Newfoundland Dog Price Range – Cost of Buying, Adopting, & Caring for the Dog
Even though a Newfoundland dog is seldom bought, it is because they aren’t as readily available in the market today. There are many reasons why this is true. But mostly it is because it requires a lot of money (long-term costs) to take care of a Newfoundland dog.
But this should dissuade you from bringing a Newfoundland pup home. What I can help you with is to let you know the estimate of owning a Newfoundland dog. The initial costs for adoption, medical check-ups, food, bedding, and toys. And a brief but helpful guide on how to make the most of your time and money taking care of a Newfoundland pup.
What’s the Cost of Buying A Newfoundland Puppy?
A Newfoundland puppy below the age of 1 costs somewhere around $600 to $2,000 from a reputable breeder. You might also find a Newfoundland rescue in an animal shelter if you’re looking to adopt. The average price of a rescue pet is between $100 to $500.
I’m sure you’re thinking – why is the cost of adopting a Newfoundland dog so cheap?
The last thing you want is a breeder breathing down your neck regarding the “charm” of buying a purebred and champion-blood dog. You don’t want to get swayed or tempted by somebody whose job is to convince you to shop for a dog rather than adopt one that needs a loving home you can provide.
Re-homing fees in animal shelters are often $50 to $100, no matter which breed of dog you adopt. While, on practical terms, adopting is an affordable alternative. Finding a Newfoundland dog, I’ve noticed, is not that easy. That is why a lot of people choose to pay a higher amount to a breeder when they want a Newfoundland pup.
This begs the next question that every new pet parent should ask themselves before shopping (not adopting) for a new dog.
Criteria for Breeding Newfoundland Dogs
A licensed veterinarian wrote that it’s important to medically evaluate and consider the effects of breeding new pups. Lots of breeders tend to exceed their limits and neglect ethical breeding practices to make a profit.
And as a pet parent, it is your responsibility to pick a wise, loving, and professional breeder with registered dogs and puppies.
Newfoundland dogs are prone to various health conditions. Such as hip dysplasia, eye problems, elbow immobility, heart disease, and kidney defects. Most of which might be genetic and can be detected, if not cured, to prevent further breeding.
This brings me back to the point I made earlier that it’s essential (and life-saving) to adopt and not shop for a Newfoundland pup. When you adopt, you can not only care for a new dog but potentially save and better a dog’s quality of life.
The best thing about Newfoundland dogs is that they loyal, affectionate, and friendly with children and other dogs. They’re also easy to train, very playful, and energetic.
At What Ages Can You Adopt A Newfoundland Dog?
According to my research, the price of buying a Newfoundland dog slightly differs with age. Puppies cost more than adults. And adults cost more than senior dogs. And when you visit an adoption center or an animal shelter, chances are they won’t ask for money. But you can still donate in any way you can as a charity/donation.
For breeding, Newfoundland puppies are 2-3 times more expensive than adult dogs. And senior Newfoundland dogs are 3-4 times cheaper.
So if you pay $1,200 for a puppy, for example, from a breeder or pet shop, you pay $300 to $400 if you want to buy a senior age Newfoundland dog. And mind you, if you look for long enough, you may find an adorable senior dog to care for.
This opens doors to a whole new territory. That is first-year costs…
First-Year Costs of Owning A Newfoundland Dog
Puppy Care
While it shouldn’t come as a surprise to you that puppies chew on things that they’re not supposed to chew on. This includes chewing on the mattress, edges of the sofa, books, pillows, slippers, clothes, or anything that they get their paws on.
Newfoundland puppies are definitely not excused from this habit. Using edge protectors to prevent this and toys for your puppies to chew instead is very important. The cost for this is not more than $100.
Health Check-Up
A complete physical examination by a vet is necessary once you bring a Newfoundland home. Puppy vaccinations, deworming medicines, x-rays, health insurance, and other health-testing measures that a vet would ideally recommend.
According to the National Breed Club, the necessary tests that every Newfoundland pet parent should consider are:
– Hip and elbow evaluation
– Cardiac exam
– DNA test
– Eye and ear check-up
The total medical cost for raising a Newfoundland dog is $440 to $900 during the first year. For spaying and neutering which ideally takes place after the first year, the cost is $50 to $500 depending on the location of the vet.
A vet visit costs $60 to $200 each time during the first year. This includes the cost of vaccinations, deworming, and heartworm and flea prevention treatment.
Diet
You would be surprised to know that Newfoundland dogs are not picky eaters. What you do need to keep in mind though is that they are prone to weight gain. So you need to feed premium quality food with more protein and fewer fats.
The cost of a standard 30-pound bag of high-quality and nutritious dog food is about $100. For more holistic brands, it may be $15 to $30 less.
You should probably check this with a professional vet, but on average a Newfoundland dog eats 4 to 5 cups of dry food in total. This includes 2-3 meals per day.
Grooming
Shaggy and thick hair means more shedding. Investing in a strong pet brush for shaggy hair which costs $20 to $30 is all you need. Do not bathe your dog too much even if he loves to play outdoors. Too much exposure to shampoo can cause hair loss, dryness, and dandruff. But brushing regularly is necessary to get rid of knots and dust.
Final Verdict
It’s important to evaluate your reasons for bringing a new pup home. A reason as good as taking care of a cute, adorable little dog, you have to evaluate your costs before becoming a pet parent. And I will say again that adopting a new dog is just as rewarding a decision as buying.
So with this in mind, you can consider the actual Newfoundland dog price range and cost without feeling overwhelmed or confusing about anything.
