Newfoundland vs St. Bernard vs German Shepherd Comparison - Dog breed selector: Blackbear or Alpine Mastiff or Alsatian wolf dog? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Newfoundland vs St. Bernard vs German Shepherd" Compare Newfoundland and St. Bernard. Which is better: Newfoundland or St. Bernard or German Shepherd?

Size and Weight Price and Availability Trainability and Intelligence Personality and Temperament Activity and Playfulness Adaptability and Independence Bite Characteristics Health and Lifespan Energy and Activity Diet and Weight Management Allergies and Grooming Good With As a Working Dog Reproducibility Recognition Show differences only

Name	Newfoundland	St. Bernard	German Shepherd
Origins	Canada	Switzerland Italy	Germany
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Working Dogs	Working Dogs	Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank	36	48	2
Reviews	2	9	21
User Ratings

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

Newfoundland vs St. Bernard vs German Shepherd Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification Compare size differences between Newfoundland, St. Bernard, and German Shepherd. Which breed is the largest?	Giant	Giant	Large
Weight Statistics How do weights compare between Newfoundland, St. Bernard, and German Shepherd? Compare adult weight ranges.	Male: 130-150 pounds (59-68 kg), Female: 100-120 pounds (45-54 kg)	110-200 pounds (50-91 kg)	Male: 66-88 pounds (30-40 kg), Female: 49-71 pounds (22-32 kg)
Average Weight Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?	Male: 140 pounds (63.5 kg), Female: 110 pounds (49.5 kg)	155 pounds (70.5 kg)	Male: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg)
Height Which is taller, Newfoundland or St. Bernard or German Shepherd? Newfoundland vs St. Bernard vs German Shepherd height comparison:	Male: 27-29 inches (69-74 cm), Female: 25-27 inches (63-69 cm)	25.5-27.5 inches (61-70 cm)	Male: 24-26 inches (60-65 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (55-60 cm)
Average Height Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?	Male: 28 inches (71.5 cm), Female: 26 inches (66 cm)	25.5-27.5 inches (65.5 cm)	Male: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (57.5 cm)

Newfoundland vs St. Bernard vs German Shepherd Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range Compare puppy costs for Newfoundland, St. Bernard, and German Shepherd. Find price differences between these breeds.	$1500-$2000	$1500-$1800	$800-$2000
Availability Which is easier to get, Newfoundland or St. Bernard or German Shepherd?	Very frequent: The Newfoundland is quite easy to get.	Very frequent: The St.	Very frequent: The German Shepherd is quite easy to get.

Newfoundland vs St. Bernard vs German Shepherd Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating Compare intelligence levels between Newfoundland, St. Bernard, and German Shepherd. Which breed ranks highest?	Smart: The Newfoundland dogs have great intelligence. See more.	Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one. See more.	Outstanding: German Shepherd is one of the brightest dog breeds. See more.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Training Difficulty Compare training difficulty levels between Newfoundland, St. Bernard, and German Shepherd. Which is easiest to train?	Newfoundland dogs are easy to train. See more.	A slightly harder to train than average. See more.	German Shepherd dogs are easy to train. See more.
Least Obedient Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Easy To Train
Watchdog Rating Compare watchdog abilities of Newfoundland, St. Bernard, and German Shepherd. Which breed is most alert?	Newfoundland dogs are one of the best watchdogs. See more.	St. See more.	German Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs. See more.
Territorial Protection Compare territorial instincts between Newfoundland, St. Bernard, and German Shepherd. Which breed is most protective?	Newfoundland dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. See more.	St. See more.	German Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

Newfoundland vs St. Bernard vs German Shepherd Personality and Temperament Comparison

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

Newfoundland vs St. Bernard vs German Shepherd Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency Compare barking frequencies of Newfoundland, St. Bernard, and German Shepherd. Which breed is most vocal?	Low to Average: The Newfoundland rarely barks. See more.	Low: The St. See more.	Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks. See more.
Quiet Dog Breeds That Don't Bark		Dog Breeds That Bark The Most
Playful Nature Compare playfulness levels between Newfoundland, St. Bernard, and German Shepherd. Which breed is most playful?	Average: Newfoundlands, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.	St. See more.	Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Apartment Adaptability Compare apartment suitability of Newfoundland, St. Bernard, and German Shepherd. 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 Newfoundland 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 St.	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.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

Newfoundland vs St. Bernard vs German Shepherd Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability Compare adaptability between Newfoundland, St. Bernard, and German Shepherd. Which breed is most flexible?	Newfoundland dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.	St.	German Shepherd dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance Which dog can be left alone: Newfoundland or St. Bernard or German Shepherd?	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.	St.	Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.

Newfoundland vs St. Bernard vs German Shepherd Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment Compare biting potential between Newfoundland, St. Bernard, and German Shepherd. Which has lowest bite risk?	Low 🔽 The Newfoundland has a low chance of biting somebody.	Moderate ⏺ The St.	High 🔼 The German Shepherd has a high chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency Compare mouthing tendencies between Newfoundland, St. Bernard, and German Shepherd. Which uses mouth most during play?	Newfoundland dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.	St. See more.	German Shepherd dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. See more.
Bite Strength Rating Compare bite forces between Newfoundland, St. Bernard, and German Shepherd. Which has the strongest bite?	Above 400 PSI 🔼 Newfoundland bite force: The Strongest.	Above 400 PSI 🔼 St.	Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.
Dog Breeds With The Lowest Bite Force		Dog Breeds With the Strongest Bite Force

