inquire about the dog’s background. Sometimes, shelters receive pregnant purebred dogs who then give birth at the shelter, so you might find a Newfoundland puppy in such cases.
Pros and Cons of Each Option
Breeders:
- Pros: Choice of puppy, possible health screenings, breeder support.
- Cons: Highest cost, wait times for puppies, due diligence required.
Breed Rescues:
- Pros: Lower cost, breed-specific advice, has received valuable veterinary care, you are saving a life.
- Cons: Uncertain history, possible wait for a puppy, limited health screenings.
Shelters:
- Pros: Lowest cost, immediate availability, has received valuable veterinary care, you are saving a life.
- Cons: Uncertain breed makeup and history, limited health screenings.
Owning a Newfoundland is a significant commitment, both emotionally and financially. Whether you choose a breeder, rescue, or shelter, ensure you are prepared for the responsibilities of owning such a magnificent breed.
How Does the Newfie Cost Compare to Other Breeds?
Check out these other articles here on DogTipper to see how the cost of a Newfoundland puppy compares to other breeds:
- What’s the Pit Bull Price at Breeders, Rescues & Shelters?
- What’s the German Shepherd Puppy Price at a Breeder or Rescue?
- The Pug Dog Price Tag: What You Need to Know Before You Get Your Pug
- The Australian Shepherd Price Tag: How Much Does an Aussie Cost?
- What’s the Price of a Blue Heeler?
- What’s the French Bulldog Price at a Breeder, Breed Rescue & Shelter?
- What’s the Dachshund Price (at Breeders & Rescues)?
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