Unfortunately, there are several websites, such as Gooddog coming up nowadays that are "rating/grading" breeders of every dog breed. It should be noted that they do not have the experience nor knowledge required to do this adequately. Newfoundland dogs are required to have a heart clearance by a cardiologist, not a general practioner, and should have an Advanced Cardiac Clearance consisting of an echocardiogram and auscultation. Gooddog rates a breeder that has hip, elbow, and a practioner heart clearance as excellent, though a practioner is not a cardiologist. Unfortunately, this is an example of the lack of experience and attentiveness required to identify and ensure that breeding dogs are healthy and have all clearances. Websites such as Gooddog, as of now, don't know the requirements of each breed for their clearances. Please do the right thing and go to this page on Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA). On this page, select the breed of dog and the clearances that the breed should have will be listed. Additionally, OFA also provides the link to the official website for each breed in the USA. You may also go to this page on American Kennel Club (AKC) to find the Official Club for each breed, known as the Mother Club. Just a friendly reminder: OFA has been supporting canine health for over 50 years, not trying to help anyone sell a puppy. Please don't be taken by these unscrupulous unethical ratings given out by websites. Ensure each parents heart has a clearance posted on OFA, by a board certified Cardiologist, accept no less.
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This page is to provide you with information and hopefully answer some of your questions. Please take your time and read it thoroughly. All my pups are placed in approved homes from my reservation and/or wait list. I must speak with you first, not just via email.
Click
here to fill out my questionnaire.
Click here for litters planned.
Click here for current litter.
Obedience training is essential for Newfoundland puppies. I encourage you to take your puppy to obedience classes as soon as their series of shots has been completed (4 months). Until that time, the basic commands should be worked on at home. Just because newfs are known as gentle giants, that does not mean they come out of the box acting like a mature well trained Newf. They are a puppy and every single thing you do, say and even your body language will mold this puppy into the dog it will become. Newfoundlands are smart, sometimes too smart for their own good. You need to be the 'pack leader', be consistent, have them on a schedule and be sure to follow the schedule. It's easy to say oh I am tired, we will do that tomorrow lets take a break, then tomorrow something else, and so on and so on. Well a puppy without a schedule, not knowing what to expect or understanding what is expected of he/she is an unruly puppy, like a child with no one in control. They may do things to get your attention, even if it's bad attention, it's still attention to them. You need to teach them as you do things, like sit and wait while you put food bowl down and they can not start eating until you release from the 'wait command'. Just a few seconds of your time at each feeding can help so much in the long run. Too many times I hear oh I had an aggressive dog from this person or this breeder and often times as they tell the story I can just see how it happened-- humans inadvertently give incorrect or mixed signals to puppies and it is not the puppies fault, if they can't understand us, it is our doing, it is us that contributes to the problem or even created the problem. I try to explain this, but they don't want help, they just want another puppy that will be better than the one that had from XYZ. Well guess what, I tell them no they have much to learn before they should even consider getting any puppy. I usually recommend a fish instead! This may sound harsh, but I think it is so unfair and cruel for families to get a puppy and then ruin that poor dog and push the blame on another, get rid of it, get another and do the same thing. I have seen it happen countless times, especially with Great Danes and it just breaks my heart for those poor puppies. If you are not committed and not willing to be responsible for your own puppy and your own actions, then don't get a puppy. Just because someone will sell you a puppy doesn't mean it's right..please think about that!
Newfoundland puppies must have firm footing to grow properly * no slippery floors * buy area rugs because continual slipping and falling can and does cause life-long joint problems, including hip and elbow dysplasia. I cannot stress enough how important it is to have firm footing for your growing Newfoundland pup. Slipping and falling cause harm and may cause them to be more susceptible to Hip Dysplasia, Elbow Dysplasia, Luxated Patellas, Cruciate Ligament tears, OCD in shoulders, FCP in elbows, spinal injuries, and a myriad of tears, sprains and other maladies.
Pups must never be walked until they are exhausted, simple self-play in a fenced yard is preferred, because the puppies can lie down and rest when they are tired. Do NOT take your puppy jogging until it is 2 years old, and his/her hips and elbows have grown completely. Jogging, slippery floors, and prolonged walking are the number one causes of joint disorders in growing Newfoundland puppies!! Your puppy should go on walks no longer than one minute for every week of his/her age. For example, a 12-week-old puppy can walk for twelve minutes (not in one direction), absolutely no more. A 52-week old puppy (or one-year-old), can walk for 52 minutes, and should have been conditioned to walk that far. However free play time, running, walking, chasing etc as long as its done freely, not forced, is wonderful for your baby. Do allow them to be a puppy and engage in play. Allow them to release their energy or you will have an unruly kid on your hands.
