Can we drop by to see your dogs?
No. We are a very small kennel, and all visits must be arranged by appointment ONLY. This allows us to ensure you have our full attention and can answer all your questions. Contact us to arrange a visiting time.
What size are the parents?
An adult female Newfie weighs around 120 lbs with a height of 26” and an adult male weighs approximately 150 lbs with a height of 28”.
How much do the puppies socialize with people and with other animals?
We make an effort to have lots of visitors to see the pups throughout their first weeks with us so they get used to being handled by a variety of people. They see our grown dogs every day, and once they’ve had their second set of vaccinations they are encouraged to attend puppy socialization, obedience classes and possibly doggy day care.
In the first year of life it is of utmost importance for a puppy to be exposed to different people and animals in a positive way so they become comfortable and confident. This reduces potential fear aggression problems.
What type of health guarantees?
Each puppy is given a microchip subcutaneously, and will have at least 1 set of vaccinations done at 8 weeks prior to leaving our home. A second set is due at 12 weeks. We recommend at titre test before the third set of vaccinations (due at 16 weeks) as this set may not be necessary if the titre test shows good immunity has already developed. A veterinary health record will also be included in your puppy packet.
Any behaviour guarantees? How do you handle any health/behaviour issues if they do arise?
There is a health guarantee on the structure and function of your puppy related to the areas we have tested the parents for: cardiac, thyroid, hips, elbows, patella, cystinuria and eyes, which is outlined in the contract of sale. As for behaviour, we will always accept our puppies back if necessary, but before that we will do all we can to ensure the new puppy families are informed and educated about what to expect from a new puppy.
We strongly recommend active obedience training and socialization with positive reinforcement from the first day with your puppy and throughout their life span. It is important to seek out trainers you can work with and training programs that you find fun, to help your dog learn to be a good citizen. Even if you are not interested in training for certificates and titles in formal obedience, we recommend obedience training up to the Canine Good Neighbour level. Most importantly, you need to feel confident in your ability to take your dog out in the world with you, and know that they understand what you want them to do and what is not appropriate behaviour.
Although Newfoundland dogs are bred to be good-natured gentle giants, it is up to you to bring out the best in your dog through the environment you create and the relationship you develop with your puppy. All our adult dogs (even our 9 year-old) go to school every week still, and they love it! With working dogs it is important to keep them actively learning. They love to have a job and you deepen your relationship with your puppy by spending the time on training. If there were to be a problem, we can offer advice based on our experience but would encourage you to seek the input of a trainer or animal behaviour specialist who may be able to assist you with any serious issues.
Microchip or tattoo?
Each puppy is given a microchip subcutaneously at 8 weeks and a form to enter the adopters address and contact information is included in the puppy packet.
Is there a purchase contract?
We have breeding, non-breeding and co-ownership contracts.
References?
If you are indeed serious about taking a puppy, we will inquire if any of our previous puppy adopters are willing to have us share their contact information. Also our veterinarian has offered to provide a reference if needed.
When can I take my puppy home?
Puppies are ready to go to their forever homes one week after their first set of vaccinations. This is usually anytime after 9 weeks of age.
Can I jog with my Newfie?
Newfies are not good jogging companions as long runs may damage their joints. They can hike long distances and will run off leash on their own when playing but it is not recommended to run them over a long distance. Swimming and draft work is what they are bred for so they are muscular with lots of stamina, but move at a slower pace than herding or running breeds.
Can I visit HighSeas and see the parents/puppies?
Puppy adopters are encouraged to arrange a time to visit us! We invite you to come meet the mother to be and puppies once born — contact us and we will be happy to arrange a convenient time. Many adoptive families who live locally come several times to see the litter as they grow.
Do you have a waitlist for future litters?
We keep a list of adopters who are hoping for one of our pups. Once we have a litter born, we request a refundable deposit for each. We will do our best to match a puppy to your family. We cannot guarantee that each litter will contain the gender or colour of pup you wish and you may choose to wait for the next litter or the deposit can be refunded. No guarantee is made regarding show quality or championship potential. Our waitlist is prioritized by date of application and deposit received. The balance of the adoption fee is due when you pick up your puppy. We accept cash, cashier’s cheque or e-transfer.
Can we ship your puppy to you?
We have concerns about shipping puppies alone by land or air. We’d much prefer to have you come here to meet us and see their mother in person. You are welcome to contact us to arrange a time to visit. If the distance is very far, we can make special arrangements for shipping or delivery.
If you are located in the US, export regulations require rabies shot be given at 3 months (we usually hold off till 6 months) and then a grace period of 4 weeks. That means you will have to wait until the pup is 16 weeks to have him/her join you!
Do you have a question that we didn’t answer here? Contact us and we will get back to you!