German Shepherd vs Newfoundland
Herding · Large vs Working · Giant
German ShepherdLarge
A confident, courageous, and smart working dog — the world's leading police, military, and service breed.
Weight: 65–90 lbsLifespan: 9–13 years
NewfoundlandGiant
A sweet, patient, devoted water-rescue dog — the gentle 'nanny dog' from Canada's Atlantic coast.
Weight: 130–150 lbsLifespan: 9–10 years
Quick take
- • Newfoundland is the larger breed at 130–150 lbs (males) vs 65–90 lbs for the German Shepherd.
- • The German Shepherd typically lives longer (9–13 years).
- • The German Shepherd has higher daily energy needs.
- • The German Shepherd is generally more trainable.
Side-by-side traits
| Trait | German Shepherd | Newfoundland |
|---|---|---|
Group | Herding | Working |
Size | Large | Giant |
Origin | Germany | Canada |
Height (male) | 24–26" | 28" |
Height (female) | 22–24" | 26" |
Weight (male) | 65–90 lbs | 130–150 lbs |
Weight (female) | 50–70 lbs | 100–120 lbs |
Lifespan Average expected lifespan. | 9–13 years | 9–10 years |
Energy level Daily activity needs. | Very High (5/5) | Low (2/5) |
Trainability How quickly the breed learns commands. | Very High (5/5) | High (4/5) |
Intelligence Problem-solving ability. | Very High (5/5) | High (4/5) |
Exercise needs Daily physical activity required. | Very High (5/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Shedding Lower = less hair around your home. | Very High (5/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Grooming effort Brushing, bathing, professional grooming. | Moderate (3/5) | High (4/5) |
Drooling Lower = drier face and furniture. | Low (2/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Barking How vocal the breed is. | Moderate (3/5) | Low (2/5) |
Good with kids | High (4/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Good with other dogs | Moderate (3/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Good with strangers | Moderate (3/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Protectiveness Watchdog tendencies. | Very High (5/5) | High (4/5) |
Adaptability Apartment / new environment tolerance. | Moderate (3/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Coat length | medium | long |
Hypoallergenic Lower-shedding, less dander. | No | No |
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About the German Shepherd
The German Shepherd is a confident, courageous, and smart working dog — the world's leading police, military, and service breed. Originally from Germany, this large herding breed typically weighs 65–90 lbs and lives 9–13 years. Breeders describe them as confident, courageous, smart.
About the Newfoundland
The Newfoundland is a sweet, patient, devoted water-rescue dog — the gentle 'nanny dog' from Canada's Atlantic coast. Originally from Canada, this giant working breed typically weighs 130–150 lbs and lives 9–10 years. Breeders describe them as sweet, patient, devoted.
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German Shepherd health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Elbow dysplasia
- • Bloat
- • Degenerative myelopathy
Newfoundland health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Heart disease
- • Bloat
- • Cystinuria