Health Concerns

Like with all dog breeds, the Newfoundland has certain health problems. Some of these problems can be mitigated while others may appear suddenly with no warning.

The most common are:

Most health ailments can be discovered through health testing, x-rays, and blood work. Since quite a few health issues are genetic, it is important to ask your breeder for information on those test results. If a breeder says "I take them to the vet and they're fine" or if they won't show you the complete results of hip/elbow testing/other health testing results, that person may very well be a breeder who doesn't have the future health of your puppy as a priority! Many health tests are evaluated by veterinarian experts through organizations like the OFA.

It is also important to know that every situation involving health can be unique to the dog. Communication and knowledge are key to ensure you're as educated as you can be to give your Newfoundland the best chance possible.

What Is OFA

The OFA (Orthopedic Foundation of Animals)'s mission is "To improve the health and well-being of companion animals through a reduction in the incidence of genetic disease".

The organization contains databases that provide priceless information to the public in order to help lower the incidence of inherited disease.

How Can You Help

Ask your future breeder for "registration numbers" to see online OFA records of your future puppy's parents.

Look back through the pedigree to have a fuller understanding of inherited diseases.

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About Common Health Issues

BLOAT	CRUCIATE TEARS	CYSTINURIA
ELBOW DYSPLASIA	ENVIR. ALLERGIES	FOOD ALLERGIES
HIP DYSPLASIA	LYMPHOMA	SUBAORTIC STENOSIS
	MORE HEALTH FACT SHEETS