Are you considering adding a German Shepherd Newfoundland Mix to your family? If so, you’ll want to learn all about this unique crossbreed!
In this post, we’ll cover everything from temperament and personality to size and health. By the time you finish reading, you’ll know if this dog is the right fit for your home. So, let’s get started!
New Shep – A Mix of Newfoundland and German Shepherd
The Newfoundland German Shepherd mix is a relatively new crossbreed that has become increasingly popular in recent years.
The combination of these two breeds results in a dog with an outstanding temperament and robust physical strength.
This sturdy breed is known for its loyalty, protectiveness and obedience. They are also intelligent, eager to learn and make great family pets.
Newfoundland and German Shepherd – Breeding History
The Newfoundland is a large working dog breed originating from the island of Newfoundland, off the coast of Canada.
They were originally bred for helping fishermen with tasks such as hauling in nets and catching fish that had escaped from the nets.
They are also known for their water rescue abilities and were used extensively during the 19th century by lifeboat crews.
The German Shepherd is a medium to large-sized breed of dog that originated in Germany in the late 19th century.
They were originally bred for herding and guarding sheep. German Shepherds are one of the most popular breeds of dog in the world and are highly prized for their loyalty and working ability.
They were first used as police dogs back in 1899 in Gelsenkirchen, Germany.
They are well known over the years as highly effective police and military dogs due to their loyalty, obedience, and intelligence.
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Why Mix a Newfoundland with a German Shepherd?
The Newfoundland German Shepherd mix is a relatively new crossbreed that has become increasingly popular in recent years.
Known as adaptable designer dogs, the mix of these two breeds result in a dog with an outstanding temperament and robust physical strength.
This sturdy breed is known for its loyalty, protectiveness and obedience. They are also intelligent, eager to learn and make great family pets.
The most common reason people mix these two breeds is to take advantage of the best traits of each.
Newfoundland German Shepherd Mix – Appearance
The New Shep is a large dog with a strong, athletic build.
Their characteristics will vary depending on which parent breed they take after more, but they will typically have the long head and muzzle of a German Shepherd combined with the thick coat and webbed feet of a Newfoundland.
Let’s explore their physical characteristics in more detail:
Size
The New Shep is a gentle giant and large, powerful dog that combines the best features of both parent breeds. They are typically strong and muscular with a large, square head and medium to long coat.
The typical size of a Newfoundland is 21-28 inches (53-71 cm) at the shoulder, weighing between 100-160 pounds (45-72 kg).
The typical size of a German Shepherd is 22-26 inches (56-66 cm) at the shoulder, and they weigh between 50-90 pounds (23-41 kg).
A mix of both breeds will typically fall somewhere in the middle, with males generally being larger than females.
Coat Type
The Newfoundland German Shepherd mix will have a thick, double coat that is water-resistant and sheds moderately. Their fluffy coats can be either short or long, but is typically medium in length.
They will have the thick undercoat of a Newfoundland combined with the longer outer coat of a German Shepherd.
Colors
New Sheps can come in a wide variety of colors, depending on their parentage. Their coat color can be either black, brown, gray, red, or white. They may also have markings of a different color on their face, chest, or paws.
Behavior & Temperament
The New Shep is a loyal and protective dog that makes a great family pet. They are intelligent and eager to please, making them easy to train.
New Sheps are active dogs that need plenty of exercise and stimulation. They are also guard dogs by nature and will bark to warn you of strangers or any potential danger.
While they make fantastic family dogs, New Sheps are not recommended for first-time dog owners due to their high energy levels and need for training and socialization.
Protectiveness
New Sheps display extreme protectiveness of their owners and are very loyal.
They will guard their owner’s property and possessions with great vigor, and may even become aggressive toward strangers who they perceive as threats. This behavior is instinctive and cannot be trained out of them.
It is important to socialize New Sheps early on so that they can learn to distinguish between actual threats and harmless strangers.
Without early socialization, they may become overly suspicious of anyone who is not their owner and become aggressive toward them.
New Sheps are also very protective of their families and will do anything to keep them safe. They make excellent watchdogs and will bark to warn their family of any potential danger.
They are also very loving and affectionate toward their families and will do anything to make them happy.
Strength
The Newfoundland German Shepherd mix is a very strong and large dog. They are one of the strongest dog breeds, and their size can be intimidating to some people.
They are also very muscular, and their coats are thick and dense, which helps protect them from the elements.
Speed
The speed of a Newfoundland German Shepherd mix is about 27 miles per hour (mph), but can reach up to 35 mph when running. They are working dogs and were bred for their herding and guarding abilities, so they have a lot of energy.
A Newfie GSD mix is not the best choice for a family with very young children or if you’re looking for a low-energy dog.
If you have an active lifestyle and are looking for a canine companion to join you on hikes, runs, or swims, this mix may be a good fit.
Exercise
The exercise needs of a Newfoundland German Shepherd mix will vary depending on each parent breed’s activity and energy level. Newfs are known for being relatively lazy, while German Shepherds are much more active.
A good rule of thumb is that this mix should get at least an hour of daily exercise. While vigorous exercise isn’t essential, consistent activity should be the focus.
This can be a combination of walks, runs, hikes, and playtime. If your dog is particularly energetic, they may need even more exercise than that. This could include water sports, agility sessions, or other intense activities. Having plenty of space for exercise will naturally be of huge benefit for you and your dog.
This mix would be a great companion for you if you live an active lifestyle. They can keep up with most activities and will be happy to do so. Just make sure to give them plenty of breaks, as they can overheat easily.
Along with physical exercise, they also need mental stimulation and regular brain exercise.
If you don’t live an active lifestyle, this mix may not fit you best. They will likely become bored and destructive if they have excess energy and their activity level is not catered for.
