Newfoundland vs German Shepherd
Discover the differences between Newfoundland and German Shepherd to make the best choice for your situation.
Try different breeds
Newfoundland
A gentle giant with a calm, patient nature and strong loyalty, Newfoundland thrives as a devoted family protector. Renowned for its swimming skills and nurturing instincts.
German Shepherd
Confident, loyal, and highly intelligent, this breed thrives as both a devoted family companion and a reliable working partner. Always alert and eager to learn, it adapts to many roles with ease.
Quick comparison
Large
60–70 kg
Double coat, water-resistant
8–10 years
45–55 kg
Moderately active
Large
30–40 kg
Double coat, dense undercoat
9–13 years
22–32 kg
High energy
Personality & behavior
Compare the personality traits and behavioral characteristics of both breeds.
Newfoundland
Exceptionally gentle and welcoming toward people and pets
Learns commands quickly and solves simple problems
Tends toward calmness, not highly active indoors
Enjoys games and interaction, especially with family
Adjusts well to different living situations and routines
German Shepherd
Warm with family, reserved with strangers
Quick learner, highly trainable and alert
Needs regular activity and vigorous exercise
Enjoys games, interactive and engaging
Adjusts well to new situations and environments
Care needs
Exercise, grooming, and daily care requirements
Newfoundland
Hip dysplasia, heart disease
German Shepherd
Hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia
Suitability
How well each breed fits different living situations and families
Newfoundland
Good option
Patient and gentle, Newfoundlands are generally manageable for first-time owners.
Not ideal
Their large size and need for space make apartments challenging.
Moderately suitable
They enjoy activity but do not require constant vigorous exercise.
Perfect fit
Known for gentleness, they are affectionate and tolerant with young children.
Very friendly
Newfoundlands are sociable and usually coexist well with other pets.
Not recommended
They dislike being left alone and can develop separation anxiety.
German Shepherd
Challenging for beginners
Needs experienced, consistent training and socialization
Not ideal
Needs space and frequent exercise to prevent boredom
Perfect fit
Thrives with active owners who can provide daily physical and mental challenges
Highly suitable
Loyal and protective, can be gentle and patient with proper socialization
Usually compatible
Can get along with other pets if raised together and well socialized
Prone to anxiety
Dislikes being left alone for long periods and may develop behavioral issues
Breed strengths
What each breed excels at and their best qualities
Newfoundland
- Gentle and patient with children
- Strong swimming ability and water rescue instincts
- Generally calm and even-tempered
- Loyal and protective toward family
- Tolerant of cold weather conditions
German Shepherd
- Highly intelligent and quick to learn tasks
- Strong loyalty to family members
- Excellent working and service dog abilities
- Protective instincts make them good guardians
- Adaptable to various training activities
Challenges & considerations
Potential challenges and considerations for each breed
Newfoundland
- Prone to joint and hip dysplasia
- Heavy shedding and frequent grooming required
- Can be stubborn during training sessions
- Tendency to drool excessively
- Needs ample space due to large size
German Shepherd
- Prone to hip and elbow dysplasia
- High exercise needs require daily activity
- Can develop separation anxiety if left alone
- May be wary of strangers without socialization
- Heavy seasonal shedding requires frequent grooming
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