Newfoundland health problems and costs
The health issues a real source ties to the Newfoundland, what each one is, and what it tends to cost, so you can plan ahead.
Last updated: October 2026 · 21 sources · see sources
Health problems linked to the Newfoundland
| Condition | What it is | Related costs |
|---|---|---|
| Hip dysplasiaNamed by: AKC breed page, breed club screening [1] | The hip joint forms loosely, so the ball and socket rub and wear. Over time this usually leads to arthritis and pain. [2] | Hip surgery (owner bills): $2,500–$5,500 (estimate) [3] Ongoing arthritis care: $500–$2,500 total [4] |
| Elbow dysplasiaNamed by: AKC breed page, breed club screening [1] | The bones of the elbow don't grow together quite right, which causes lameness in the front legs and early arthritis. [5] | Dog X-rays (owner bills): $130–$300 [6] Surgery, median invoice: $1,284 (typical $578–$3,229) [7] |
| Heart diseaseNamed by: AKC breed page, breed club screening [1] | Breed clubs ask breeders to have hearts checked, often by a cardiologist, because some inherited heart problems run in the breed. [8] | Dog ultrasound (owner bills): $80–$500 [9] |
| Ear infectionsNamed by: AKC breed page [1] | Floppy or hairy ears trap moisture, which makes infections more likely. Regular cleaning helps, and repeat infections often point to allergies. [10] | Ear infection treatment (owner bills): $200–$650 [11] |
| Bladder stonesNamed by: AKC breed page, breed club screening [1] | Minerals in the urine form stones that irritate the bladder or block urine flow. A pet straining to pee with nothing coming out needs a vet right away. [12] | Urinary blockage and bladder stones (owner bills): $850–$4,200 [13] |
Costs are national figures from our sourced cost guides, not breed-specific prices. Being on this list doesn't mean a pet will get the condition.
Here is how the AKC breed page puts it: Responsible breeders screen their stock for health conditions such as elbow and hip dysplasia, cardiac disease, and cystinuria, which can cause stones to form in the urinary system. As with all drop-eared dogs, a Newf's ears should be checked regularly for signs of infection
[1]
Health screening
The national breed club recommends these health tests for breeding dogs: Hip Evaluation, Elbow Evaluation, Cardiac Exam, Cystinuria (Newfoundland) - DNA Test. [1][14] If you are buying a puppy, it is fair to ask the breeder for the parents' results. OFA keeps a public database of many of them.
The UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory lists 1 DNA health test for the Newfoundland, including Progressive Rod-Cone Degeneration (PRA-prcd). [15] One health test costs $58 there. [16]
What to budget
For a giant dog like the Newfoundland, a typical vet bill runs $350 – $1,373 (median $607). [17]
Lifetime cost, roughly. Our yearly estimate for an adult Newfoundland at US-average prices, before insurance, is $880–$1,500. Multiply that by a life expectancy of 9–10 years and you get roughly $7,900–$14,800 over a lifetime, before inflation and before any major illness. The low end is the ASPCA's yearly cost of care; the high end adds one typical vet bill a year. [17][18] It's simple math on sourced figures, not a quote.
Insurance and savings
The average accident and illness policy cost $836 a year for a dog in the US in 2025. [19] Timing matters more than the price. A condition that shows up before you enroll is usually treated as pre-existing and isn't covered. [20] Many plans also have a 6 to 12 month waiting period for orthopedic problems like knees and hips. [21]
Prefer saving instead? Putting money aside each month works too; see insurance vs a savings fund.
Common questions
What health problems are common in the Newfoundland?
Based on the AKC breed page and the national breed club's screening list, the conditions to know about are hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, heart disease, ear infections and bladder stones. That doesn't mean every Newfoundland will get them.
How much are vet bills for a Newfoundland?
Breed-specific bills are rare, so VetReceipt groups dogs by size. For giant dogs, a typical vet bill runs $350 – $1,373 (median $607).
Should I get pet insurance for a Newfoundland?
It's a personal call. The average accident and illness policy was $836 a year in 2025 (NAPHIA). If you want it, enroll while your pet is young and healthy, because conditions found before enrollment are usually excluded.
What health tests should a Newfoundland breeder do?
The national breed club recommends: Hip Evaluation, Elbow Evaluation, Cardiac Exam, Cystinuria (Newfoundland) - DNA Test. Ask to see the parents' results.
How long does a Newfoundland live?
The AKC lists a life expectancy of 9–10 years.
Related
This page is general information for planning, not veterinary advice. Talk to your vet about your own pet.
Sources (21) — tap to show
- AKC – Newfoundland breed page (with the national breed club)
- VCA – Hip dysplasia in dogs
- VetReceipt – Dog Hip Surgery Cost (owner bills, 2026)
- VetReceipt – Dog Arthritis Treatment Cost (owner bills, 2026)
- OFA – Elbow dysplasia
- VetReceipt – Dog X-Ray Cost (owner bills, 2026)
- VetReceipt – Vet care cost by category (2026)
- OFA – Cardiac disease
- VetReceipt – Dog Ultrasound Cost (owner bills, 2026)
- VCA – Ear infections in dogs
- VetReceipt – Dog Ear Infection Treatment Cost (owner bills, 2026)
- VCA – Bladder stones in dogs
- VetReceipt – Dog Urinary Blockage & Bladder Stone Cost (owner bills, 2026)
- OFA – CHIC program: breed-specific health screening requirements
- UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory – Newfoundland DNA tests
- UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory – Dog DNA test prices (effective Aug 3, 2026)
- VetReceipt – Dog breed vet costs by size
- ASPCA – Cutting Pet Care Costs (2021 table)
- NAPHIA – State of the Industry 2026 report highlights (2025 premiums)
- RealVetCost – Feline diabetes treatment cost
- VetReceipt – Dog TPLO Surgery Cost (owner bills, 2026)