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German Shepherd vs Mastiff vs Newfoundland Comparison - Dog breed selector: Alsatian wolf dog or Old English Mastiff or Blackbear? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between German Shepherd vs Mastiff vs Newfoundland" Compare German Shepherd and Mastiff. Which is better: German Shepherd or Mastiff or Newfoundland?
 
 
 
Name German Shepherd Mastiff Newfoundland
OriginsGermany flagGermany England flagEngland Canada flagCanada
Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs Working Dogs Working Dogs
Popularity Rank22836
Reviews2132
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for German Shepherd, Mastiff, and Newfoundland breeds.
Alsatian wolf dog
Berger Allemand
Deutscher Schäferhund
Schäferhund
Alsatian
Old English Mastiff
English Mastiff
Blackbear
Newfie
The Gentle Giant
Newf
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between German Shepherd, Mastiff, and Newfoundland? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

German Shepherd vs Mastiff vs Newfoundland Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between German Shepherd, Mastiff, and Newfoundland. Which breed is the largest?
Large Giant Giant
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between German Shepherd, Mastiff, and Newfoundland? Compare adult weight ranges.
Male: 66-88 pounds (30-40 kg), Female: 49-71 pounds (22-32 kg) Male: 150-250 pounds (68-113 kg), Female: 120-180 pounds (54-82 kg) Male: 130-150 pounds (59-68 kg), Female: 100-120 pounds (45-54 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
Male: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg) Male: 200 pounds (90.5 kg), Female: 150 pounds (68 kg) Male: 140 pounds (63.5 kg), Female: 110 pounds (49.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, German Shepherd or Mastiff or Newfoundland? German Shepherd vs Mastiff vs Newfoundland height comparison:
Male: 24-26 inches (60-65 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (55-60 cm) Male: 30 inches (76 cm), Female: 27.5 inches (70 cm) Male: 27-29 inches (69-74 cm), Female: 25-27 inches (63-69 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (57.5 cm) Male: 30 inches (76 cm), Female: 27.5 inches (70 cm) Male: 28 inches (71.5 cm), Female: 26 inches (66 cm)

German Shepherd vs Mastiff vs Newfoundland Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for German Shepherd, Mastiff, and Newfoundland. Find price differences between these breeds.
$800-$2000 $1200-$1500 $1500-$2000
Availability
Which is easier to get, German Shepherd or Mastiff or Newfoundland?
Very frequent: The German Shepherd is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Mastiff is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Newfoundland is quite easy to get.

German Shepherd vs Mastiff vs Newfoundland Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between German Shepherd, Mastiff, and Newfoundland. Which breed ranks highest?
Outstanding: German Shepherd is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
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Smart: The Newfoundland dogs have great intelligence.
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Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between German Shepherd, Mastiff, and Newfoundland. Which is easiest to train?
German Shepherd dogs are easy to train.
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Mastiff dogs are quite easy to train.
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Newfoundland dogs are easy to train.
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Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of German Shepherd, Mastiff, and Newfoundland. Which breed is most alert?
German Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Mastiff dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Newfoundland dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between German Shepherd, Mastiff, and Newfoundland. Which breed is most protective?
German Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Mastiff dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Newfoundland dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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German Shepherd vs Mastiff vs Newfoundland Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between German Shepherd, Mastiff, and Newfoundland? Compare temperaments.
Curious
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Confident
Obedient
Loyal
Watchful
Protective
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Affectionate
Loyal
Cheerful
Courageous
Intelligent
Loyal
Gentle
Social
Sweet
Cheerful
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
Sensitive: German Shepherd dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
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Mastiff dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
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They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: German Shepherd vs Mastiff vs Newfoundland?
High: German Shepherd dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: Mastiff dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Average to High: Newfoundland dogs are highly affectionate dogs.
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Social Needs
German Shepherd vs Mastiff vs Newfoundland social needs comparison:
German Shepherd dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Mastiff dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Newfoundland dogs are a social breed.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
German Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers.
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Mastiff dogs are not the biggest explorers.
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Newfoundland dogs have average wanderlust potential.
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Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
German Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Their prey drive is low.
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Newfoundland dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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German Shepherd vs Mastiff vs Newfoundland Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of German Shepherd, Mastiff, and Newfoundland. Which breed is most vocal?
Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks.
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Low: The Mastiff barks none to minimal.
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Low to Average: The Newfoundland rarely barks.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between German Shepherd, Mastiff, and Newfoundland. Which breed is most playful?
Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Mastiffs are not the most playful dog breed.
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Average: Newfoundlands, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of German Shepherd, Mastiff, and Newfoundland. Which adapts best to small spaces?
It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep German Shepherd indoors.
It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep Mastiff indoors.
It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep Newfoundland indoors.

