Our Breeder Mentor

Aukai Newfoundlands
Dr. Cherrie A. Brown
Vacaville, CA

Cherrie has been breeding Newfoundlands for more than 40 years. She actively shows her dogs in conformation, obedience, draft work, water work, and tracking. She has an extensive knowledge of this breed, from puppy rearing, breeding, structure and movement, training, and more. She is also an NCA judge for Draft and Water trials. Cherrie's career background is a scientist, specializing in animal reproductive biology and genetics.

We also want to thank Peggy Helming of Pouch Cove Newfoundlands and Laura Vande Ven of Windhaven Newfoundlands - we are so very grateful for their expertise and guidance throughout our breeding.

A Newfoundland is not for everyone. They shed, drool, require a lot of daily exercise and training, are high maintenance dogs, and can be expensive to own and care for.

First, only Newfoundlands that are sound in structure and temperament should be bred - Temperament is the hallmark of the Newfoundland breed.

While it is nice to look at pedigrees, there are no pedigrees that are free from genetic disease. Reputable breeders strive to better the breed by performing health testing and look at the dog's overall picture - does he/she have the temperament and sound structure, does he/she meet the breed standard, does he/she have acceptable health clearances, are his/her offspring healthy? Howeveer, breeding parents with all health clearances does not guarantee a disease free puppy. Breeding cleared parents may decrease the chance of hereditary disease but does not promise that everyone in the litter will be totally free of genetic defects.


There are several things to expect from us and you should expect most of these from any breeder. First and foremost, the health and temperament are paramount.

Both parents MUST pass health clearances, some of which will include hearts checked by a board certified cardiologist, eyes checked by a board certified opthalmologist, hips and elbows, and tested for cystinuria. We will not breed if health clearances are not to our satisfaction.

We require a contract on ALL puppies. Pets will require a spay/neuter addendum. All puppies will be registered with the American Kennel Club (AKC). The type of contract used will be based on several factors and will be done on a case-by-case basis. If you are not familiar with the types of contracts, please ask - we will happily explain the differences.

All potential homes are screened, which means several things will be required, such as an application, vet references, home checks, affiliation with local kennel clubs or regional Newfoundland clubs, etc. All puppies must complete a basic obedience and socialization class, such as puppy kindergarten. We will require all homes to maintain current contact information and we will remain in constant contact with all our puppy owners.

All puppies will be micro-chipped before placement and microchip will be registed to both Breeder and new owner.

Puppies will not go to their new homes until they have been cleared by our Canine Cardiologist. Absolutely no exceptions!.

We WILL NOT sell to puppy mills, brokers or pet stores.

We strongly recommend any potential puppy buyer take the time to research and learn about this breed BEFORE making a purchase, regardless of the breeder. We have provided several resources, including links and recommended reading - all of these resources have incredible and valuable information - please take advantage of all of it.

We also encourage you to attend some of the Regional Club activities in your area - meet some of the club members, ask questions, and get to know more about the Newfoundland breed. Many breeders require this of potential puppy buyers before placing their puppies. Before getting a puppy from 911 Newfoundlands, we will want to meet you and know all about you, your background, what you plan to do with the puppy, who will be the primary caretaker, what events you plan to do with your puppy, and much more information. We ask this of all our potential homes so that we can make sure our puppies are matched to the best possible homes and new owners.

Please check back for further information or contact us if you have any other questions.

Newfoundly,
911 Newfoundlands