Newfoundland vs St. Bernard vs German Shepherd Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan Compare life expectancies of Newfoundland, St. Bernard, and German Shepherd. Which breed lives longest?	9-13 years The average lifespan of Newfoundland: 11 years	8-10 years The average lifespan of St.	9-13 years The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Climate Tolerance Compare weather adaptability between Newfoundland, St. Bernard, and German Shepherd. Which handles climate changes best?	Prefers cold weather The Newfoundland can adapt well to harsh weather conditions, and also can be a good mountain dog. See more.	Tolerates warm and cold weather Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. See more.	Tolerates warm and cold weather Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. See more.
Health Concerns Compare health problems common in Newfoundland, St. Bernard, and German Shepherd. Which has fewer health issues?	Very healthy dog breed.	Very healthy dog breed.	German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs.
Healthiest Dog Breeds
Vet Care Frequency Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?	Rare The Newfoundland should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).	Rare The St.	Rare The German Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Longest Living Dog Breeds
Health Problems Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Newfoundland vs St. Bernard vs German Shepherd? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Newfoundland vs St. Bernard vs German Shepherd health problems comparison:	Cataracts Hip Dysplasia Cancer Hypothyroidism Bloat Epilepsy Cherry Eye Elbow Dysplasia Addison's Disease Cystinuria Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis	Cataracts Hip Dysplasia Allergies Bloat Epilepsy Entropion Elbow Dysplasia Dilated Cardiomyopathy	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

Newfoundland vs St. Bernard vs German Shepherd Energy and Activity Comparison

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

Newfoundland vs St. Bernard vs German Shepherd Diet and Weight Management Comparison

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

Newfoundland vs St. Bernard vs German Shepherd Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Newfoundland, St. Bernard, and German Shepherd. Which is best for allergy sufferers?	No See more.	No See more.	No See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Coat Colors Compare color variations between Newfoundland, St. Bernard, and German Shepherd. What colors are available?	Black Gray White Brown	Black Red White Brown Brindle Tricolor	Black Tan Red Silver
Grooming Requirements Compare grooming needs between Newfoundland, St. Bernard, and German Shepherd. Which requires most maintenance?	Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition. See more.	Average: The St. See more.	Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Drooling Tendency Compare drooling tendencies between Newfoundland, St. Bernard, and German Shepherd. Which drools least?	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.	The St. See more.	The German Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.
Stinkiness Rating Compare odor levels between Newfoundland, St. Bernard, and German Shepherd. Which has least natural smell?	High 🔼 The Newfoundland has a high chance of bad smell.	High 🔼 The St.	Medium ⏺ The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics Compare coat types between Newfoundland, St. Bernard, and German Shepherd. How do their fur characteristics differ?	Fluffy Waterproof Thick	Dense Rough Smooth	Fuzzy
Bathing Needs Compare bathing needs between Newfoundland, St. Bernard, and German Shepherd. Which requires most frequent baths?	3-4 weeks More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. See more.	4-6 weeks Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup. See more.	8-12 weeks Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. See more.
Shedding Level Who sheds more Newfoundland or St. Bernard or German Shepherd? Newfoundland or St. Bernard or {name3 shedding:	Newfoundland dogs are heavy shedders. See more.	St. See more.	German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most

Newfoundland vs St. Bernard vs German Shepherd Good With Comparison

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

Newfoundland vs St. Bernard vs German Shepherd As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability Compare service dog potential between Newfoundland, St. Bernard, and German Shepherd. Which is best suited for service work?	Yes This breed makes good as a service dog. See more.	Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. See more.	Yes This breed makes good as a service dog. See more.
Most Popular Service Dog Breeds
Therapy Work Suitability Compare therapy dog potential between Newfoundland, St. Bernard, and German Shepherd. Which excels in therapy work?	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.	Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. See more.	Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. See more.
Therapy Dog Breeds
Scent Detection Ability Compare detection capabilities between Newfoundland, St. Bernard, and German Shepherd. Which has best nose work ability?	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.	Yes After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.
Search & Rescue Potential Compare search and rescue potential between Newfoundland, St. Bernard, and German Shepherd. Which is best for SAR work?	Yes This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.	Yes This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.	Yes This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability Compare boating aptitude between Newfoundland, St. Bernard, and German Shepherd. Which is best suited for water work?	Yes Newfoundland breed usually likes being on a boat. See more.	Not really St. See more.	Not really German Shepherd breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.
Draft Work Capability Compare cart pulling abilities between Newfoundland, St. Bernard, and German Shepherd. Which is best for draft work?	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. See more.	Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. See more.
Military Service Background Compare military service history of Newfoundland, St. Bernard, and German Shepherd. Which has most military use?	Not really In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.	Yes In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs.	Yes In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs.

Newfoundland vs St. Bernard vs German Shepherd Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size Compare typical litter sizes of Newfoundland, St. Bernard, and German Shepherd. Which has most puppies?	4-12 puppies	6-8 puppies	6-10 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy
Pregnancy Duration Compare gestation periods of Newfoundland, St. Bernard, and German Shepherd. Any breeding differences?	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency Compare breeding intervals between Newfoundland, St. Bernard, and German Shepherd. 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.

Newfoundland vs St. Bernard vs German Shepherd Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification Compare AKC groups for Newfoundland, St. Bernard, and German Shepherd. How are they classified?	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1886 as a Working breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885 as a Working breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Herding breed.
FCI Classification Compare FCI groups for Newfoundland, St. Bernard, and German Shepherd. How are they classified internationally?	Recognized by FCI in the Pinscher and Schnauzer - Molossoid and Swiss Mountain and Cattledogs group, in the Molossian type section.	Not recognized by FCI.	Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section.
Kennel Club Recognition Compare breed recognition status of Newfoundland, St. Bernard, and German Shepherd. 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	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 German Shepherd Dog Club Of America

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