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The German Shepherd Newfoundland mix is a breed that crosses Newfoundland dogs with German Shepherd dogs resulting in loyal, brave, and protective dogs. While they seem intimidating because they’re such a large dog breed, they’re actually mellow, gentle, and protective of every family member. Below we discuss all you need to know about the Newfoundland German Shepherd Mix, while addressing questions you might have about this herding dog.
Newfoundland German Shepherd Mix at a Glance
Here are just some of the most vital statistics about the Newfoundland German Shepherd Mix to give you an idea about this relatively new hybrid that’s becoming increasingly popular.
| Height: | 23 to 28 inches |
| Weight: | 80 to 150 pounds |
| Life expectancy: | Around 10 years |
| Colors: | Black, brown, white, cream, silver, red, sable, blue |
| Suitable for: | Homes with big backyards and active families |
| Temperament: | Confident, energetic, friendly, intelligent, loving, and loyal |
The Newfoundland German Shepherd mix is the result of combining the Newfoundland breed with the German Shepherd breed. This working dog will weigh as much as 150 lbs and stand taller than 28 inches, getting features from both parent breeds. As a result of combining these purebred dogs, their puppies are born with great physical characteristics and a wonderful temperament.
What is a Newfoundland German Shepherd Mix?
To understand what makes the New Shep Dog so special, we first need to understand more about both the German Shepherd and Newfoundland parent. The German Shepherd is a herding dog that’s known as a masculine dog breed with high energy levels matched only by their loyalty and bravery. On the other hand, the Newfoundland is a gentle giant that has a sweet and affectionate nature.
When combined, these gorgeous breeds can give way to the friendly, loving, and energetic New Shep. While their large size may seem intimidating at first, these dogs have a gentle nature and can be great family pets. They can also be very protective, giving them the potential to be excellent watchdogs for your home and family.
Both the German Shepherd and Newfoundland come with a thick double coat. However, the latter will come with a water-resistant coat while the former come with a wide variety of coat lengths and a rough outer coat. As a result, the New Shep puppy can have a variation in its coat color and length.
While these are high-energy dogs, they can also be laid back and will need a lot of exercise since they’re so big. Thanks to their high intelligence, they can be trained easily, but they can also be stubborn from time to time. These are relatively healthy dogs that have an average lifespan of around 10 years.
About the Newfoundland German Shepherd Mix
Here are the vital facts that you need to about this new dog hybrid.
History
The German Shepherd is a popular dog breed that originated in Germany during the 19th century. With the goal of creating a versatile working and herding dog, it was first bred by Captain Max von Stephanitz. Due to its success in protecting livestock and herding, German Shepherds were recognized as exceptionally loyal, adaptable, and intelligent dogs.
Meanwhile, the Newfoundland dog originates in Canada’s Newfoundland island and was bred by fishermen to help in hauling nets and water rescues. With strong swimming skills and webbed feet, these dogs are great companions for people who love to spend time in the water. Throughout the years, these dogs have gained popularity and have become suitable for jobs and family life.
Appearance
The male and female Newfoundland German Shepherd Mix will come in different sizes. The female dog tends to be lighter and smaller at 23 to 26 inches in height and between 80 to 120 pounds in weight. Males of this breed will come in between 25 to 28 inches tall and around 120 to 150 pounds but can grow to proportions of as much as 200 lbs.
This big boy will often have a soft yet thick undercoat along with a short to medium-length outer coat that’s coarse and will come in a wide range of colors. This includes cream, white, silver, brown, black, red, sable, or blue. Males and females will also have different experiences biologically; spaying a female dog will be a bit more difficult compared to neutering a male dog — it will cost more and take longer to recover from.
Temperament
Generally, these smart dogs are patient, confident, loving, and loyal. They can be trusted with small children as well as people who aren’t part of your immediate family. These dogs are intimidating but they’re actually very approachable; some people believe that there are differences in personality between male and female dogs.
It’s thought that males are more aggressive compared to females, while females are thought to be more loving and affectionate. However, this remains to be open for discussion but what remains true is that their characters can become molded and will depend on how you interact and train them as a young puppy.
