How Much Does a Newfoundland Actually Cost? Learn the Purchase Price, Vet Bills, and More

Quick Take

• The purchase price is actually the least expensive part of owning a Newfoundland, and most owners find that what comes after is where they get caught off guard.
• Skipping pet insurance for this breed could be a costly mistake. Newfoundlands carry specific health vulnerabilities that make them one of the more expensive dogs to keep healthy.
• Almost every first-time Newfoundland owner is surprised by one ongoing monthly expense, and it is not the food bill.

With weights of up to 150 pounds, Newfoundlands might be huge, but don’t let their massive size intimidate you. They are actually gentle giants and one of the friendliest dogs you will ever meet. This breed is loyal, affectionate, and loving. They get along well with children and other pets. However, a purebred Newfoundland can be expensive. Yet their purchase price is the least of your worries. Newfoundlands eat a great deal, so you will spend a lot of money on food. Additionally, they are susceptible to some health conditions, which could require extra veterinary care. So, what are Newfoundland prices? Continue reading to find out.

How Much Does a Newfoundland Puppy Cost?

The price of a Newfoundland puppy will differ depending on where you get it. You can locate Newfoundlands at shelters, rescues, and breeders. Take an in-depth look at the costs of purchasing a Newfoundland from different sources.

Adopting a Newfoundland from a Rescue or Shelter

Depending on your location and the organization you are adopting from, costs can range from $300 to $800. Finding one of these pups at a shelter is extremely rare but not impossible. You might have better luck approaching a Newfoundland rescue organization to see if they can put you on their waiting list. However, rescues and shelters are more likely to have older dogs instead of puppies.

Newfoundland Breeders

A Newfoundland’s size is not the only reason for their high prices; they are also very hard to breed because they are prone to pregnancy difficulties. Buying from a reputable breeder can cost between $1,500 and $5,000, with prices generally between $4,000 and $5,000 for a puppy from a top-tier breeder. Expect to put down a deposit of at least $500 to secure your puppy, but the deposit is typically taken off the total purchase price.

Other Factors That Influence the Purchase Price of a Newfoundland

The price of a Newfoundland will vary depending on several factors. For example, breeders charge different prices due to the breeder’s reputation, the dog’s age, bloodline, socialization and training, and health testing. Below is a detailed explanation of varying costs.

Breeder’s Reputation

A top-tier breeder with premium, show-quality puppies with full AKC breeding rights will charge more. If the breeder has dogs that have sired show winners, this will also be reflected in the price of your puppy.

Age

A Newfoundland’s price will also depend on its age. For example, puppies cost more. However, if you are willing to get an older dog, their cost to purchase will be lower. Your dog will also not require puppy vaccinations or spaying/neutering, but they may have health management needs depending on age.

Bloodline

Prospective owners will pay a lot more for Newfoundlands from a line of champions. This is due to their exceptional bloodline, which means they have better genes and are less prone to health issues. However, unless you plan on entering your Newfoundland in dog shows, lineage is not as important.

Socialization and Training

Many breeders will spend time and money to ensure their pups are well-behaved and socialized before handing them over to their new owners. Therefore, they may charge more for the extra effort.

Health Testing

Puppies whose parents have been tested and cleared for hip/elbow dysplasia and heart conditions via organizations such as the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) also cost more. Many breeders have the Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) certification, established through a partnership between the OFA and the AKC Canine Health Foundation. Puppies with a CHIC number and certification will be more expensive. Required screenings for Newfoundlands to be CHIC certified include:

• Hip Dysplasia: OFA Radiographic Hip Evaluation or PennHIP Evaluation. Results registered with OFA.
• Elbow Dysplasia: OFA Radiographic Elbow Evaluation
• Cardiac Evaluation: Congenital Cardiac Exam with examination performed by a Cardiologist, Advanced Cardiac Exam, or a Basic Cardiac Exam with examination performed by a Cardiologist
• Cystinuria: DNA-based cystinuria test from an approved laboratory; results registered with OFA. Progeny may be cleared by parentage
  

The Cost of Vaccinations and Other Medical Expenses

While the breeder or shelter may have taken care of the initial puppy vaccinations, or even sterilization, there are still going to be additional medical expenses. Find out how much these services cost in the sections below.

