Registration With The AKC

A Newf puppy from an AKC registered litter will be eligible for individual registration with the American Kennel Club, the principal registry for purebred dogs in the U.S. When buying a puppy, one should be given either an AKC registration application with the litter number on it, or the AKC registration certificate with the individual dog's registered name and number on it, properly signed. AKC has available two different registration certificates. Regular AKC registration, (white certificate with purple border) and Limited Registration, (white certificate with orange border.)

Regular AKC registration entitles the dog to compete in all AKC events, and the offspring of a dog for which full registration is granted, will be eligible for registration. Limited Registration maybe used by the breeder to prevent indiscriminate breeding, regardless of that individual Newf.'s potential for breeding or showing. No offspring of a dog for which Limited Registration has been granted is eligible for registration. Each Limited Registration certificate for such dogs shall carry notice of the limitation, and the limitation shall continue, regardless of any change in ownership, unless and until the owner(s) of the litter at birth shall apply to AKC for removal of the limitation. If for some reason the breeder or seller cannot provide the AKC registration application at the time of sale, demand a written promise of when it will be provided. The breeder should also provide such pertinent data as whelping date, sire, dam, pedigree, immunization and worming records, and recommended diet and feeding

The Pedigree

The pedigree is a four or five-generation history of your dog's ancestry (a family tree). A conscientious breeder who has spent much time studying and working with the breed should offer to explain the qualifications of the parents and why they were a proper mating. It is nice to have a Newf of champion parents, but it is even more important that the parents be of proven breeding quality. Many great breeding quality dogs have never been shown, but do produce quality puppies when properly mated.

Written Contracts

Many breeders have sales contracts or agreements. As with any contract or agreement, these should be read carefully and discussed in detail with the breeder before signing. Most breeders will offer a contract or agreement concerning puppies crippled with hip dysplasia or found to have a heart defect. Such contracts or agreements may also cover neutering, or care required to be provided by the buyer. As there is much discussion and controversy concerning this subject, the buyer should discuss these items on an individual basis with the breeder. Newfoundlands are also to some degree subject to heart defects, hereditary in nature. No bloodline is absolutely free of all hereditary problems, but a breeder should be ready to discuss openly any dogs in his kennel and their pedigrees as they are affected by hip dysplasia and heart defects. All breeds have tendencies toward various hereditary defects that require consideration in choosing a puppy. (But do not be misled into believing that mongrels are superior in this respect - they lack only a basis on which the likelihood of hereditary disease can be evaluated.)

The AKC requires that breeders keep full and accurate records of their litters. Any breeder should be interested in the progress of all the puppies he sells. If for some reason you find that you are unable to keep your Newf, the first person you should contact is the breeder. The breeder can often help find a new home for the Newf and in any event will want to have the name and address of the new owner. If you are unable to contact the breeder, please contact NCA or the regional club in your area for help in finding a good home for your Newf.