This article has been adapted from: DON'T BUY A BOUVIER! by Pam Green (c.1992) (This article, written many years ago, has become a notorious classic in Bouvier circles. It has been reprinted many times by clubs to use for the education of prospective Bouvier owners. She gives her permission freely to all who wish to reprint and distribute it in hopes of saving innocent dogs from neglect and abandonment by those who should never have acquired them in the first place.)

Interested in buying a Newf? You must be or you wouldn't be reading this. You've already heard how marvelous Newfies are. Well, I think you should also hear, before it's too late, that NEWFOUNDLANDS ARE NOT THE PERFECT BREED FOR EVERYONE. As a breed, they have a few characteristics that some people find charming, but that some people find mildly unpleasant, and some people find downright intolerable.

There are different breeds for different needs. There are over 200 breeds of dogs in the world. Maybe you'd be better off with some other breed. Maybe you'd be better off with a cat. Maybe you'd be better off with goldfish, a parakeet, a hamster, or some house-plants.

1.Contact the Newfoundland Club of America.

The NCA provides an information packet containing the breed standard, information on joining the NCA, facts about the breed and a list of registered breeders. The NCA has specific requirements for breeders to be listed. Keep in mind that this is a voluntary listing, and many breeders who do not regularly have pups available do not list themselves here. Send $5.00 per packet to:

2. Attend area dog shows and talk to Newf people there.

You will find that most Newf folks are happy to talk with you about the breed. Some dog show etiquette:
Do Not pet a dog without asking permission, especially before it goes into the ring; handlers spend lots of time grooming their dogs before a show.
A handler will be less nervous and more able to talk casually if you approach her after she show her dog and not before.
Bring some business cards with your name and home phone number to give to contacts you meet at the show, and ask for breeders' business cards.
Where to find out about dog shows:
a. check your local classifieds
b. check with the AKC EVENTS LISTING
c. Check out WORLD CLASS DOGS EVENT LISTING

3. Contact Regional Newfoundland Clubs and attend their events.

Check out the listing of Newf Clubs on our LINKS page

4. Subscribe to the Newf List,

a group of several hundred Newf owners ( and Newf Wannabees) from around the world. Send a message to:

in the body of the message write: subscribe NEWF-L <your name>
 
5. Look into Newf Rescue

6. Visit Newf Breeders, use your contacts from shows, the NCA breeder list and club contacts.

7. Learn about purchase and sales contracts