Newfoundland

Like every breed, the Newfoundland is not the right fit for every home. Based on the breed’s typical traits:

• Use positive, reward-based techniques.
• Teach lead walking from a very young age, before they are strong enough to drag you.
• Cover all the basic exercises, so you stay in control.
• Be patient: they mature slowly.

• Children

  Often good with children, with supervision.

• Other dogs

  Varies with the individual dog.

• Cats and small pets

  Varies with the individual dog.

• Flats and smaller homes

  Usually needs a roomy home.

• Garden

  A garden is helpful.

• Being left alone

  Usually copes only with short periods alone.

• First-time owners

  Best with an experienced owner.

Not yet reviewed by a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice: speak to your vet about your own dog’s health.

• Hip and elbow dysplasia

  Poor development of the hip or elbow joints, which eventually leads to arthritis. The Royal Kennel Club recommends hip and elbow testing under the BVA/KC schemes before breeding.

• Cystinuria

  A substance called cystine builds up in the urinary tract and can form bladder stones. The Royal Kennel Club recommends a DNA test before breeding.

• Eye conditions

  Entropion and ectropion, where the eyelids roll inwards or droop outwards, can irritate the eye. The Royal Kennel Club recommends eye testing under the BVA/KC/ISDS Eye Scheme.

• Gastric dilatation volvulus (bloat)

  The stomach twists, trapping its contents and gas. It is an emergency that needs urgent veterinary attention, and is often seen in large, deep-chested breeds.

• Heart problems

  Newfoundlands can have heart problems, including dilated cardiomyopathy, where the heart muscle weakens and cannot beat properly.

• Osteosarcoma

  A serious, malignant bone cancer.

• Panosteitis

  A painful, inflammatory bone disease.

• Atopy and hypothyroidism

  Atopy is an allergy that causes itching and skin damage. Hypothyroidism is a drop in thyroid hormone production.

Responsible breeders and rescues are happy to talk about health, and any pressure to decide quickly is a reason to walk away. Before taking a Newfoundland home, it is reasonable to ask about:

• Health testing of the parents. Ask which health tests the parents have had for conditions known in the breed, and to see the results.
• Veterinary and vaccination records. Puppies should have had a first vaccination and a vet check, with records you can take home.
• Microchip information. In England, Scotland and Wales puppies must be microchipped and registered by eight weeks old. Ask who the chip is registered to and how the transfer works.
• Registration paperwork. Registration papers, where they apply, record pedigree. They do not by themselves prove health or how a puppy was raised.

There are two costs: bringing a Newfoundland home, and looking after one well. Puppy prices depend on the breeder, health testing and demand; the adverts below show what sellers are asking today.

Ongoing costs are the ones new owners most often underestimate: food, insurance (which usually rises with age), routine vet care, vaccinations and parasite treatment, dental care, grooming, training, bedding and equipment, and boarding or a sitter for holidays. Budget for the whole of the dog’s life, typically up to 10 years, not just the first year.

If you have decided the Newfoundland suits your life, take the same care choosing where your dog comes from. Meet the puppy in person, see it with its mother, and look at how the litter is raised.

• Check who you are dealing with: every Mypetzilla advert shows the seller type and what we have checked.
• Ask about health testing, vaccinations and the microchip before you commit.
• Take your time. Do not be rushed by deposits or "last one left" stories.
• Meet in person before paying anything, and keep conversations on Mypetzilla.

Newfoundlands do come up for adoption, through rescue organisations, breed rescues and private rehoming, often because an owner’s circumstances have changed rather than any fault of the dog. An adult dog arrives as a known quantity: its size, coat and character are already on show.

Rescues will usually talk you through the dog’s history, any medical care, and the home it needs, including children, other animals and time alone. Be honest about your circumstances: a good rescue would rather place a dog once, well.