If for some reason the breeder or seller cannot provide the AKC registration application at the time of sale, demand a written promise of when it will be provided. A conscientious breeder who has spent much time studying and working with the breed should offer to explain the qualifications of the parents and why they were a proper mating. It is nice to have a Newf of champion parents, but it is even more important that the parents be of proven breeding quality. Many great breeding quality dogs have never been shown, but do produce quality puppies when properly mated. Puppies can be evaluated as possessing show potential or as pet quality.
Breeders differ in their approaches to evaluating puppies.
A show prospect puppy is one that possesses the potential of meeting the breed standard approved by the AKC, exhibiting virtues of the breed with the absence of faults. Such show prospects may or may not eventually make good breeding stock. A good breeding quality Newf is usually determined only after the dog has matured and has produced litters which can be evaluated for quality. Pet quality dogs are just as enjoyable as family companions. They are not meant for conformation showing, should not be bred and should be spayed or neutered.