Breeder-visit checklist — Newfoundland
What to ask, see, and take with you
1. Identity and rearing
- Breeder's full name and address
- Whelping date and number of litters the dam has had in the past 24 months
- If a registry breeder: kennel name and litter registration number (VDH / FCI / specialty or other club) — not required as long as all health tests are documented
- EU pet transport rules: puppy must be at least 8 weeks old and dewormed/vaccinated before handover
2. Mandatory tests for both parents
For each test, ask to see the original certificate — date, vet, result.
| Test | Passing means | Dam | Sire |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elbow Dysplasia (ED) X-ray | ED 0–1 | ☐ | ☐ |
| Hip dysplasia (HD) X-ray | HD A–C | ☐ | ☐ |
| Aortic valve stenosis (AS) | normal | ☐ | ☐ |
| Heart disease Physical examination | normal | ☐ | ☐ |
| Cystinuria (Cyst-1a) Body-fluid analysis | clear or carrier | ☐ | ☐ |
3. Recommended tests
Additionally relevant, depending on the line or specialty club.
| Test | Passing means | Dam | Sire |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ectropion / Entropion | clear | ☐ | ☐ |
| Exposure keratopathy syndrome (exophthalmos, lagophthalmos, and/or macroblepharon) (EKS) Eye examination | clear | ☐ | ☐ |
| Cataract (HC) Eye examination | clear | ☐ | ☐ |
| Third eyelid (nictitating membrane) abnormalities - "cherry eye" Physical examination | clear | ☐ | ☐ |
| Pemphigus (PF) Body-fluid analysis | clear | ☐ | ☐ |
| Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) Ultrasound | normal | ☐ | ☐ |
| Tricuspid valve dysplasia (TVD) Ultrasound | normal | ☐ | ☐ |
| Urolithiasis | clear | ☐ | ☐ |
4. Husbandry and rearing
- Puppies raised with the family / in the home (not in a kennel)
- Socialization plan: which stimuli before handover? (children, car, vacuum, other dogs)
- Deworming and vaccination protocol (min. 2× deworming, 1× core vaccine before handover)
- EU pet passport and microchip present
- Written sales contract with take-back clause