Arguably one of the most loved and giant dog breeds is the Newfoundland, little known as “Newfies.” Excellent swimmers and gentle giants, they are great family pets. But before rushing to welcome a Newfoundland dog into your home, you must think through what this will cost.
This will include the cost of the Newfoundland puppies themselves, ongoing costs, and additional factors that affect the overall cost.
In total, how much does a Newfoundland dog cost?
The factors that affect what I’m about to tell you are numerous, including the quality of the breeder, location, and whether you prefer adoption versus buying a dog from a breeder. Here’s a rough estimate:
- From a reputable breeder: $1,200 – $3,500+
- Shelter/rescue adoption fee: $200 – $600
- Get a showcase with Newfoundland: $3,500 – $5,000+
These are the purchase prices only, but there are plenty of other expenses associated with owning any kind of Newfoundland.
What Factors Affect Newfoundland Dog Price?
1. Breeder Reputation & Bloodline
Responsible breeders invest tons of time and money into genetic testing, vaccination programs and early socialization. “Show-bred quality bloodlines can also be more costly.
2. Location
Prices for Newfoundland puppies are always cheaper based on your location. They are more plentiful — and thus cheaper — in some areas and scarcer and costlier in others.
3. Pedigree and Certification
Canines registered under clubs like the American Kennel Club (AKC) or the Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) could cost more than non-registered canines.
4. Breeding and Health Testing
Responsible breeders test for many genetic diseases, such as hip dysplasia, heart diseases, and elbow dysplasia. Puppies whose parents have good prospective health tests tend to be more expensive, because these dogs have a lower lifetime risk of medical problems.
5. Age of the Dog
Adult Newfoundland dogs typically cost less than puppies. Older dogs or rescues are usually less expensive, but can have problems of their own.
Cost of Owning a Newfoundland Dog
The price of owning a Newfoundland dog goes beyond the initial cost of buying one. Here’s the list of expenses you should prepare for:
1. Veterinary Bills ($500 — $2,000 per year)
A big financial drain are the frequent veterinarian appointments, immunizations, flea and tick prevention, and emergency care. Larger breeds tend to have more health conditions, so be ready to factor in potential vet bills.
2. Nutrition and Food ($800 – $1,500 per year)
This is why these large breeds require a premium diet to help keep them healthy. How much you should expect to spend on food: Depending on the brand and nutritional needs, dog food should cost you $80 to $125 a month.
3. Grooming ($500 – $1,000 per year)
Newfoundlands have a dense, water-repellent outer coat that should be brushed often and professionally groomed. Nail trimming and coat care can cost about $75 – $150 per visit for a grooming session.
4. Training and Socialization ($200 — $1,000)
That said, bigger breeds need to be trained properly. Typically, group puppy training classes, private training sessions and obedience courses range from around $200 to $1,000, depending on the method used.
5. Supplies and Extras ($200-$600 per year)
You will require basics like:
- Dog bed: $50 – $200
- Leash and collar: $30 – $100
- Toys and chews: $50 – $150
- Bowls for food and water: $20 – $50
- Crate: $100 – $300
6. Pet Insurance ($500 – $1,200 per year)
In addition, Newfoundland dogs are also susceptible to health conditions, so pet insurance can help alleviate some of the costs of any unforeseen medical conditions.
7. Boarding or Pet Sitting ($300 – $1,000 per year)
If you travel often, you’ll need to factor in pet boarding or dog-sitting costs. Most boarding services cost approximately $30 – $50 a day.
How Much Does Owning a Newfoundland Dog Cost?
Here’s a breakdown of the estimated annual expenses for a Newfoundland dog:
| Expense Category | Estimated Cost (Annual) |
|---|---|
|
Veterinary Care |
$500 – $2,000 |
|
Food |
$800 – $1,500 |
|
Grooming |
$500 – $1,000 |
|
Training |
$200 – $1,000 |
|
Supplies |
$200 – $600 |
|
Pet Insurance |
$500 – $1,200 |
|
Boarding/Pet Sitting |
$300 – $1,000 |
|
Total Estimated Cost |
$3,000 – $7,300 per year |
Is a Newfoundland Dog Right for You?
Some things to bear in mind before you buy:
Space: They require a big house with room to roam.
Time Commitment: Newfoundlands are happiest in the company of humans and require regular exercise.
- Grooming Needs: They have a long coat that requires frequent grooming.
- Financial Investment: Know your scheduled and unforeseen expenses.
Final Thoughts
Newfoundlands are gentle, loyal, and fantastic companion animals. But they demand considerable time and financial investment. Before kinding any dog, it is important to know how much you will have to spend so that you can make an accurate decision about a certain breed.
Get a Newfoundland dog from a reputable breeder or rescue if you’re game for the difficulty and delight of having one. Doing that will help you bring home a healthy, well-socialized pup and support ethical breeding practices in the process.
And do you have a Newfoundland dog to adopt? Let us know in the comments!