German Shepherd vs Mastiff vs Newfoundland Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between German Shepherd, Mastiff, and Newfoundland. Which breed is most flexible?
German Shepherd dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Mastiff dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Newfoundland dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: German Shepherd or Mastiff or Newfoundland?
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.
Newfoundland dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.

German Shepherd vs Mastiff vs Newfoundland Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between German Shepherd, Mastiff, and Newfoundland. Which has lowest bite risk?

High 🔼

The German Shepherd has a high chance of biting somebody.

Moderate

The Mastiff has an average chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Newfoundland has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Compare mouthing tendencies between German Shepherd, Mastiff, and Newfoundland. Which uses mouth most during play?
German Shepherd dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
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Mastiff dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Newfoundland dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Bite Strength Rating
Compare bite forces between German Shepherd, Mastiff, and Newfoundland. Which has the strongest bite?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.

Above 400 PSI 🔼

Mastiff bite force: The Strongest.

Above 400 PSI 🔼

Newfoundland bite force: The Strongest.

German Shepherd vs Mastiff vs Newfoundland Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of German Shepherd, Mastiff, and Newfoundland. Which breed lives longest?
9-13 years
The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Mastiff: 11 years
9-13 years
The average lifespan of Newfoundland: 11 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between German Shepherd, Mastiff, and Newfoundland. Which handles climate changes best?
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
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Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Mastiff can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
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Prefers cold weather
The Newfoundland can adapt well to harsh weather conditions, and also can be a good mountain dog.
See more.
Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in German Shepherd, Mastiff, and Newfoundland. Which has fewer health issues?
German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs.
Mastiffs are commonly healthy dogs.
Very healthy dog breed.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
Rare
The German Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Rare
The Mastiff should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Rare
The Newfoundland should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: German Shepherd vs Mastiff vs Newfoundland? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? German Shepherd vs Mastiff vs Newfoundland health problems comparison:
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Cancer
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Von Willebrand's Disease
Bloat
Epilepsy
Blindness
Cherry Eye
Elbow Dysplasia
Diabetes
Heart Disease
Retinal Dysplasia
Demodectic Mange
Degenerative Myelopathy
Wobbler's Syndrome
Panosteitis
Hemophilia B
Megaesophagus
Cushing's Syndrome
Lens Luxation
Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency
Chronic Diarrhea
Cruciate Ligament Rupture
Digestive Problems
Hemophilia A
Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy
Lupus
Myasthenia Gravis
Nail Bed Disease
Osteochondrosis
Pannus
Paralysis
Perianal Fistula
Seborrhea
Vitiligo
Hip Dysplasia
Cancer
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Bloat
Seizures
Cystinuria
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Cancer
Hypothyroidism
Bloat
Epilepsy
Cherry Eye
Elbow Dysplasia
Addison's Disease
Cystinuria
Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis

German Shepherd vs Mastiff vs Newfoundland Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between German Shepherd, Mastiff, and Newfoundland. Which breed is most active?
German Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs.
Mastiff dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs.
Newfoundland dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
German Shepherd vs Mastiff vs Newfoundland exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: German Shepherd or Mastiff or Newfoundland? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
German Shepherd dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Mastiff dogs exercise need is minimal.
Newfoundland dogs have an average exercise need.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: German Shepherd or Mastiff or Newfoundland?
German Shepherd dogs don't need too much sleep.
Mastiff dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot.
Newfoundland dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.