I put a great deal of thought, time and effort, not to mention, my heart and soul, into my Newfs and I do expect you to put time and effort into choosing where your future furry family member comes from! Choosing a breeder is very important and much thought should go into your decision. Please take your time and talk to a few breeders.
I do not accept deposits on unborn puppies. I do keep a waiting list for upcoming litters. In order to be on the waiting list, you must first fill out a questionnaire, we will then talk, check references and go from there. If both of us agree to move forward, then you have the option of being placed on the waiting list. Families on the list will be kept updated and will have first option to reserve a puppy after they are born. At that time a deposit will be required to reserve a place if a puppy is available for you.
Please realize I have no control over mother nature, and can not guarantee color or sex of unborn babies! If I feel you are not the right home for one of my puppies then I will not place a puppy with you.
Choosing your pup- first you must realize each breeding is given much thought and done because I wish to keep an offspring from that particular pairing. That said, I get first choice, and my pick is made around 8-9 weeks of age when pups are evaluated. Choosing a show and/or breeding prospect can not be done accurately at 3 or 4 weeks of age.
I do assist in the choosing process, and strive to match the family (not one persons choice, but entire family) with the right puppy. Please understand, breeders decision is final as to the pup you will receive
I realize you want your pup asap, and would like to know early which is yours, but they need to develop and grow, not only in body, but mind as well. Most importantly hearts need checked before I finalize what pup goes with which family.
I wish to make it clear that no one under any circumstances may physically go in with my puppies. Accidents happen and with a litter of little Newfies underfoot, accidents can happen much too easily. One can be stepped on and get hurt, you can get tripped and be hurt, etc. I've also had a parent pick up and hand a puppy to their child to hold, this is not acceptable.! So now no one goes in with a litter. I can bring a puppy out to see you, but you will not be permitted to walk in with the entire litter. I state this clearly now, so if you don't agree with my rules, then don't come to me for a puppy. It is my responsibility to keep these babies safe and healthy for when their new parents pick them up after 9 weeks of age, and I take that responsibility very seriously!
I do not allow visitors when I have young unvaccinated puppies. If you wish to meet the dogs first, then plan in advance, call and I will be happy to set up a visit.
All pups are vet checked, wormed (starting at 3 weeks) and have vaccinations started (always receive 2 Parvo before leaving me). You can read more about vaccinations here. Pups are ready to go approx 9-10 weeks after birth and after hearts are cleared. I wish I could guarantee that your puppy would never have any health problem during it's life, but I cannot. My pups are health guaranteed, against severe crippling hip dysplasia and non-treatable, life threatening hereditary diseases or defects detected in the first 12 months of life (contract covers this in detail).
I want you to understand, there are many health issues in the Newfoundland breed (as in all pure breed dogs). As a responsible breeder, my dogs are screened and I strive to reduce the incidence of health issues, however, I can not eliminate all the risks. Some of the issues that can arise are very expensive to treat, therefore, I highly recommend pet insurance for your puppy. I can not stress this fact enough!!
Our adults are OFA or Penn Hip, OFA hearts, elbows and cystinuria tested, however that can not guarantee a puppy will never have a health issue. If you purchase a giant breed puppy, please purchase pet insurance so you can have help if some type of surgery is needed in it's future. You are agreeing to ad a family member, to be responsible for it for life, if you are not prepared to follow that through, then do not buy any dog.
I do NOT sell to pet shops, brokers, or puppy mills!! Please do NOT call asking for a couple of females....the answer is NO! I am very particular where my newfies go.
My little 'furballs' are very special to me, therefore the correct home is a must. Newfs bond extremely close with 'their person' and require daily attention. These gentle giants live up to their name....both in size and nature.
Pups are sold on AKC limited registration, which means the pup is AKC registered, but you do NOT have breeding rights and can never register a litter from the dog. Also, I require that the puppy be spayed or neutered, when it is old enough. You must provide proof, from your vet, that the procedure was performed, otherwise, you will breech the contract and void your guarantee. I'm sorry I have to go this far, but as a responsible Newfoundland breeder, I stand firm with my decision to protect the breed. At times, I do have a few select puppies that can be sold with full registration (breeding rights), of course there are additional requirements and I remain a co-owner. This is discussed at length and I must get to know you first. Show/breeding contracts available upon request to approved persons only.
