Going to visit a breeder tomorrow

[minnesota]

:groovy:Not to buy mind u but to check out and make sure if i truely am ready for a huge breed lol...and since my son really wants one i would like a breeder talk to him ontop of my already spiel about how much of a responsibilty it is...so im gonna make a family deal out of it (except our oldest she can't get out of school college finals) so i am excited

 

[R Taft]

Enjoy......And take on board al the info you might be given

 

[minnesota]

oh beleive me and i have a list of questions lol she's probably gonna hate me with all the stuff i wanna ask i feel like an idiot to be honest i don't know if im even ready for another big dog or another dog period but i made this promise that to my son we would look and i keep my promises i am making a list for her and have already annoyed my vet with questions

 

[victoria1140]

any breeder who doesn't want to answer your questions dont bother with

most breeders are happy that people want info and are prepared and committed for any animal

happy hunting and who knows you may find one you fall in love with

 

[minnesota]

oh my i should never have gone i now TOTALLY WANT ONE she has the most BEAUTIFUL brown/red one she let us play with them took the dad and mom to the current set of pups let us interact with them in the yard and observe them playing in the water and with our kids we got to interact with the brown one two but she couldn't come out the two females don't get along but we still got to play with her...its LOVE i tell ya but now we don't know if we want a brown pup or black male or female....decisions decisions plus i gotta get house puppy proofed again so will still be awhile yet

 

[Jeannie]

How long can it take to puppy proof a house? Get a big box and toss everything in you don't want chewed or broken and get a pup. I'd say it will take longer to decide color and sex.

 

[hemingway]

REALLY IMPORTANT: ask to see the parents' health certificates...ask about their elbows...are they OFA certified? Both should have excellent elbows and hips. Healthy hearts. As well as be CLEAR of cystinurnia.

freak things can happen despite great breeding lines but you might as well cover your bases...these dogs go from "expensive" to "there goes all of our savings" FAST when it comes to health stuff.

 

[Angela]

REALLY IMPORTANT: ask to see the parents' health certificates...ask about their elbows...are they OFA certified? Both should have excellent elbows and hips. Healthy hearts. As well as be CLEAR of cystinurnia.

freak things can happen despite great breeding lines but you might as well cover your bases...these dogs go from "expensive" to "there goes all of our savings" FAST when it comes to health stuff.

Exactly. Great post. Go by checking out the breeder and health clearances before your heart decides on the first puppy you see!!
Stacey's right, these can be very expensive dogs.

 

[Ginny]

A reputable breeder won't allow a pup to go to its new home until a board certified cardiologist has cleared the heart. The later this is done the better, but generally it's never before 9 -10 weeks of age. If you're told his/her vet heard no murmur and the pup is clear, run for the hills! As others have said, clearances are very important.

 

[R Taft]

A reputable breeder won't allow a pup to go to its new home until a board certified cardiologist has cleared the heart. The later this is done the better, but generally it's never before 9 -10 weeks of age. If you're told his/her vet heard no murmur and the pup is clear, run for the hills! As others have said, clearances are very important.

Yes.........This is so importent together with the health clearances form the parents.

I know they grab you and get hold of your heart so easily....But keep your head and make sure all of that is done or soon to be done

Good luck

 

[new_2_newf]

Have fun!

 

[padkins]

It can be very difficult to step back and evaluate everything that you see when you have adorable little puppies running around. Did the breeder answer all of your questions? Do they do health checks and which ones? Did the breeder agree that a Newf would fit in with your pack and your family? Have you visited any other breeders and asked questions? Didn't do much research with my first Newf, but I would trade her and all of her health problems for the world. Did our research on the second one, and (knock on wood) he has been healthy. Taking your time, doing your research, making sure that all of your questions have been answered can really pay off in the long run.

 

[minnesota]

i am not one hundred percent sure id have to ask again about the health things i know i asked but i just can't remember i would double check before i bought a pup i mean 1200 is a lot of money to tie up into a dog so yes i would ask those things again before i bought a pup and again i know i want one but im not ready at this moment to get one i am excited but at the same time im not sure does that make any sense? she said she thinks the puppy would fit right in with us but that doesn't mean anything plus i am still checking other breeders..i just really enjoyed myself

 

[Angela]

$1200 is actually cheap for a Newfoundland puppy!!

You need to read all the Stickys at the top of General Forum about breeders, buying puppies etc before committing.

You need to get copies in your hand from the breeder of all health clearances done on both parents, these should be official OFA certificates.
Newfs are prone to heart problems SAS as well as hip, elbow dysplasia.

Please, please ask loads of questions here and to breeders.

The breeder should register the litter, you are entitled to AKC registration papers.

Don't be fooled by pretty, colourful, glowing websites, you can PM any of us here if you are interested in a kennel. We want the best for you.

I have read some horror stories on FB over the last few months about people getting puppies and after the transactions are completed, the breeder doesn't want to know.
I feel sad that some new people are treated this way.

 

[Elizabeth]

Ditto what Angela said, and yes $1200 is cheap for a newf pup.

E

 

[ElvisTheNewf]

$1200 seems pretty low for a Newf pup.........but in reality, it's nothing compared to feeding/grooming/vet bills so if the initial cost scares you, please be realistic and realize it's literally just a drop in the bucket compared to lifetime costs of these dogs.

I don't say this to scare you or frustrate you, or to try to talk you out of a dog or anything. I say it to inform you. I thought we were prepared for Elvis. I thought his purchase price would be the most we'd ever spend at once on him. (I know, I know. I can laugh now) I was SO WRONG. Very, very wrong - and Elvis is healthy!! I don't even have the frequent vet bills or the orthopedic surgeries that others on here have had.

I know how easy it is to think "Oh, that won't happen to me" but please, please be honest with yourself. I dont want to start an income or finance discussion. I'm just being 100% honest that I severely under-estimated the costs of owning a Newf.

 

[Brandie&Maggie]

It's good that you are doing your research. Continue to ask lots of questions and make an informed decision. These guys take an extraordinary amount of care, money, time and attention. It's totally worth it in my book, but I don't know very many other people who are willing and able to handle it. Most of our friends think we're crazy!

I wouldn't trade her for the world, and I'm incredibly blessed to have such a wonderful girl.

We've spent way more money on her than we ever expected. Not just food & vet bills, but new furniture, beds, crates, toys, etc. Everyone costs probably twice as much as a "normal" dog due to their size. We spend probably $300 a month in just food and preventative care (at least!) and that doesn't count vet bills or anything else. I don't care to add up the actual cost of everything.:whistling:

Good luck in your decision!!!

 

[Wayne A]

To own and care for any pet is very expensive. They give us unconditional love so how can we put a $ on that. Personally I've never been dogless & hope I never am. I wish you the best in your Giant Breed adventures. No question is a silly one.I think most or all of us here are still asking questions.LOL Keep us posted and of coarse photos are mandatory.

 

[Ginny]

Not only is 1200 cheap, it's a huge red flag that this isn't a reputable breeder doing all the necessary health clearances.

 

[CMDRTED]

And check the OFA database to see if it matches, and that they are all there. No breeder should be offended, if they are, there is a reason. I believe there is a sticky on questions to ask a breeder. You should be checking them as much as they are checking you. You'll end up with a good relationship.