Make sure you are prepared to give them the exercise they need before bringing one home.
Training needs
The training needs of a Newfoundland German Shepherd mix may vary depending on the individual dog’s needs and personality.
Some may need more obedience training than others, while some may require more socialization. Always consult with a professional trainer to determine what training methods would be best for your specific dog.
Typically, the first type of training a Newfoundland German Shepherd mix will need is obedience training.
This type of training will teach the dog basic commands such as sit, stay, come, and down. It is important to start obedience training early on, as it will set the foundation for all other types of training.
The second type of training a Newfoundland German Shepherd mix may need is socialization training.
This training is important to help the dog develop a gentle nature and become comfortable around people and other animals. Socialization training can be started at any age, but it is typically best to start early on.
Intelligence Levels
A Newfoundland German Shepherd mix’s intelligence levels will be high. They are going to be very trainable and will likely excel in obedience trials and other activities.
Newfoundland German Shepherd mixes are also likely to have above average intelligence when compared to other dog breeds. This means that they are likely to learn new tricks and commands quickly.
They may also be quick to understand the intentions of their owners and be able to follow complex commands.
So, if you are looking for a dog that is intelligent and easily trainable, then a Newfoundland German Shepherd mix may be the perfect breed for you!
Good with Other Dogs
The Newfoundland German Shepherd mix is a good dog for people who have other dogs in their family. They are gentle and good-natured and get along well with other dogs.
Due to their size, they need to be properly socialized with other dogs when they are puppies so that they know how to interact with them and not be afraid of them.
They do have natural protective instincts, so they may be leery of strange dogs, but with proper socialization, they can learn to get along with just about any dog.
They make great family dogs and love being around people, which is why they do well in homes where there are other dogs present.
Good with Children
The Newfoundland German Shepherd mix is a great breed of dog if you are looking for one that is good with children.
This mix is known to be gentle, loving, and protective of those they love, which makes them perfect for families with young kids. They are also known for having an affectionate nature.
They will quickly become a loyal and trusted friend to your children, and will always be there to lend a furry shoulder to cry on and for constant companionship.
Newfoundland German Shepherd mixes are also great dogs for first-time dog owners, as they are relatively easy to train and care for.
Nutrition
The nutrition needs of a Newfoundland German Shepherd mix will vary depending on your dog’s size, age, and activity level.
For example, a growing puppy will need more calories than an adult dog, and a working dog will need more calories than a couch potato.
In general, the Newfoundland German Shepherd mix will need a diet that is high in protein and fat, and moderate in carbohydrates. This breed is also prone to weight gain, so you’ll need to be careful not to overfeed your dog.
When it comes to choosing a commercial dog food, look for one that is specifically designed for large breeds.
Avoid any food that contains fillers or by-products, and make sure the first ingredient is a meat protein.
You may also want to consider supplementing your dog’s diet with fish oil or joint supplements, as this breed is prone to hip and elbow dysplasia.
Grooming
When it comes to grooming ,the Newfoundland German Shepherd mix is a low-maintenance dog.
A weekly brushing will help to remove dead hair and keep their coat healthy and clean.
Ears should be checked regularly and cleaned when necessary to prevent infection.
Teeth should be brushed on a regular basis as well. Newfs are known for being heavy shedders, so expect some extra vacuuming during shedding season.
Shedding
The Newfoundland German Shepherd mix will be a moderate to heavy shedder.
You’ll need to brush them regularly to help reduce the amount of hair that gets left around your home.
Newfoundland German Shepherd mixes are double-coated, so they will also require regular grooming to help reduce matting and tangles in their fur.
Drooling
The Newfoundland German Shepherd mix is known to be a very sloppy dog in relation to drooling.
They are known to slobber and drool all over the place, especially when they’re excited or happy. This can be quite a nuisance for owners, as it can result in wet floors and furniture.
It’s important to train your Newfoundland German Shepherd mix early on how to control their drooling, or else you’ll be dealing with a very messy dog.
Adaptability to Weather
In terms of adapting to weather extremes, the Newfoundland German Shepherd mix is a very versatile dog.
They can withstand very cold and very hot weather conditions better than most other breeds. They have a thick, double coat of fur that helps protect them against the cold weather and their long legs help them keep their balance in the snow.
In terms of the hot weather, they do not have as much fur so they do not get as hot as other breeds. They also have a lot of energy and can run around in the heat without getting tired.
Just be sure to provide plenty of shade and fresh water during extremely hot temperatures.
Overall, the Newfoundland German Shepherd mix is a very versatile breed that can adapt to any type of weather condition.
Health
In terms of health issues, the Newfoundland German Shepherd mix is a fairly robust dog that doesn’t tend to have too many problems.
They are, however, susceptible to elbow and hip dysplasia, which is common in large breeds. It’s important to get your dog from a reputable breeder who can show you health clearances for the parents.
Other common health issues the breed may experience include:
• Digestive problems
• Allergies
• Skin problems
• Joint problems
Life Expectancy
The life expectancy of a Newfoundland German Shepherd mix is about 9 to 14 years.
The life expectancy of a mixed breed dog can also be affected by other factors such as health conditions that are common in either parent breeds.
To maximize your Newfoundland German Shepherd mix’s lifespan, be sure to purchase from a responsible breeder and take them to the vet for regular check-ups.
Furthermore, feed your Newfoundland German Shepherd mix a high-quality diet and make sure they get plenty of exercise. These tips will help.
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it – everything you need to know about German Shepherd Newfoundland Mixes!
If you’re considering adding one of these dogs to your family, be sure to do your research and find an experienced and responsible breeder. These hybrids make wonderful pets and can provide years of companionship and love.
