Newfoundlands are gentle giants with a reputation for being loving, loyal, and excellent family pets. However, they also need plenty of care and attention, and if you’re thinking of bringing one into your home, you’ll need to be financially ready for the commitment. So, before you do anything else, take a look through this guide, where you’ll find the average costs of purchasing a Newfoundland and how much you can expect to spend to keep them happy and healthy.
Newfoundlands aren’t your average-sized puppies, and their price tags aren’t small either! However, the amount you’ll pay for one will depend on where you get it from. If you’re buying from a registered breeder, the costs average $4,000 – $6,500, taking into account lineage, health, and some other things. Adopting is much more affordable, with fees usually ranging from $300 – $700.
One thing to be wary of when looking at puppy prices is listings that seem to be suspiciously low. You should consider this a huge red flag, and the puppies are likely being sold by unregistered breeders. We never recommended buying from unregistered breeders as the health of the puppies and their parents is not treated as a priority, and money is put ahead of the welfare of the dogs. Instead, you should only ever buy from a registered breeder or through a rescue shelter.
If you feel the best route to take is through a registered breeder, you should expect to pay between $4,000 and $6,500 for Newfoundland puppies. This price covers responsible breeding practices, health testing, and a few other factors that we’ll look at in more detail later.
If you’d prefer to give a Newfoundland a second chance, adoption is the way to go. It’s also more affordable, averaging $300 – $700 in adoption fees that cover vaccinations, microchipping, and desexing. The only real drawback is that Newfoundlands aren’t very common in shelters, but if you go to an online rescue like Rescue Me, you might be able to find Newfoundlands available in your area.
Whether you’re rescuing a Newfoundland or buying through a registered breeder, one thing remains the same – they don’t come cheap! But what actually influences the price? Here’s what you need to know:
If a Newfoundland pup comes from champion bloodlines, they’ll have a higher price tag. This is because the breeder will have put years of work into producing show-quality dogs that meet the Dogs Australia Newfoundland breed standards and have exceptional genetics, easily pushing the price towards the $6,500 mark. Even if you’re not interested in showing your dog, a well-bred Newfoundland with good lineage will cost more as it is likely to have fewer health issues.
A reputable, registered breeder will charge more because they follow ethical breeding practices and prioritise the health and temperament of their puppies. This includes getting them health tested to check for issues like cystinuria (something that Newfoundlands are genetically predisposed to) and hip or elbow dysplasia. Obviously, these tests come at a cost to the breeder, and this is reflected in the price.
Most Newfoundlands are black, but they also come in rarer colours, such as brown and Landseer. If a Newfoundland puppy has one of these rarer colours, there’s a good chance they’ll be priced higher, especially as the breed standards allow all three of these colours and, naturally, rarer coats will stand out more.
Then there’s the dog’s age. Newfoundland puppies always sit at the higher end of the price range because they’re more in demand, while older dogs (6+ months) may be a slightly cheaper as breeders reduce their prices to find them homes. This is also something that can affect adoption fees at rescue centres, with older dogs being priced much lower as they may have ongoing health issues and need medication that will cost you more in the long run.
The costs of owning a Newfoundland don’t end with the purchase price. There are also several essentials that your big furry friend is going to need to feel at home and stay healthy, including:
Dog crate: $200 – $350 for an XXL, heavy-duty crate that will give your Newfoundland enough room to stretch out comfortably.
Dog bed: $80 – $200 for an orthopaedic, chew-resistant bed that supports their massive frame and takes the pressure off their joints.
Dog collar/lead: $30 – $80 for a super-strong, adjustable collar and lead that can handle the huge pull force of an extra-large breed.
Feeding bowl: $20 – $50 for an oversized, non-slip stainless steel or ceramic bowl.
Dog toothbrush: $10 – $30 for a toothbrush and toothpaste set that prevents plaque buildup and doggy breath!
Dog car harness: $40 – $80 for a large, crash-tested car harness that will keep your Newfoundland safe and secure throughout car journeys.
Puppy treats: $10 – $40 per month for high-quality training treats and chews for downtime.
Puppy training pads: $20 – $50 for extra large, absorbent pads that can handle their size during early training. Remember, a Newfoundland puppy is as large as an adult small breed!
Dog shampoo & conditioner: $20 – $60 for hypoallergenic, deep-cleaning products that will strip away dirt without damaging their skin or coat.
Dog nail clippers, brushes & combs: $40 – $80 for heavy-duty brushes and deshedding tools to manage their constant shedding.
The costs of owning a Newfoundland don’t end with their essential items, either! You’re also going to have to budget for their ongoing care costs. Let’s explore these below.
As you might imagine, Newfoundlands need a lot of food, and a healthy adult weighing between 45kg – 70kg will need between 600g and 1.5kg of food every day. When you take this amount and the diet types below into account, your monthly spend on dog food could be between $150 and $750.
One thing to note when looking at this is that the actual amount you’ll pay will depend on the brand you choose and the quality of the ingredients it contains. Likewise, your dog’s age, sex, and health will all affect the total cost. Speak to your vet about the best diet for your Newfoundland to get a better idea of your monthly costs.
Your Newfoundland will also need regular trips to the vet (whether they like it or not!) to keep on top of their overall health and stop certain issues forming. Here’s what you should budget for:
Annual vet checkups: $80 – $150 per visit to look for signs of common large-breed problems, a weight check, and a general health assessment.
Vaccinations: $90 – $150 per year to protect against distemper, parvovirus, and kennel cough.
Worming and parasite treatment: $20 – $40 per month for flea, tick, heartworm, and intestinal worm prevention.
Dental cleaning: $300 – $600 to clean teeth and check for signs of gum disease.
Pet insurance: $500 – $1,500 per year, depending on coverage and any pre-existing conditions.
Because they have thick double coats, Newfoundlands need regular grooming to prevent matting, overheating, and skin infections. Even if you’re brushing them every other day yourself, professional grooming services will still be needed to keep on top of things, and these can come at the following costs:
Newfoundlands are gentle but strong-willed, so early training is essential, especially if you don’t want a 60kg dog pulling you down the street! Here’s what you can expect to pay for training:
Bringing a Newfoundland into your life is a big decision, and not just because they take up half your couch! Over their average 8-10 year lifetime, you’ll likely spend anywhere between $20,000 – $40,000 on food, vet care, training, and maintenance. But if you’re prepared to foot the bill, Newfoundlands are worth every cent. They’re affectionate, loyal, and one of the best family dogs you could ask for, and you’ll be rewarded with a gentle giant who loves you unconditionally.
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