Hi

I am in the process of deciding that I would like to own a newfoundland after recently losing a much loved doberman at the age of 13. He/she would join a family of 2 small children. a cat and a one in a lifetime breed (the mongrel). As I am just an ordinary person I have researched a little this website and the KC one. I have got a pamphlet from the breed society, have got in touch with the breed liason who put me in touch with a breeder who put me in touch with another one. I rang the latest breeder who sounded like a lovely lady and who was very excited as one of her boys had won something or other. I am visiting her on Saturday to look at the breed in the flesh as it has been a while since I have seen one and to meet two of her bitches (and other dogs) who will be mated when they come in to season. I have visited her kennels website and her dogs all look lovely and are champions this and that, I feel as if I have researched myself to death. As I have done all this does this mean I am going to a reputable breeder? Does it also mean that my dog may be of show quality?

Hiya,
It certainly sounds as if you are doing all the right things! Well done you :)
When you meet the breeder and her dogs on Saturday you'll probably know straight away if you have "a good feeling" about her set-up - how the dogs are kept, how they interact with her/you/each other. Be prepared to be thoroughly "grilled" about why you want a newfoundland and about your personal circumstances - a good breeder wants "her babies" to go to lifelong, loving homes.

Tell her if you are even vaguely interested in showing - then she'll know you don't want a pup with minor defects (mismarks, slightly wrong mouth etc) which won't affect the pup at all but would bar it from the showring.

Let us know how you get on. :)

A reputable breeder will normally have more questions for you about you and your life style than you could ever imagine you could ask about her dogs......