75-95 lbs
23-26"
Unknown
The New Shep is a deliberate cross between the German Shepherd, an unflappable Sheepherding dog, better known for its role in the police forces and military companies worldwide, and the Newfoundland, and an enduring and sweet-natured dog that loves to swim. The result is generally a confident and highly intelligent canine that is also generally approachable and tolerant of children and smaller animals, although reckless breeding can result in dogs that tend towards aggression or skittishness as well as dogs with physical health issues. Despite being recognized by the Designer Breed Registry and the International Designer Canine Registry, this hybrid is not especially popular as of yet, so finding a reputable breeder may take some work and is extremely important to avoid getting a dog with either aggression or fear issues in their genetic history.
The New Shep is a designer dog, the intentional crossbreeding between the German Shepherd, a dog initially bred for shepherding, but more commonly seen as a guard dog and often associated with military and police protection, and the Newfoundland, a gentle giant that seems almost more at home in the water than on land. The Newfoundland is an old and somewhat mysterious canine and although their true ancestral heritage may never be known, we do know that they provided constant companionship to fishermen along the Canadian coast and they were known as the original “ship’s dog”. Referred to as greater St. John’s dogs in the 1700s, these dogs were closely related to the lesser St. John’s dog, an extinct predecessor of the Labrador Retriever, and like their smaller cousins, most Newfoundland dogs spent their days retrieving ropes, nets, and fish from icy waters, as well as the occasional shipwreck survivor. By the 1800’s the Newfoundland breed had grown in popularity in both England and the United States, where they became well known not just for their prowess in the water, but also for their exceptionally gentle nature towards children. The German Shepherd breed was developed and standardized in the early 1900s by Captain Max Emil Friedrich von Stephanitz, a career cavalry officer and dog breeder who focused on the utilitarian traits of intelligence, structural efficiency, and a stable temperament. The breed was initially developed as a shepherding dog that could easily convince the sheep to return to the fold without nipping, and that was large and sound enough to trot beside the sheep for long distances and protect them from predators. As the need for shepherding dogs diminished, Captain Max von Stephanitz began to promote the breed as a police dog and this is how the breed is best known today. The German Shepherd breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 and have since one of the most popular breeds, second only to the Labrador Retriever.
The New Shep is a typically a very large dog, often venturing into the realm of giant, a sturdy dog with heavy bones and an athletic build. There are definitely some differences from dog to dog when it comes to New Shep hybrids; while both parent breeds have straight, strong backs that are slightly longer than the dogs are tall, the back of the Newfoundland is generally level while the back of the modern German Shepherd often has a decidedly sloped back, particularly those that come from lines of show dogs, and the Newfoundland has a much deeper chest and broader skull. The muzzle of the German Shepherd is longer and more tapered than that of the Newfoundland and although they both generally have brown eyes and pointed ears, the eyes of the Newfoundland are generally smaller, and don’t have the almond shape that the German Shepherd and the ears of the German Shepherd are erect, while the ears of the Newfoundland dog fold forward. Both the German Shepherd and the Newfoundland dog are double coated, with a soft, dense undercoat with a coarse outer layer of short to medium fur that is usually slightly wavy, and this is generally passed down to their offspring as well. The New Shep crossbreed can inherit physical traits from either parent breed so even puppies from the same litter may vary quite a bit in appearance.
Although this particular hybrid shouldn’t be bathed too frequently, the coat of the New Shep does entail a significant effort on the part of the owner to keep it dirt, debris, and tangle-free. Not only is the soft undercoat prone to tangling, but the Newfoundland has fur that seems to attract dust and debris and the German Shepherd breed is prone to heavy shedding, making daily brushing sessions necessary to manage tangles, debris, and loose hair. Shedding is particularly heavy for both parent breeds during the spring and fall and you may need to increase the frequency even more to compensate during these months.
In most cases, the combination of these dogs will produce a confident, well-mannered dog, that is large enough to intimidate, but generally has an approachable manner. There are lines of both German Shepherd and Newfoundlands that can develop anxiety, timidity, and aggression, however, so ensuring the sound health and temperament of both parents is essential with this crossbreed. Although all interactions between canines and small children should be carefully monitored, these powerful dogs are typically tolerant with children and are often calmer in temperament than many other dogs their size and less likely to cause bumps and bruises due to overly exuberant behavior. They tend to get along well with other animals in the household if they are socialized early on, and although they are not overly gregarious with other canines, most dog-to-dog interactions are likely to be good-natured, although same-sex aggression does crop up occasionally, particularly with male dogs. Proper socialization may help to prevent some of the more negative behavior traits of the New Shep from forming as well, as can early and advanced training sessions. Training isn’t effortless with these dogs as they are likely to have a bit of an independent streak but when they are engaged, they are extremely trainable dogs and may excel at learning varied skills such as advanced obedience training, military and rescue work, tracking, and pulling small carts and sleds.
Both the German Shepherd and the Newfoundland are known for their endurance and strength, and like their parent breeds the New Shep needs daily exercise to retain these qualities. In order to stay fit and healthy, these dogs should get at least an hour of vigorous activity per day. It is important to remember not to allow growing dogs of this size to exercise or play too roughly or to jump off of high surfaces as these activities can sometimes cause irreversible damage to the swiftly growing bones and joints. This crossbreed is both too active and too large for most apartments and is better suited to a larger home with a yard.
Written by a Irish Setter lover Penny Sebring
Published: 11/09/2017, edited: 02/24/2021
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