German Shepherd vs Mastiff vs Newfoundland – Which one is a better dog breed 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?
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| Name | German Shepherd | Mastiff | Newfoundland |
|---|---|---|---|
| Origins |  Germany |  England |  Canada |
| Group | Pastoral Dogs (Herding Dogs) | Working Dogs | Working Dogs |
| Popularity Rank | 2 | 28 | 36 |
| Reviews | 4 | 0 | 2 |
| Rate |
| Other Names | Alsatian, Berger Allemand, Alsatian wolf dog (UK), Deutscher Schäferhund, Schäferhund | English Mastiff, Old English Mastiff | Newf, Newfie, The Gentle Giant, Blackbear |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breed Type | Purebred | Purebred | Purebred |
| AKC Group | 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 Group | 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. |
| Breed 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 |
| Price | $800-$2000 | $1200-$1500 | $1500-$2000 |
General Appearance - German Shepherd vs Mastiff vs Newfoundland
| Size | Large | Giant | Giant |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 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) |
| Avg. 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 | 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) |
| Avg. 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) |
Hair & Care - German Shepherd vs Mastiff vs Newfoundland
| Coat | Fuzzy | Dense |
Fluffy Waterproof Thick |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colors |
Silver Tan Red Black |
Apricot Fawn Brindle |
Gray Brown White Black |
| Grooming | Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort. | Easy to groom: The Mastiff doesn't require a lot of grooming. | Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition. |
| Shedding Level | German Shepherds are heavy shedders. | Mastiffs shed moderately. | Newfoundlands are heavy shedders. |
Characteristics - German Shepherd vs Mastiff vs Newfoundland
| Temperament |
Alert Courageous Intelligent Obedient Confident Curious Loyal Watchful |
Affectionate Cheerful Intelligent Protective Alert Courageous Loyal |
Cheerful Intelligent Social Gentle Courageous Loyal Sweet |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intelligent Rank | Outstanding: German Shepherd is one of the brightest dog breeds. | Average: Mastiff's has average obedience intelligence. | Smart: Newfoundland's has great intelligence. |
| Trainability | German Shepherds are easy to train. | Mastiffs are quite easy to train. | Newfoundlands are easy to train. |
| Playfulness | German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing. | Mastiffs are not the most playful dog breed. | Newfoundlands, like any other dog breed, like playing. |
| Sensitivity Level | German Shepherds don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household and frequent guest visits. | Mastiffs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed. | They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. |
| Affection Level | German Shepherds are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. | Mastiffs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. | Newfoundlands are highly affectionate dogs. |
| Social Needs | German Shepherds need for social interaction is average. | Mastiffs need for social interaction is average. | Newfoundlands are a social breed. |
| Barking | Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks. | Low: The Mastiff barks none to minimal. | Low to Average: The Newfoundland rarely barks. |
| Watchdog Ability | German Shepherds are one of the best watchdogs. | Mastiffs are one of the best watchdogs. | Newfoundlands are one of the best watchdogs. |
| Territorial | German Shepherds are extremely protective guard dogs. | Mastiffs are extremely protective guard dogs. | Newfoundlands are extremely protective guard dogs. |
| Biting Potential |
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. |
| Mouthiness | German Shepherds have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. | Mastiffs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. | Newfoundlands have an average tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. |
| Impulse to Wander or Roam | German Shepherds are not the biggest explorers. | Mastiffs are not the biggest explorers. | Newfoundlands have average wanderlust potential. |
| Prey Drive | German Shepherds have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. | Mastiffs don't have an impulse to catch or chase small animals. | Newfoundlands have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. |
| Apartment Friendly | German Shepherds are not the best choice for an apartment lifestyle, but they don't mind being inside if you walk them several times every day. | Mastiffs are not the best choice for an apartment lifestyle, but they don't mind being inside if you walk them several times every day. | Newfoundlands are not the best choice for an apartment lifestyle, but they don't mind being inside if you walk them several times every day. |
| Adaptability | German Shepherds adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments. | Mastiffs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments. | Newfoundlands adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments. |
| Tolerates Being Left Alone | 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. | Newfoundlands 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. |
| Fighting Dog |
Yes In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dog. |
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. |
Good With - German Shepherd vs Mastiff vs Newfoundland
