If something doesn't sound right, ask other newf people what they think. Ask your friends with newfs about their breeders. Do not send a general query to newf-l or other internet mailing lists asking for breeder references. However, if you've exchanged private e-mail with someone on the list with whom you seem to have a lot in common, by all means ask them. Some breeders are more right for show people and some are more right for pet people.
Few breeders can be everything for every type of owner.
A busy show breeder may not have the same kind of time for their pet buyers as they do their show buyers. Know the breeder. Know your needs. Establish that the breeder will be there for you later. If you are a pet person or novice, you will want someone you can turn to with questions at any point in the dog's life.