newf's being a totally new breed to me, i have no idea what health tests should be carried out, and what is a good result etc.

any help would be great
thanks
G x

Hi,

I think they should be heart tested and definately hips,i'm sure someone will be along soon
who will give grater deatails of this lovely breed.

Briony:-)

Well I would want to know about the hips, elbows and heart, not just the parents but back a few generations too. Hearts have not been tested for that many years but hips have. Also ask around to see if anyone knows if there is anything else lurking in the background, the breed club will help you to know what to look for, but I would like to see clean eyes with tight lids, there are a lot of Newfies with lose lower lids and although there are no eye conditions listed for them I would think Entropion & Ectropion are more than likely a problem.

thanks guys!
i know some breeders are choosing to eye test now, i suspected their would be a few probs, nevermind, they are gorgeous!

what is a good score for the hips and the elbows?
also whats a good grade for the heart?

sorry for all the questions x
thanks

Heart 1 or 0 ~ hips well they are not good the breed average being 28 but if I was buying a pup I would be looking for 18 or below. Sorry don't know elbows.

We have our Newfoundlands hip scored, elbows x-rayed and rated, doppler heart test, not just a quick check by the vet, and eye tested yearly, try and find out if there has been any bone cancer in the lines, thsi can run in some lines, there is also a problem with cruciate ligaments but I have never had problems and never looked into it being herdeitary, I know I should have.I would recommend that you took out a good insurance policy that did life cover rather than just for a 12 month period that covers you for ongoing treatment. and will not cover for congenital problems. I use Petplan.

The average on newfs has come down now from 25 to 19
I had my girl done a few months ago ( glad to say she was 13 ) and they sent me the new averages for all breeds.
Quite a few of the breeds have come down.
Also i do have mine elbows done, but it's not a regular practice in newfs i have to say , which i think it should be , but not many people do it.

Peanuts

The latest one I have is January 03 what date do you have on yours if it is later I will ask for a new copy. On mine the BMS is 28 and the Median is 19, as in the past we have always worked with the breed mean scores (BMS) it is easier to stick to that as we all know what we are talking about.