The Cost of Owning a Newfoundland Dog in 2025: Budget Breakdown

Newfoundland dogs are known for their gentle nature, loyalty, and of course, their massive size.

However, owning a Newfie comes with significant financial commitments.

From food to veterinary care, grooming to gear, it’s essential to understand the costs before bringing one of these lovable dogs into your home.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the cost of owning a Newfoundland dog in 2025. 

Before you dive in, please keep in mind that these costs are ESTIMATES and vary based on your location and your lifestyle. 

With so many variables, there is no way that this number can be exact. 

Also, I’m writing this article as an actual Newfoundland owner.

While most Newfie owners that I know, don’t keep track of their expenses (we already know it’s a lot) these costs might not be exactly what you or I experience this year, but I believe they’re within a range that the average Newfoundland owner can expect. 

For argument’s sake, let’s say this cost is based on a healthy pet Newfoundland with no current health problems like joint issues, skin conditions, ear issues or behavior problems. 

Initial Costs: Bringing Home Your Newfoundland

• Puppy Purchase Price: $2,000 – $5,000 (depending on breeder reputation, lineage, and location)
• Adoption Fee (if rescuing): $300 – $800
• Initial Veterinary Check-Up & Vaccinations: $200 – $500
• Microchipping & Licensing: $50 – $100
• Spaying/Neutering: $500 – $1,200 (this cost will vary based on location and age when the altering is done. Since it’s recommended that giant breed dogs be altered after their growth plates close which is around 18-24 months, this cost will go up due to the size of the dog. Also, if you opt to have gastropexy done at the same time, the cost will increase.)
• Basic Supplies (crate, leash, collar, water/food bowls, bed, toys): $200 – $500

Recurring Annual Expenses

The above “startup” cost is nothing compared to the recurring expenses. 

Food and Nutrition

Newfoundlands are big dogs but contrary to popular belief, adult Newfoundlands don’t eat that much.

Growing Newfoundland puppies have big appetites and need to be fed more frequently in the first few months of their life.

Expect to feed them high-quality large-breed dog food.

• Premium Dry Dog Food: $700 – $1,500 per year
• Raw Diet (optional but growing in popularity): $2,000 – $4,000 per year (I’m not sure about this because I do not feed a raw diet)
• Treats & Supplements (joint supplements, fish oil, probiotics, etc.): $200 – $600 per year (this cost will rise as the dog grows)

Veterinary Care

Due to their size, Newfoundlands are prone to common health issues like hip dysplasia, heart conditions, and bloat.

Their veterinary costs will rise as they grow and as they age.

• Annual Vet Checkups & Vaccinations: $300 – $600
• Emergency Vet Visits/Specialist Care (budget for unexpected expenses): $500 – $3,000 per year
• Heartworm, Flea & Tick Prevention: $300 – $600 per year (cost will rise as the dog grows)
• Pet Insurance (highly recommended for large breeds): $600 – $1,200 per year (This will vary across the board and will increase over time) I currently pay $2,760 a year for 3 adult dogs on Embrace Pet Insurance)

Grooming and Maintenance

With their thick, double coats, Newfoundland dogs require regular grooming to prevent matting, excessive shedding and to keep their skin healthy.

• Professional Grooming (every 6-8 weeks): $800 – $2,000 per year
• Grooming Supplies (brushes, shampoo, nail clippers, dog dryer, grooming table, drool towels): $100 – $500 per year (this will vary based on how much grooming you intend to do at home)

Training and Exercise

Newfies are intelligent working dogs but require training and socialization, especially as puppies.

• Obedience Classes (puppy training, advanced training): $100 – $500
• Swimming or Canine Sports (optional but beneficial): $200 – $1,000 per year
• Pet Sitters/Dog Walkers (if needed): $500 – $2,000 per year

Miscellaneous Costs

• Giant Breed-Sized Accessories (beds, crates, harnesses, car ramps, etc.): $300 – $500 per year
• Dog Hair Management (vacuum cleaners, lint rollers, pet remover tools, etc.) $200-300 per year
• Slobber Management (extra cleaning supplies, drool rags, waterproof couch covers): $100 – $300 per year
• Yard Maintenance (dealing with mud, replacing grass, dog poop clean up, fence, etc.) a number does not exist
• Travel Costs (boarding, extra-large airline crates, pet-friendly hotels, etc.): Varies widely

There might also be a new (or used) vehicle purchase in here to accommodate your VIP fluffy passenger. 

 

Total Estimated Cost of Owning a Newfoundland Per Year:

• Minimum: $4,000 – $5,000
• Realistic Average: $5,000 – $8,000
• High-End (including pet insurance, premium food, advanced medical care, and extra services): $10,000+

If you take off the initial purchase or adoption price, this cost will obviously be less but not by much because EVERYTHING increases as they get older. 

The initial cost is nothing compared to the maintenance cost. 

Cost Savings Tips

While it’s difficult to save on unexpected health problems that might arise, there are a few ways you can try to cut down on some Newfoundland dog expenses such as:

• Purchasing a puppy from an ethical dog breeder. Ethical dog breeders do health screenings to ensure their dogs are healthy. They test for genetic conditions that the breed is prone to such as hip dysplasia, heart conditions, eye conditions…etc.
• Routine vet visits. Annual trips to the vet ensures that your Newfoundland is up to date on vaccines, catch any potential health issues early and receives personalized care and advice if needed. 
• Grooming maintenance. Maintaining a regular grooming routine ensures that your Newfoundland’s skin and coat are healthy and free from mats, tangles and skin infections. 
• Set a budget. You can’t set a budget on emergencies but you can set a budget on toys, treats, grooming tools and other “luxury’ dog products. I have an addiction to buying drool bibs, dog toys and grooming tools but this year I gave myself a budget for how much I could spend on these things. Let’s face it, I have enough grooming supplies to last me a lifetime, I don’t need anymore:)

Owning a Newfoundland dog is a rewarding experience, but it’s not a decision to take lightly.

Their size, health needs, and maintenance costs require a dedicated and financially prepared owner.

However, for those who are ready, the love and companionship of a Newfoundland are truly priceless.