Hi, new here

[maybe532]

Hello everyone,
I stumbled on the forum while trying to find information about Newfoundlands. My husband and I want to get one but we're trying to learn everything we can first. I was hoping to learn how much it costs to have one (monthly expenses) to determine if we can afford one. I have had the pleasure of knowing several and I just fell in love at first site. Every bit of information I read makes me want one more and more. We have a 2 1/2 year old daughter and a 6 year old Glen of Imaal Terrier mix named Lucy. Lucy is a very lazy dog, perfect for my husband and our toddler but not perfect for me. I want a dog that I can go out and do things with, like take classes and go to dog parks. I would love to do agility (for fun, not competition), and Lucy is just so unmotivated and lazy. The only time she gets excited is if we take her on a car ride. Nevertheless, I have attended several obedience and behavior classes, including getting her CGC certified. I'm here to learn all the things from actual dog owners and hope to learn if we'll be able to afford one.
I look forward to getting to know all of you!
Shannon

 

[BoundlessNewfs]

First, welcome to Newf Net!

Second...if you're wondering if you can afford one, you may want to rethink getting one. IF you happen to get an extremely healthy newf, then it's probably do-able for you financially. IF, however, you happen to get a newf with any kind of chronic health issues, vet bills can be quite costly.

Example: Our first newf has severe bilateral hip dysplasia. So far, she has not needed a hip replaced (that could be thousands per hip), BUT she has had swim therapy at $30 per half hour, every week, to keep her muscles toned enough to support her weak joints.

Our second newf (the one we thought was our healthy one) was diagnosed with tricuspid valve dysplasia at two years of age. The valve in her heart never comes close to closing. She will eventually have right side heart failure. For now, she is fine without meds. She also has many food and drug sensitivities, so frequent vet visits are a must.

Our third newf is incontinent (leaks urine). This is handled well with daily medication, but it isn't cheap.

Read through the sections on health, to learn all that you can about what can go wrong with these big beauties. Then read THOROUGHLY the section about questions to ask breeders, and about the Health Clearances, to be sure that the newf breeder you buy from has done everything humanly possible to breed sound pups, and that they will be there to help you through any issues that come up.

Hope I haven't scared you off completely. We feel that the love and companionship we get from our girls FAR outweighs the financial "burden". These are the best dogs (if you don't mind hair in everything you own).

 

[Sound Bay Newfs]

Newfs are expensive dogs to own, especially when health issues come into play. If you have to wonder if you can afford one, make sure you get pet insurance, if you do get one.
Newfs are not generally active dogs. The personality you get could be very similar to what you already have with Lucy. Some do agility, but newfs are generally not agility dogs (not to say some individuals might be). You may want to look for a lab or border collie.

[ 10-31-2007, 08:53 PM: Message edited by: NewfYork ]

 

[maybe532]

Well, I totally understand where you are coming from but this can be said about any dog, even a shelter dog. I was more concerned with the normal day-to-day expenses. My husband is in medical school and starts his residency this summer. We had always planned to get one once he finished his residency since we knew we could afford one then. But we are getting a house next summer and of course we want another dog. My husband asked me the other day if we should possibly compromise on a dog and not get a newf or try to see if we could afford one on his current salary. We've been talking about breeds and each one we think, it's not a newfoundland. We figured out our current car could hold one (that was my original concern but he pointed out that one could fit in-maybe little else but definitely one) and that instead of paying a groomer I could buy a coat dryer and do it myself (I am a little daunted but I did work as a bather one summer as a teen and I had several giant breeds as clients). Plus I realize we will bond over grooming. I know heartworm preventative will be over double what I pay now but if I use generic that really isn't a big expense. I know the spay/neuter surgery will be quite expensive but that is a one time cost. I take Lucy to the vet twice a year and we can afford another dog. We rarely travel but I have realized boarding costs will be doubled or even tripled with two dogs. But food is the one thing I'm not sure about. My last job was at a kennel and the owner had a great dane and I remember him telling me the dog ate 12 cups of food every day-ouch! That was when the dog was 18 months old. I went to the Innova website and they estimated 4.2 cups per day which is about $85/month, although I want to feed a raw diet. But that is certainly affordable. I just want to get some input from owners, not just rely on my own calculations. As for emergencies, with Lucy we just pray it doesn't happen and we have a emergency credit card in case it is something expensive. Is this a fair plan for a newfoundland? We have been lucky with Lucy, she has been relatively healthy. She did have a year or so when she was in the vet nearly every other month for chronic diarrhea, all we can guess is there is something in canned dog food that doesn't agree with her because she no longer has the problem since I quit feeding it to her. She also has environmental allergies and for about 2 years I took her to the groomers every 2 weeks for a bath. Now that I no longer work I just bath her myself, although she still goes to the groomer for hair cuts.
So I guess my question is, just how much more does it cost to keep a giant breed than a lab or similar?
I know for sure we do not want a lab or border collie (or anything similar). I want a family dog and do not want a dog with high exercise requirements. I've been researching for over a year for the right breed and after narrowing down dogs that enjoy children and meet my other requirements I have come up with Newf, Keeshond, Samoyed, Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, Bernese Mountain Dog, and the Golden Retriever.