I take the care of my newfies very serious and will not compromise by selling a pup to just anyone. You will (certainly should) have questions for me, and I do as well, for you. If you are looking to purchase a puppy and never speak to me again, then do us both a favor and go elsewhere! On the other hand, if your looking for a baby from someone who will always be there to help, answer questions, share stories, give direction and adore seeing pictures of her growing kids...then please click
here to fill out my questionnaire.
Again, my newfies are part of the family, as are the puppies. I do not feel our newfs would be happy in a full-time kennel-run type environment. Although I have 'dog yards' attached to my kennel, which is air conditioned, all of our dogs spend time with us and are a part of our family. My kennel, is a climate controlled insulated building, just outside my back door, with a few large pens inside and each has a dog door, to a very large yard. I do not have kennel runs and I never keep a dog alone.
Each and every dog has access to the building, so they can follow Mom around!
Some prefer to stay indoors with us, and some prefer the 65 degree kennel building :) There are times, however, when they simply must be kept separate and it is our responsibility to provide a safe environment for them.
Look folks, anyone can set-up a website and tell you whatever they like......puppy mills and BYB (backyard breeders) are popping up everywhere. This means you must be even more diligent in your quest to find your baby. Some will sell puppies to anyone with money and on full registration...these are NOT the people that are looking to better the breed!! They may have all the health clearances under the sun, but so what..they are churning out puppies like they're a factory product, not a breathing, living creature. Please be careful..the more aware everyone is, the better choices they can make, the more puppy mills and back yard breeders can be put out of business!
Ask questions, keep on asking, and you'll find that you will learn alot, some good, some maybe bad, but all of it will help you in making a very important decision. Forget anyone that doesn't have time to be bothered by your questions, well, if they won't answer you now, do you think they'll be there down the road for you? Do not, I repeat, Do NOT buy on impulse!!
Please visit the NCA (Newfoundland Club of America) for a wealth of information. Also, be sure to ask the breeder you are considering, if they are a member of NCA and/or a member of their local Regional Newfoundland Club. You can find the regional club map via NCA, by clicking here.
Don't assume because someone is a club member they are automatically reputable. By the same token don't assume not being a club member makes someone not reputable. It's not easy out there, you have to sift through much to get to the bottom of things. That's life, don't cut corners while searching for your fur baby. Each breeder has choices to make and goals to reach for. There are some that breed two dogs together, even though they know there is a high risk or producing a serious defect (that may require euthanizating one or more puppies). Some are willing to do this, to create their next best show dog or to simply create puppies to sell. Some know full well their grand champion stud produces issues, serious orthopedic issues, yet they offer his services out to others, all over the world. I am trying to show you, don't judge a book by it's cover. There are good and awful at the top and the bottom. Just be sure you are an informed buyer and by all means ask questions.
Shipping- I do not ship my pups. You may fly in and fly back home with your pup. Some airlines will allow them under your seat, if the space can accommodate them. I must meet each one of you in person.
I can not stress enough how important the proper balanced nutrition is to a growing giant breed puppy. What you feed your baby will affect it for the rest of his/her life. Calcium, phosphorus levels, as well as protein and caloric content is very important to a growing giant breed pup! Please visit my feeding page.
Please be careful and do your homework before purchasing a newfie. There are many good breeders, unfortunately just as many, if not more, puppy mills and BYB's (back yard breeders). This is not the time to budget shop, what you will put out in vet care for a puppy mill puppy, will be 3x the amount you would invest in healthy, well bred Newfoundland. For example- you may see beige or cream pups, grays, gray and white landseers or brown and white landseers, advertised as "Rare" for very high prices..do not fall for this folks! Do your research!
Purchasing a newfie is a commitment to care for the dog it's entire life......choose wisely! Please check the NCA for a wealth of information.
Harry & Cheza....friends come in all sizes :)
If your looking for an adult, or a second newfie, perhaps a rescue may fit with your family. We are always in need of foster homes and potential adoptive homes as well, read more about senc rescue.
Last Updated:6/06/2020
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Furball Acres
Connie Bonczek
46 Calhoun St
Johnston, SC 29832
furballacres@nctv.com
803-275-4306
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