German Shepherd vs Mastiff vs Newfoundland Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between German Shepherd, Mastiff, and Newfoundland. Which is most prone to obesity?
Low to Average: The German Shepherd has a low to the average risk for obesity.
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Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Mastiff's weight, he can easily gain weight.
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Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Newfoundland's weight, he can easily gain weight.
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Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between German Shepherd, Mastiff, and Newfoundland. Which needs most food?
3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 8 to 10 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals 5 to 6 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

German Shepherd vs Mastiff vs Newfoundland Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of German Shepherd, Mastiff, and Newfoundland. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
No See more. No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between German Shepherd, Mastiff, and Newfoundland. What colors are available?
Black
Tan
Red
Silver
Fawn
Brindle
Apricot
Black
Gray
White
Brown
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between German Shepherd, Mastiff, and Newfoundland. Which requires most maintenance?
Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort.
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Easy to groom: The Mastiff doesn't require a lot of grooming.
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Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
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Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between German Shepherd, Mastiff, and Newfoundland. Which drools least?
The German Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Mastiff is a big drooler, so if you're disgusted by slobber spots on your clothes, you should choose a dog from another breed.
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The Newfoundland is a big drooler, so if you're disgusted by slobber spots on your clothes, you should choose a dog from another breed.
See more.
Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between German Shepherd, Mastiff, and Newfoundland. Which has least natural smell?

Medium

The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.

High 🔼

The Mastiff has a high chance of bad smell.

High 🔼

The Newfoundland has a high chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between German Shepherd, Mastiff, and Newfoundland. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Fuzzy Dense Fluffy
Waterproof
Thick
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between German Shepherd, Mastiff, and Newfoundland. Which requires most frequent baths?
8-12 weeks
Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
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4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
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3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more German Shepherd or Mastiff or Newfoundland? German Shepherd or Mastiff or {name3 shedding:
German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders.
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Mastiff dogs shed moderately.
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Newfoundland dogs are heavy shedders.
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German Shepherd vs Mastiff vs Newfoundland Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between German Shepherd, Mastiff, and Newfoundland. Which is best with kids?
German Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Mastiff dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Newfoundland dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
German Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets.
Mastiff dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Newfoundland dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly German Shepherd or Mastiff or Newfoundland? Which dog is more friendly?
German Shepherd dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Mastiff dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Newfoundland dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly German Shepherd or Mastiff or Newfoundland?
German Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Mastiff dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Newfoundland dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly German Shepherd or Mastiff or Newfoundland?
German Shepherd dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Mastiff dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Newfoundland dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: German Shepherd vs Mastiff vs Newfoundland?
Yes
German Shepherd dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Mastiff dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Newfoundland dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office?
No
German Shepherd is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Mastiff is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Newfoundland is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people?
German Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
Mastiffs are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
Newfoundlands are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

German Shepherd vs Mastiff vs Newfoundland As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between German Shepherd, Mastiff, and Newfoundland. Which is best suited for service work?

Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
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Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
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Therapy Work Suitability
Compare therapy dog potential between German Shepherd, Mastiff, and Newfoundland. Which excels in therapy work?

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
See more.

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.
Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between German Shepherd, Mastiff, and Newfoundland. Which has best nose work ability?

Yes

After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.
Search & Rescue Potential
Compare search and rescue potential between German Shepherd, Mastiff, and Newfoundland. Which is best for SAR work?

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability
Compare boating aptitude between German Shepherd, Mastiff, and Newfoundland. Which is best suited for water work?

Not really

German Shepherd breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.

Not really

Mastiff breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.

Yes

Newfoundland breed usually likes being on a boat.
See more.
Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between German Shepherd, Mastiff, and Newfoundland. Which is best for draft work?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Yes

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
See more.

Yes

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Military Service Background
Compare military service history of German Shepherd, Mastiff, and Newfoundland. Which has most military use?

Yes

In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs.

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

German Shepherd vs Mastiff vs Newfoundland Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of German Shepherd, Mastiff, and Newfoundland. Which has most puppies?
6-10 puppies 3-5 puppies 4-12 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of German Shepherd, Mastiff, and Newfoundland. Any breeding differences?
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding intervals between German Shepherd, Mastiff, and Newfoundland. What's recommended?

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

German Shepherd vs Mastiff vs Newfoundland Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for German Shepherd, Mastiff, and Newfoundland. How are they classified?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Herding breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885 as a Working breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1886 as a Working breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for German Shepherd, Mastiff, and Newfoundland. How are they classified internationally?
Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section. Not recognized by FCI. Recognized by FCI in the Pinscher and Schnauzer - Molossoid and Swiss Mountain and Cattledogs group, in the Molossian type section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of German Shepherd, Mastiff, and Newfoundland. Which has most recognition?
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
German Shepherd Dog Club Of America
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club

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