[ 10-25-2007, 12:04 PM: Message edited by: maybe532 ]

 

[rcantor]

Hi Maybe. You have to realize that many here breed, show and rescue newfs. They face the problems that happen when a family adopts a newf then isn't prepared to handle it. Newfs are very emotionally complex and need to be a permanent part of your family. You are to be congratulated on looking so carefully. Last year, when doing my taxes I added up all my newf expenses, just for "fun". It was $8,000 for 3 dogs, with some of it spent on one dog in a fruitless search for why she wouldn't eat. Mine eat from 1 1/2 to 3 cups twice per day of a`good quality food. Wait till you open *that* can of worms! I alternate foods and they cost from $35 to $70 per 30 pound bag. Mine are very active and would love agility. A newfly opened club wants $50 or 75/hr plus, if memory serves, 50/month to use their facility. I have insurance on my pets, around $100/mo for all 3.

I just run them in the backyard and take them for walks and swims. The dog I know best from the local newf club goes to a doggie swim time on 5 acres and follows her mom in and lays at her feet. Mine scream about like banshees in and out of the water. Choose your pup carefully.

 

[ardeagold]

I think what everyone here has said is to be prepared for anything.

Just like with humans, you never really know what could end up contributing to a "daily" cost.

The suggestion of Health Insurance is a very wise one. We have it for our Newfs. Not for the Goldens. And, of course it is more expensive for Newfs. The insurance we have is not for routine medical expenses (checkups, monthly HW, etc) but for illnesses or accidents. Genetic issues are covered.

The amount fed is also variable. A young, growing dog will eat a great deal more than a mature dog. And then it depends upon the food you choose to feed. Most here feed some type of super-premium food and the cost can be anywhere from $38 - $65 for an average of 40lbs. (dry kibble).

Most here also supplement with joint supplements and salmon oil. We use Cosamin/Cosequin DS (dosed by weight) and Ester C (dose to tolerance) daily from the time they step in this door at 10 weeks of age. We also use a supplement called The Wholistic Pet Complete Canine Joint Mobility...daily.

Of course if you raw feed, and aren't using a "prepackaged" raw diet (like Bravo or Oma's Pride), then you have different costs. A Newf is definitely more expensive than a Golden or a dog "that" size.

Grooming is costly too. Even to do it yourself. The proper dryer is in the $200 - $300 range. Then there's the grooming table and all of the tools...and shampoos, etc.

I've had three of the dogs you're interested in. Keeshonds are wonderful dogs. Very active, alert and loyal companions. I had two...and they were wonderful. One had terrible seasonal allergies tho. They were great with kids, other animals...everything. Easy to maintain, easy to train. They did well in all seasons.

I had a Samoyed for many years growing up. He wasn't easy to maintain...all that coat...and white to boot. And he wasn't especially dog friendly. He was wonderful with people and kids, and very very smart. And, he REALLY needed cold weather. He suffered greatly in the heat.

