German Shepherd vs Newfoundland
Side-by-side comparison: temperament, exercise, grooming, health, and cost of ownership.
German Shepherd
Courageous, confident, and incredibly intelligent, the German Shepherd is the world's premier working dog. They are fiercely loyal to their families and excel in police, military, and service roles.
VS
Newfoundland
A sweet-natured giant bred for water rescue, the Newfoundland is often called a 'nanny dog' for their exceptional gentleness with children. They are strong swimmers and devoted family protectors.
Quick Answer
Choose German Shepherd if you want easier to train and more apartment-friendly. Choose Newfoundland if you want better with kids.
Quick Comparison
German Shepherd
Attribute
Newfoundland
large
Size
giant
22–40 kg (49–88 lbs)
Weight
45–70 kg (99–154 lbs)
55–65 cm (22–26 in)
Height
63–74 cm (25–29 in)
Better9–13 yrs
Lifespan
8–10 yrs
Better5/5
Trainability
4/5
5/5
Energy
2/5
4/5
Good with Kids
5/5Better
5/5
Shedding
5/5
Better3/5
Grooming
4/5
Better2/5
Apartment
1/5
Better3/5
Health
2/5
Better$1,000–$3,000
Price
$1,500–$3,000
Attribute Comparison
Temperament Differences: German Shepherd and Newfoundland
Newfoundland is calmer; German Shepherd is more energetic.
German Shepherd
Newfoundland
Playfulness
Better4/5
vs3/5
Barking Level
4/5
vs2/5Better
Energy
5/5
vs2/5
The German Shepherd and Newfoundland bring very different personalities to the table. German Shepherds are courageous, intelligent and loyal, while Newfoundlands tend to be sweet, patient and devoted.
How Much Exercise Do German Shepherds vs Newfoundlands Need?
German Shepherd needs more exercise; Newfoundland is lower-maintenance.
German Shepherd
Newfoundland
Energy Level
5/5
vs2/5
Exercise Needs
5/5
vs3/5
Apartment Friendly
Better2/5
vs1/5
These breeds sit on opposite ends of the activity spectrum. The German Shepherd (energy: 5/5, exercise: 5/5) was bred to work all day and still has that drive.
German Shepherd or Newfoundland for Your Family?
Newfoundland is better suited for families with children.
German Shepherd
Newfoundland
Good with Kids
4/5
vs5/5Better
Good with Dogs
3/5
vs5/5Better
Strangers
2/5
vs5/5Better
The Newfoundland has a slight edge with children (5/5 vs 4/5). Both breeds can do well in families, but the Newfoundland's sweet temperament gives it a small advantage around young kids.
Size & Build: German Shepherd vs Newfoundland
Newfoundland is the larger breed; German Shepherd is more compact.
German Shepherd
Newfoundland
Weight (kg)
22–40
vs45–70
Height (cm)
55–65
vs63–74
These two breeds look nothing alike. The Newfoundland is a giant breed at 45–70 kg (99–154 lbs) and 63–74 cm (25–29 in), while the German Shepherd is a large breed at just 22–40 kg (49–88 lbs) and 55–65 cm (22–26 in).
German Shepherd vs Newfoundland: Common Health Issues
German Shepherd tends to be the healthier breed overall.
German Shepherd
Newfoundland
Lifespan (years)
Better9–13
vs8–10
Health Robustness
Better3/5
vs2/5
The lifespan difference is significant. German Shepherds live 9–13 years on average, while Newfoundlands live 8–10 years.
Cost to Own: German Shepherd vs Newfoundland
German Shepherd is less expensive to own annually.
German Shepherd
Avg. Purchase$2,000
Annual Food$780
Annual Vet$600
Annual Grooming$200
Annual Total$1,580 ✓
Newfoundland
Avg. Purchase$2,250
Annual Food$1,080
Annual Vet$700
Annual Grooming$300
Annual Total$2,080
Both breeds cost a similar amount upfront — $1,000–$3,000 for a German Shepherd versus $1,500–$3,000 for a Newfoundland. Where the real cost differences emerge is in ongoing expenses.
Training: German Shepherd vs Newfoundland
German Shepherd is generally easier to train.
German Shepherd
Newfoundland
Trainability
Better5/5
vs4/5
Intelligence
Better5/5
vs4/5
The German Shepherd has a slight training edge (5/5 vs 4/5). Both respond to positive reinforcement, but the German Shepherd tends to catch on a bit faster.
German Shepherd vs Newfoundland: Grooming Routine and Shedding
Both breeds have similar grooming needs.
German Shepherd
Newfoundland
Shedding
5/5
vs5/5
Grooming Needs
Better3/5
vs4/5
Both breeds shed at the same rate (5/5), so fur management will be identical for either choice. Budget for a good robot vacuum.
Summary — German Shepherd or Newfoundland: Which Is Right for You?
Neither breed is objectively "better" — it depends on your priorities. Choose the German Shepherd if you value easier to train (5/5 vs 4/5) and more apartment-friendly (2/5).
Which Breed Is Right for You?
Question 1 of 3
Do you have children at home?
The Verdict
The German Shepherd and Newfoundland are both popular breeds, but they suit different lifestyles. The key differences: German Shepherd needs significantly more daily exercise than Newfoundland. Annual ownership costs are lower for the German Shepherd by roughly $500/year.
Choose German Shepherd if...
- ✓You're an active person who runs, hikes, or exercises daily — German Shepherds will keep up and thrive on that activity.
- ✓Budget matters to you — German Shepherds cost roughly $500 less per year in food, vet, and grooming.
Choose Newfoundland if...
- ✓You lead a quieter lifestyle — Newfoundlands are happy with shorter walks and less vigorous exercise.
Looking for more options?
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for families, German Shepherd or Newfoundland?
The Newfoundland is generally better with children, scoring 5/5 compared to the German Shepherd's 4/5. The Newfoundland is one of our top-recommended breeds for families.
Is a German Shepherd or Newfoundland easier to train?
The German Shepherd is easier to train with a score of 5/5, compared to the Newfoundland's 4/5. Consistent, positive reinforcement methods work well.
Which costs more, a German Shepherd or Newfoundland?
A German Shepherd puppy costs $1,000–$3,000 while a Newfoundland costs $1,500–$3,000. Annual maintenance runs about $1,580 for the German Shepherd and $2,080 for the Newfoundland. The Newfoundland costs more to maintain annually.
Do German Shepherds or Newfoundlands live longer?
The German Shepherd lives 9–13 years on average, while the Newfoundland lives 8–10 years. The German Shepherd generally has a longer lifespan. Proper diet, exercise, and regular vet care help maximize lifespan for either breed.
Can a German Shepherd or Newfoundland live in an apartment?
The German Shepherd is better suited for apartments (2/5) compared to the Newfoundland (1/5). Neither breed is ideal for apartments — both prefer more space.