I'm Denise H., the breeder behind Tonka Bay Newfoundlands located in Delano, MN. I breed AKC quality Newfoundlands with the brains, temperaments, and integrity that the breed deserves. I complete various health tests prior to breeding and I breed for quality, not quantity. Owning a Newfoundland is a beautiful experience, and it would be our honor to connect you with the perfect new addition to your family!
Q. & A. with Denise
Why did you start breeding?
I fell in love with my first Newfie and after going to dog shows and the NCA Nationals in Michigan, I knew I had to share my life with these guys. I started my breeding program so that I could put my passion Newfoundlands to good use. It's been a joyful commitment, and it is a pleasure to live with, work with, and share with others these exquisite breeds.
What makes your program special?
My puppies are born and raised in my home as part of our family. They are very well socialized and loved! I put my heart and soul into giving these little guys the best start possible. I am happy to tell you more about what life with a Newfoundland is like and how they will not only enhance your daily. life, but exceed your expectations! We are a family of 15 and every single person in our family adores puppies so they are introduced and used to kids, toys, loud noises, kids touching them all over, etc very early on.
What are the different breed coat colors in your program?
Our puppies include white and black, black, brown, and gray. Colors will vary depending on the parent dogs.
Where do your breeding dogs live?
They live in my home and a kennel on my property.
Matched dogs
These dogs are already reserved or have gone home.
Girl 2
Went home
Female
Girl 1
Went home
Female
Boy 2
Went home
Male
Boy 1
Went home
Male
Girl 4
Went home
Female
Girl 3
Went home
Female
Maverick
Went home
Male
Rollie
Went home
Male
Pen
Went home
Female
Freckles
Went home
Female
Patch
Went home
Female
Dipstick
Went home
Male
Perdy
Went home
Female
Lucky
Went home
Male
Penny
Went home
Male
Pongo
Went home
Male
Rollie
Went home
Female
Getting a puppy from Denise
Denise has been certified by Good Dog’s screening team for responsible and trusted breeding practices. When you’re ready to reach out, feel free to ask any questions about the breed, their program, or specific puppies.
Together, you’ll choose the puppy that’s right for you, stay in touch with regular updates, and plan how to bring your new puppy home.
Price
Puppy prices include a $500 non-refundable deposit and between $2,000 - $2,500 final payment, before taxes & fees.
Contract & health guarantee
Denise may provide a written contract or
health guarantee when you purchase a puppy. This helps
protect both you and your breeder, ensuring that you
both have a clear understanding of the terms of your
puppy purchase. If Denise offers a contract
or guarantee, the details will be personalized by them.
If you have any questions or want to know more,
don’t hesitate to reach out to Denise directly.
Tonka Bay Newfoundlands meets or exceeds our community standards in these areas:
Responsible breeding practices
Health of breeding dogs and puppies
Puppy environment and enrichment
Buyer education and policies
Parent dogs
Scottie, mom
Newfoundland
About Scottie
Scottie is a female Newfoundland. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, Denise decided to make her part of their program. Denise has passed Good Dog’s screening process, which involved a review of their breeding practices, environment, and the mental and physical health of their dogs.
Good health testing
Patellar Luxation, Cardiac Evaluation (registered with OFA), +1 more.
Jada, mom
Newfoundland
About Jada
Jada is a female Newfoundland. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, Denise decided to make her part of their program. Denise has passed Good Dog’s screening process, which involved a review of their breeding practices, environment, and the mental and physical health of their dogs.
Pepper, mom
Newfoundland
About Pepper
Pepper is a female Newfoundland. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, Denise decided to make her part of their program. Denise has passed Good Dog’s screening process, which involved a review of their breeding practices, environment, and the mental and physical health of their dogs.
Phoenix, dad
Newfoundland
About Phoenix
Phoenix is a male Newfoundland. Carefully selected as a great representative of his breed, Denise decided to make him part of their program. Denise has passed Good Dog’s screening process, which involved a review of their breeding practices, environment, and the mental and physical health of their dogs.