| Stranger Friendly | German Shepherds are stranger friendly dogs. | Mastiffs are average friendly towards strangers. | Newfoundlands are stranger friendly dogs. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Child Friendly | German Shepherds are very kid-friendly dogs. | Mastiffs are very kid-friendly dogs. | Newfoundlands are very kid-friendly dogs. |
| Cat Friendly | German Shepherds are average friendly towards cats. | Mastiffs are very cat-friendly dogs. | Newfoundlands are very cat-friendly dogs. |
| Dog Friendly | German Shepherds are not the most dog-friendly dogs. | Mastiffs are average friendly towards other dogs. | Newfoundlands are dog-friendly dogs. |
| Office Friendly |
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 | 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. |
| Pet Friendly | German Shepherds are generally with other pets. | Mastiffs are one of the friendliest dog breeds. | Newfoundlands are one of the friendliest dog breeds. |
| Good For First Time Owners |
No German Shepherds are not good for novice owners, due to their stubborn personality. |
Yes Mastiffs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality. |
No Newfoundlands are not good for novice owners, due to their stubborn personality. |
| Service Dog |
Yes This breed makes good as a service dog. |
Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. |
Yes This breed makes good as a service dog. |
| Therapy Dog |
Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. |
Not really This breed generally not used as a therapy dog. |
Not really This breed generally not used as a therapy dog. |
| Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog |
Yes A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones. |
Not really A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones. |
Not really A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones. |
| Search and Rescue Dog (SAR) |
Yes The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and in locating missing people. |
Not really The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and in locating missing people. |
Yes The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and in locating missing people. |
| Boat Dog |
Not really German Shepherd breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. |
Not really Mastiff breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. |
Yes Newfoundland breed usually likes being on a boat. |
| Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog |
Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. |
Yes A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. |
Yes A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. |
Health Factors - German Shepherd vs Mastiff vs Newfoundland
| Health Issues | German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs. | Mastiffs are commonly healthy dogs. | Very healthy dog breed. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health Problems |
Allergies Blindness Bloat Cancer Cataracts Cherry Eye Chronic Diarrhea Cruciate Ligament Rupture Cushing's Syndrome Degenerative Myelopathy Demodectic Mange Diabetes Digestive Problems Elbow Dysplasia Epilepsy Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency Heart Disease Hemophilia A Hemophilia B Hip Dysplasia Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy Lens Luxation Lupus Megaesophagus Myasthenia Gravis Nail Bed Disease Osteochondrosis Pannus Panosteitis Paralysis Perianal Fistula Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Retinal Dysplasia Seborrhea Vitiligo Von Willebrand's Disease Wobbler's Syndrome |
Bloat Cancer Cystinuria Hip Dysplasia Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Seizures |
Addison's Disease Bloat Cancer Cataracts Cherry Eye Cystinuria Elbow Dysplasia Epilepsy Hip Dysplasia Hypothyroidism Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis |
| Life Expectancy | 10-13 years | 10-12 years | 9-12 years |
| Hypoallergenic | No | No | No |
| Energy Level | German Shepherds are high energy dogs. | Mastiffs have a lower energy level than other dogs. | Newfoundlands have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you. |
| Exercise Need | German Shepherds need quite a lot of exercise. | Mastiffs exercise need is minimal. | Newfoundlands have an average exercise need. |
| Sleeping Need | German Shepherds don't need too much sleep. | Mastiffs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot. | Newfoundlands sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered as a lazy breed. |
| Avg. daily food consumption | 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. |
| Weight Gain Potential | Low to Average. | Average to High. | Average to High. |
| Weather & Climate | Tolerates warm and cold weather. |
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. |
Prefers cold weather The Newfoundland can adapt well to harsh weather conditions, and also can be a good mountain dog. |
| Stinkiness |
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. |
| Drooling tendency | The German Shepherd is a perfect example for very low drooling tendency. | 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. | 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. |
Reproducibility - German Shepherd vs Mastiff vs Newfoundland
| Gestation Length | 60-64 days | 60-64 days | 60-64 days |
|---|---|---|---|
| How often can the have a litter? |
Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. |
Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. |
Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. |
| Litter Size | 6-10 puppies | 3-5 puppies | 4-12 puppies |
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