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

"Find similarities and differences between St. Bernard vs Newfoundland vs German Shepherd" Compare St. Bernard and Newfoundland. Which is better: St. Bernard or Newfoundland or German Shepherd?
 
 
 
Name St. Bernard Newfoundland German Shepherd
OriginsSwitzerland flagSwitzerland Italy flagItaly Canada flagCanada Germany flagGermany
Group Working Dogs Working Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank48362
Reviews9221
User Ratings

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

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

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

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

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

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

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between St. Bernard, Newfoundland, and German Shepherd. Which breed ranks highest?
Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one.
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Smart: The Newfoundland dogs have great intelligence.
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Outstanding: German Shepherd is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between St. Bernard, Newfoundland, and German Shepherd. Which is easiest to train?
A slightly harder to train than average.
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Newfoundland dogs are easy to train.
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German Shepherd dogs are easy to train.
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Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of St. Bernard, Newfoundland, and German Shepherd. Which breed is most alert?
St.
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Newfoundland dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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German Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between St. Bernard, Newfoundland, and German Shepherd. Which breed is most protective?
St.
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Newfoundland dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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German Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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St. Bernard vs Newfoundland vs German Shepherd Personality and Temperament Comparison

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

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of St. Bernard, Newfoundland, and German Shepherd. Which breed is most vocal?
Low: The St.
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Low to Average: The Newfoundland rarely barks.
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Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between St. Bernard, Newfoundland, and German Shepherd. Which breed is most playful?
St.
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Average: Newfoundlands, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of St. Bernard, Newfoundland, 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 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 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 German Shepherd indoors.

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

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

St. Bernard vs Newfoundland vs German Shepherd Bite Characteristics Comparison

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

Moderate

The St.

Low 🔽

The Newfoundland has a low chance of biting somebody.

High 🔼

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

Above 400 PSI 🔼

St.

Above 400 PSI 🔼

Newfoundland bite force: The Strongest.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.

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

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of St. Bernard, Newfoundland, and German Shepherd. Which breed lives longest?
8-10 years
The average lifespan of St.
9-13 years
The average lifespan of Newfoundland: 11 years
9-13 years
The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between St. Bernard, Newfoundland, and German Shepherd. 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 cold weather
The Newfoundland can adapt well to harsh weather conditions, and also can be a good mountain dog.
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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 St. Bernard, Newfoundland, and German Shepherd. Which has fewer health issues?
Very healthy dog breed.
Very healthy dog breed.
German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
Rare
The St.
Rare
The Newfoundland should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Rare
The German Shepherd 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: St. Bernard vs Newfoundland vs German Shepherd? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? St. Bernard vs Newfoundland vs German Shepherd health problems comparison:
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Bloat
Epilepsy
Entropion
Elbow Dysplasia
Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Cancer
Hypothyroidism
Bloat
Epilepsy
Cherry Eye
Elbow Dysplasia
Addison's Disease
Cystinuria
Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis
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

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

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

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

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

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

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of St. Bernard, Newfoundland, and German Shepherd. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
No See more. No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between St. Bernard, Newfoundland, and German Shepherd. What colors are available?
Black
Red
White
Brown
Brindle
Tricolor
Black
Gray
White
Brown
Black
Tan
Red
Silver
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between St. Bernard, Newfoundland, and German Shepherd. Which requires most maintenance?
Average: The St.
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Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
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Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort.
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Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between St. Bernard, Newfoundland, and German Shepherd. Which drools least?
The St.
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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.
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The German Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between St. Bernard, Newfoundland, and German Shepherd. Which has least natural smell?

High 🔼

The St.

High 🔼

The Newfoundland has a high chance of bad smell.

Medium

The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between St. Bernard, Newfoundland, and German Shepherd. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Dense
Rough
Smooth
Fluffy
Waterproof
Thick
Fuzzy
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between St. Bernard, Newfoundland, and German Shepherd. Which requires most frequent baths?
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.
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8-12 weeks
Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
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Shedding Level
Who sheds more St. Bernard or Newfoundland or German Shepherd? St. Bernard or Newfoundland or {name3 shedding:
St.
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Newfoundland dogs are heavy shedders.
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German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders.
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St. Bernard vs Newfoundland vs German Shepherd Good With Comparison

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

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

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

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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Yes

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

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
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Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
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Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between St. Bernard, Newfoundland, 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 St. Bernard, Newfoundland, 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 St. Bernard, Newfoundland, and German Shepherd. Which is best suited for water work?

Not really

St.
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Yes

Newfoundland breed usually likes being on a boat.
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Not really

German Shepherd breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between St. Bernard, Newfoundland, 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.
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Yes

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Not really

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 St. Bernard, Newfoundland, and German Shepherd. 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.

Yes

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

St. Bernard vs Newfoundland vs German Shepherd Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of St. Bernard, Newfoundland, and German Shepherd. Which has most puppies?
6-8 puppies 4-12 puppies 6-10 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of St. Bernard, Newfoundland, 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 St. Bernard, Newfoundland, 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.

St. Bernard vs Newfoundland vs German Shepherd Recognition Comparison

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