Dietary Requirements
Because these are big dogs, the Newfoundland German Shepherd Mix requires a protein-packed and healthy eating regimen suitable for large breeds. To get started, feed your dog around 3 cups of high-quality kibble spread throughout the day rather than giving it one big meal. If you have any worries about health issues or weight gain, be sure to contact your vet for the best food and treatment options.
Exercise
These active dogs need regular exercise and should be given 60 minutes of exercise per day, which can be done through walking, playing, or exercising. Because this dog is also laid-back, the New Shep pup will be happier with games and long walks. Their big size means that they won’t adapt well in small apartments but you can take them out for a swim to help them burn off excess energy.
Training
The Newfoundland German Shepherd Mix can have a stubborn streak but can be trained using positive reinforcement to help them become search and rescue dogs. Advanced obedience training as well as agility trials can also help, and their parentage allows them to excel in water sports. They also have the potential to become therapy dogs and can be used in transportation such as small buggies or sledding.
Grooming
Thanks to its thick coat, a Newfoundland German Shepherd Mix puppy will need daily brushing. Their dense double coats will be prone to matting and you will need to give them special attention during summer and spring since they tend to be heavy shedders. It’s best to bathe your pooch only when it’s necessary to remove dirt and debris using dog shampoo.
Because dog skin is different from human skin, be sure to talk to your vet about the right shampoo for your pup. The newborn Newfoundland German Shepherd Mix can inherit ears from either parent; they need to be regularly cleaned, especially if they have the floppy ears of a Newfoundland. Brushing their teeth and trimming their nails are also important parts of their daily routine.
Health Conditions
When it comes to your pup’s health, it’s a good idea to keep an eye on the various health problems that it may potentially develop. Here are a few conditions to look for.
Minor Conditions
When it comes to the German Shepherd parent, the puppy may be exposed to problems such as perianal fistulas and skin sensitivities. Meanwhile, the Newfoundlands’ brown eyes are susceptible to abnormal eyelids, drooping in the lower eyelid, and cataracts. Your vet will need to perform eye, skin, and allergy tests to determine the possible health conditions your pet may inherit from its parents.
Serious Conditions
The German Shepherd parent can suffer from more serious conditions such as:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Heart Disease
- Degenerative Myelopathy
- Gastric Torsion
- Bone Inflammation
- Blood Cell Cancer
- Von Willebrand Disease
- Fatal Fungal Infection
- Spinal Cord Disease
The Newfoundland parent also has elbow and hip dysplasia, heart disease, von Willebrand’s disease, and gastric torsion, but may also suffer from epilepsy, poor bone growth, and excess cartilage. Your vet will need to perform elbow, hip, and heart tests, along with DNA tests and a physical exam for your dog. Because your dog is a hybrid, it may inherit a few of these conditions from both parent breeds, but this is unlikely.
Owning a Newfoundland German Shepherd Mix
Before thinking about purchasing or adopting one of these dogs, here are just a few questions you may want to consider.
Are They Good for Families?
Because of its patient and sweet disposition, the Newfoundland genes can mellow out the German Shepherd’s aggressive tendencies. Bigger dogs should be supervised when they’re around smaller children because of their size and energy. Luckily, the New Shep is a calm dog that’s incredibly patient with kids, making them a fantastic family dog.
Do They Get Along with Other Dogs and Pets?
Fortunately, New Shep dogs can get along well with dogs as well as other household pets as long as they’re given early socialization. Most of the time, these dogs will have positive communication with other pets of the family but they will be careful around dogs, especially those of the same sex. While they will approach most dogs in a friendly manner, there will be potential for aggression so be sure to look out for that.
How Much Do They Cost?
If you think you’re ready to get your New Shep puppies, be sure to have around $500 to $1500. Only talk with a reputable breeder who has done all the necessary tests to ensure that you get a healthy dog. Dog owners can also look into visiting rescues and shelters to try their luck finding one of these dogs if they’re unable to purchase one from dog breeders.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for the newest member of your family, you may want to consider the Newfoundland German Shepherd Mix, a designer dog that’s a good fit for different needs. This pup can fill in various jobs such as family dogs, rescue dogs, and even guard dogs for your home. With the energy and intelligence of German Shepherds and the calm and affectionate nature of Newfoundland, you’re sure to get the best dog in their offspring.
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