Parent health testing
Breeder-Reported Testing
Excellent level
Tonka Bay Newfoundlands reports to performing the health tests below on their breeding dogs. Ask your breeder about the tests performed on the parents of your litter. Learn more about health testing for Newfoundlands.
Hip Dysplasia
Hip testing reduces the chance of passing down hip dysplasia, which is primarily found in large breed dogs and can cause hip pain and the eventual loss of the function of the hip joint.
Elbow Dysplasia Finals (OFA, BVA, SV, FCI)
Elbow testing reduces the chance of passing down elbow dysplasia, which is primarily found in large breed dogs and can cause arthritis in the elbow joint and front leg lameness.
Cardiac Evaluation (registered with OFA)
Heart testing reduces the chance of passing down congenital heart disease, which can cause a range of symptoms ranging from trouble exercising to heart failure.
Patellar Luxation
Knee testing reduces the chance of passing down Patellar Luxation, which results in the kneecap becoming displaced or dislocated and can cause mild to severe joint pain.
Brucellosis
A breeder may perform additional tests on their dogs that do not fall into these general categories. These tests may be more uncommon or very specific to a particular breed.
Cystinuria Type 1A, Newfoundland Type
Genetic testing reduces the chance of passing down a wide variety of hereditary diseases of differing prevalence and severity such as Progressive Retinal Atrophy (an eye disease) and Von Willebrand's Disease (a blood disease).
Verified owner stories
Hear what other owners say about working with Denise to bring home their puppies.
Mark S.
Verified owner · Mar. 2025
+4
Denise was great to work with. She was very friendly and great to work with. I cannot say enough about my puppy, I absolutely adore her! She was very healthy and such a sweet demeanor. She fit in well with my other dogs. I highly recommend her if you're looking for a Newfie 🥰
Eternity P.
Verified owner · Feb. 2025
+4
Denise was very amazing to talk to , and very good at communicating. We are so in love with our new baby , he is absolutely the sweetest . And we couldn’t be happier with everything , and the transportation service was amazing as well .
DA
Drew A.
Verified owner · July 2024
Denise was great. The pick up experience was easy. You can tell the puppies start out in a home.
Elizabeth C.
Verified owner · Feb. 2025
Absolutely recommend Denise. Our new pup is wonderful, we are just a few days in and have been enjoying every moment. We have tried to replicate the routine and feeding schedule and slowly transition him to ours and he is adjusting splendidly. He is such an already well mannered and social boy, and just so very sweet. He’s been very patient with the cats, sitting and waiting for them to say hello. We have teens and a lot of friends come in and out, and he’s been stellar. He is great at having his ears, feet, and tail touched, which is helpful with the many towel dryings our Washington weather demands. He is also so very smart, I suspect he’s had training prior to coming to our family. He’s a very quick learner and eager to please. He’s responded very well to clicker training and food lures. In just a few short training sessions he’s been consistently mastering sit, lay, and look at me. My only complaint is that I can’t be a full-time stay at home pup mom to him because he is so perfect to spend time with.
Denise herself was very responsive and I would absolutely recommend her. I would absolutely seek her out for another Newfie. I know this kind of purchase online is scary and feels very risky, and want to share my experience. I’m very thankful for Denise and our new baby.
Cami M.
Verified owner · Oct. 2024
Denise was awesome, quick to reply to questions I had, Revy is so smart and loving, I can tell she was loved and involved with the family, she's wonderful with my other dog as well, she's healthy and huge already! I would for sure recommend her. Great addition to our family cats,dog, tortoise and my son.
Alana E.
Verified owner · July 2024
+4
Denise from Tonka Bay Newfoundlands was so great! It was probably the easiest/best breeder experience I have ever had. Communication was great and our baby boy is so adorable and perfect!!!! So glad I went through Tonka Bay Newfoundlands and if you are looking for a Newfie - I HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!! You can tell they really love and take care of your their puppies.
Health testing is one key piece of responsible breeding and is performed on breeding dogs to prevent the presence of heritable conditions in their puppies.