Goldens.....well....they're just great dogs. Along with Newfs, they're my personal favorite. But, depending on the lines, you can get a wide variance of temperaments, coats, body shapes and level of activity. Some are what many would consider hyper (they're not...they're usually from fieldy lines), others are much more calm (usually from show lines). They WILL chew your house to bits if not kept exercised. They ARE very smart and also are very people oriented. Most love animals too. But...if pushed...they WILL fight viciously. They're not little wimpy fluffballs that they're portrayed to be. They also suffer from most of the same genetic problems Newfs suffer from.

Of those three...I'd say the Keeshonds were the least expensive and "needy". The Samoyed required a great deal of work and time. The Goldens are best all around for a variety of tasks.

Good luck!! And remember...DO research each individual line that you're considering. Especially temperament, health, longevity. Those are ultra important.

 

[missmadel]

Hi! Welcome!!

Here's what I can tell you. My husband and I dove head first into the world of Newfs and weren't sure what we were in for. We have learned that owning newfs is a totally different experience than owning any other breed of dog. They're really special and they require special owners who are willing to adapt their lifestyle to living with one.

As puppies they basically do everything any other puppy would do except they do it BIGGER!! Bigger play, bigger messes, bigger degrees of destruction, and yes...bigger love!

Poke around here and read about peoples experiences. This is the best place to learn about newfy life besides actually living it. Pay special attention to the jokes about hair being a common "extra ingredient" in all of our food. Learn what "fluggers" are and how they end up on the walls. Figure out what the heck kind of sport we call "counter surfing?!"

If your prepared to handle all things newf and love them with all of your heart you will probably end up with one and consider the cost worth the rewards.

Good luck with your decision! It's really an exciting experience to add a new hairy person to your family mix.

 

[Pam G]

I agree with all of the above but want to add one thing. If you do decide that the newf is for you, beware of a bargin. A "cheap" newf will usually end up costing you alot more in the long run. Do your research...and find a good breeder than does all the necessary health checks. You'll pay more..but it is much less expensive in the long run.

 

[Sound Bay Newfs]

As Pam said, there are no shortcuts in getting a newf. A pup from a reputable breeder could run from $1800 to $2000. Finding a pup cheaper could only cost you more in the future and heartache.

 

[Murphy]

Let me just add that our Murph is fondly referred to as "the million dollar dog" !! I have not begrudged a cent.. Just be prepared as everyone has pointed out.

 

[Lisa@Caeles Hills]

I had wanted a Newf for 20+ years and glad I finally took the plunge two years ago. Mine is extremely healthy so far and we do conformation together. We started in obedience (not his thing! ) I am handicapped and can not do Rally or Agility myself, but am SURE my Newf would have the energy! He actually eats only 3-4 cups per day so not more than any of the large breeds I've had. I also have a Golden and HIGHLY recommend Goldens for all of what you seem to be looking for and activeness you describe above. He is a field bred and very active but as long as you are not adverse to tossing a soft ball in the house for one they'd be fine.(Along with a good hour of exercise or play each day outside of course) Both breeds are wonderful with kids and other animals but need to be with you (not thrown outside) and need alot of attention. My Newf lays at my feet and the Golden lays next to me on the couch most of the time at home. I work during the day and both were easy to housetrain and just seem to sleep all day when I'm gone. If a Newf means that much to you do your homework and definately get one. They are very sloppy with water and most of us generally keep a hand or even bath towel on hand at all times to wipe their soaking chest off. Also they shed alot. If you read a few weeks on this forum you'll get a real feel for what it's like to live with one. Good Luck and keep us posted!

[ 10-25-2007, 06:41 PM: Message edited by: lisa k ]

 

[ozzysma]

welcome to newf net!!so good to hear you doing your homework!! alot of the advice you are getting may sound like maybe people are trying to talk you out of a newf but harsh honesty will have you better prepared. there are too many wonderful newfoundlands in rescues from people who are not prepared for the expense, upkeep or time and mess these dogs can be.but they are the most incredible dogs with no comparison!!i pray i will always be able to have a newf or 2 in my life.