Initial Vet Appointments

It is essential to take your Newfoundland for an initial vet check-up to ensure there are no major health issues. However, vet bills will differ depending on the location and veterinary practice. Your initial visit can cost between $200 and $500, which includes a general exam, vaccinations, and potential fecal tests. Flea and heartworm prevention may cost more since Newfoundlands are a large-breed dog.

Initial Vaccine Shots

You can prevent your Newfoundland from contracting diseases like hepatitis, parvovirus, and rabies by getting the puppy vaccinated. However, all these vaccines can be expensive. Expect to pay between $75 and $200 for the initial shots.

Neutering or Spaying

When you adopt from a rescue or shelter or buy from a breeder, they will not give you the pup until it has been sterilized, which is usually included in the purchase price. However, if you need to spay or neuter your dog, it can cost between $50 and $500, depending on where you get the operation done. There are some clinics and organizations that offer low-cost spaying and neutering.

Microchip

Another essential medical expense is microchipping. Imagine how much better you will feel knowing that if your dog ever gets out without its collar, they can still be identified by scanning the microchip embedded just under their skin. However, this peace of mind doesn’t come for free; it can cost between $25 and $75, depending on where you have it done and your region. Some shelters and clinics offer low-cost microchipping services.

Cost of Food and Supplies for Newfoundlands

Before you put down a deposit on your new puppy, it’s important to know how much their food and other supplies will cost. Take a look at a few of the other costs involved in owning a Newfoundland.

Food

Monthly food costs for a Newfoundland are around $100 to $120. Their high metabolisms as puppies and massive size as adults mean they must have a high-quality diet to get the energy they need. In addition, they eat a great deal of food, approximately four to six cups of dry food per day. However, be careful not to overfeed your Newfoundland because they are prone to weight gain, which can lead to illness.

Water Bowls

For a dog this size, you need durable food and water bowls. Ceramic or stainless steel bowls will last longer than plastic ones. These bowls can cost between $10 and $35, depending on size and material.

Bed

Depending on your location, finding a bed for this gigantic dog might be tough. If you do find a bed that works, it will likely be very expensive. Popular materials for a quality dog bed include:

• Faux sheepskin
• Fabric
• Orthopedic foam

You can find a basic bed at a chain store for around $30-$60. Orthopedic foam beds generally range between $100 and $200. However, premium beds with durable and/or waterproof materials can cost $200 to $400. Spending more on quality products is worthwhile, as they last longer.

Toys

When Newfoundlands get bored, they may start to chew, especially on furniture. So, you must buy high-quality toys that are built to last. Additionally, purchase toys that provide mental stimulation. Chewable toys can cost between $30 and $50.

Crate

As you can imagine, you will need a large crate for this massive breed. Crate training is essential for puppies so they know they have a quiet, safe place to go when they feel stressed or overwhelmed. The cost of a large or extra large wire crate is generally around $90 to $150. Crates that look more like furniture cost between $150 and $250. You can often find deals on dog crates from large chain stores.

Collars and Leashes

One of the first things you must do is train your Newfoundland puppy to walk on a leash. These dogs need daily walks, so they must learn to walk on a lead from a young age. Again, the better the quality, the more expensive they are, but they will last longer. So, expect to pay between $15 and $50.

Grooming Costs for a Newfoundland

Newfoundlands have a thick coat that needs a good brush several times a week. Furthermore, they need a thorough bath every six to eight weeks to keep their coat healthy and clean. Additionally, they require regular ear cleaning, nail clipping, and teeth brushing. However, grooming such a large dog can be challenging, so many owners send them to groomers, with professional grooming sessions typically costing between $150 and $240 or more per visit.

How Much Does It Cost to Insure a Newfoundland?

The cost of pet insurance will vary widely depending on several factors, including breed, location, age, and medical conditions. For example, young, healthy dogs will have a lower monthly premium than senior dogs. However, pet insurance is essential, especially for a breed like Newfoundlands that can suffer from several health conditions. Pet insurance can range from around $15 to $100 monthly, but different insurers will offer different rates and deductibles.

How Much Does It Cost to Train a Newfoundland?

Newfoundlands need obedience training and socialization from a young age because of their massive size. These dogs can cause serious injury if they are not trained properly. While they are not usually aggressive, they can accidentally knock over a small child or cause an adult to fall if they jump on them. Basic puppy obedience classes can cost $100 to $200 for a 4- to 6-week program. However, private lessons can cost $70 to $150 per hour.