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Pet Insurance for Newfoundland

Find out all about Newfoundlands, and their common health conditions, and then compare pet insurance options from some of Australia’s leading insurers.

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, updated on September 28th, 2023       

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Price range

$1,500 –$4,000

Height

63cm - 80cm

Weight

55kg - 80kg

Personality

Gentle, patient, sweet-natured

Coat length

Long, thick, double

Exercise needs

Moderate

Kid-friendly?

Yes

Life expectancy

8 - 10 years

Newfoundland

Overview

The Newfoundland dog, often called a ‘Newfie,’ is a gentle giant, known for its massive size and friendly demeanour. In fact, it is one of the largest dog breeds in the world, with some male dogs known to weigh over 120kg and stand over 80cm tall. They can measure over 1.8m from nose to tail. They are powerful working dogs originating from the Dominion of Newfoundland in Canada, where they were used as water rescue dogs and draft animals, pulling carts and sleds, and assisting fishermen to haul nets. Genetically they are related to the Labrador Retriever and the Irish Water Spaniel. They are famous for their strength, endurance, ability to work in freezing conditions and intelligence. They will instinctively swim to rescue someone drowning in icy water and do not have to be taught this skill. They are credited with saving thousands of lives of fishermen and shipwreck victims. 

Newfoundlands are known for their sweet and patient nature. They are especially good with children, so they are often known as ‘nanny dogs.’ They are strong swimmers with webbed feet, so water play should be a regular part of their exercise routine. Their thick heavy waterproof coats require constant and regular grooming, as their coats easily attract dirt and debris which needs to be brushed off. In addition, the word ‘drooling’ was invented for Newfoundlands, and they are known to slobber – a lot. This is a breed only for an experienced and committed owner, with lots of room to accommodate their massive size, and plenty of time to spend grooming and exercising them.  

Common diseases and conditions of Newfoundlands

  • Hip Dysplasia: This is a common orthopaedic condition affecting the joint's development. It can lead to discomfort and mobility issues. 
  • Elbow Dysplasia: Another common orthopaedic condition that affects the elbow joints and can lead to lameness and mobility issues.    
  • Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (Bloat): A serious condition where the stomach twists, potentially causing a life-threatening emergency. 
  • Luxating Patella: Luxating patella is a condition where the kneecap (patella) dislocates from its normal position. It can cause lameness and discomfort. 

Breed-specific issues:  

The size of Newfoundlands means they require plenty of space, so are not suitable pets for small homes or backyards. They are designed for cold climates and do not cope well with the heat of an Australian summer, so they need to be kept indoors in air conditioning and provided with a cooling mat in extremely hot weather to protect them from heat stroke.  

How much does pet insurance cost for a Newfoundland?

Most Australians can expect to pay between $20 and $60 a month for pet insurance. There are many factors that can influence the cost of pet insurance for your dog, which is why it's important to compare pet insurance policies. Factors affecting the cost of your insurance include: 

  • Age: The older your dog is, the more pet insurance is likely to cost. This is because senior dogs tend to have more physical health conditions and illnesses due to age, and so present a higher insurance risk.    
  • Type of insurance you choose:  There are three basic types of pet insurance available in Australia; accident-only, accident and illness, and comprehensive insurance. An accident-only policy is the cheapest type of insurance available, with comprehensive coverage costing the most.  
  • The policy annual limit: Each pet insurance policy has an annual limit, which is the maximum amount that will be paid out on the policy in one financial year. Annual limits range from around $10,000 up to $25,000 or more.   
  • Sub-limits: In addition to an annual limit, there may also be sub-limits that apply to the policy, for example, a $300 sub-limit for consultation fees, or a $5,000 limit for cruciate ligament conditions.   
  • Benefit percentage: Pet insurance does not cover 100% of the cost of your vet bill. Instead, it may pay a percentage of the total bill. This can range from 50% for cheaper policies, up to 90% for the best policies available.   
  • Excess amount: This is the amount you’ll need to pay out-of-pocket each time you make a claim on your policy. Some pet insurance policies do not come with an excess amount, whilst others do.  
  • Any add-ons you choose: It’s possible to add on more cover options to a basic policy, such as emergency boarding fees, routine care and dental care. These add-ons extend the scope of your pet insurance, but do increase the overall cost of the policy.  
  • Discounts: some insurers offer discounts of between 5% and 15% if you have multiple pets insured together, if you pay your premium annually, or if you bundle your pet insurance with other forms of insurance with the same company.
  • Gap-only insurance options: Some insurance companies offer a gap-only insurance option, which means when you go to the vet you'll only be required to pay the gap amount, not the cost of the whole bill. This is similar to the Medicare system of health insurance for humans in Australia, where gap payments can be made at HICAPS terminals at the time of treatment. 

Types of pet insurance you can choose from

Why compare pet insurance with Savvy?

Common questions about Newfoundlands

Are Newfoundland dogs high maintenance?

Yes, Newfoundland dogs are considered high maintenance due to their large size, thick double coat, grooming requirements and drooling habits. They require regular exercise, almost daily brushing, and their dense coats are prone to matting and need regular attention.  

Can Newfoundlands live with cats?

Yes, Newfoundlands can generally live with cats and other pets, as they are known for their gentle, tolerant and friendly nature. However, proper introductions and supervision may be necessary when introducing them to new animals. 

Can Newfoundland dogs live outside?

While Newfoundlands are known for their love of water and cold weather, in Australia they are best suited to living indoors with their families. They can tolerate outdoor time but should not be kept outside for extended periods, especially in extremely hot weather conditions. 

How much do Newfoundlands eat per week?

You should budget to spend around $25 – $35 a week to feed a Newfoundland. On average, they will consume 4 to 6 cups of high-quality dog food per day, depending on their age, activity level, and size. This translates to approximately 28 to 42 cups of food per week for an adult Newfoundland. 

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Compare pet insurance policies with Savvy

Whether you're buying for your dog or cat and whether they're big or small, you can compare pet insurance policies tailored to your furry friend's needs from Savvy's panel of trusted Australian insurers. Grab a free, no-obligation quote today!
Newfoundland

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