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Are you looking to adopt a large dog? Then why not consider the New Shep? Don’t feel badly if this is a new dog breed for you! Not many people are aware of this dog breed, either!
So, we’ve put together some information about the New Shep dog breed to help you decide if this is the right dog breed for you! Let’s get started!
What is a New Shep Dog?
New Sheps are large hybrid dogs that are a mix between a purebred German Shepherd and a purebred Newfoundland. We were serious when we said these are large dogs! As a hybrid, the New Shep doesn’t have a clear history or breed standard. However, we can learn about the breed by taking a look the purebred parents.
The Newfoundland is a sweet dog that’s famous for loving children; the dogs are said to be natural babysitters! This is a dog that’s friendly and gentle, yet also protective. The dogs originally came from Newfoundland, Canada, where they were developed to help fishermen.
These are classified as giant dogs due to their extra-large size! While they’re relatively calm dogs, they need plenty of exercise to stay healthy and fit. The dogs are also easy to train; they need proper training and socialization from a young age.
The other parent of the New Shep is the German Shepherd dog (also referred to as an Alsatian). These dogs are one of the most popular dogs in the US. They’re highly intelligent, active dogs.
The dogs were originally bred to herd flocks in all types of terrain. The German Shepherd needed plenty of energy to follow their flocks all day long. So, they need plenty of exercise and activities. Otherwise, they become bored. And you don’t want a bored German Shepherd on your hands. You may come home to chewed up woodwork, furniture, and more!
These dogs are said to be calm and have a strong work ethic. The dogs are the happiest when they have a job to do. The dogs are easy to train for almost any type of work, including herding, guarding, search & rescue, and much more.
German Shepherds can be somewhat standoffish with strangers; however, they are loyal and loving to their families. These dogs may develop separation anxiety if left for long periods of time. This may lead the dogs to become destructive, bark, and chew to find release from their anxiety.
So, with parents like this, how can you go wrong with a New Shep?
New Sheps usually stand between 23 to 28 inches and weigh between 80 to 150 lbs. They have a life expectancy of about 10 years.
New Shep Characteristics
The New Shep, as you can imagine, is a strong dog with plenty of lean muscles. The dogs tend to have a medium-length coat that comes in a wide range of colors. The dog’s coat colors can include fawn, sable, brown, red, brindle, and different shades of gray.
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Ask a Vet Live NowNew Shep Temperament & Personality
The New Shep is a wonderful family dog that will charm you with his charisma. And these dogs are serious about playing and love to play with kids, too!
What’s more, these dogs also get along well with other dogs and pets in the home. However, these dogs must be properly trained and socialized at a young age. This helps teach the dogs to live well with other humans, animals, and different environments.
There’s no question that these dogs are sweet and calm. They’re also highly intelligent and eager to please. However, New Sheps don’t do well if left alone for long periods. They may develop separation anxiety and unwanted behavioral issues.
Along with their high intelligence, these dogs can also be quite independent. So, it’s essential that pet parents establish themselves as dominant in the family “pack.” Otherwise, the New Shep will gladly take over! For this reason, the New Shep is not recommended for inexperienced pet parents.
New Shep Grooming
New Sheps are more demanding when it comes to maintaining their fur. While they don’t require frequent bathing, the dogs’ coats and undercoats seem to attract dirt, debris, and tangles.
The dogs also shed easily. For these reasons, it’s necessary to brush these dogs every day. Otherwise, their fur becomes a huge mess of dirt and tangles, which can cause the skin to pinch and lead to pain for the dog.
Exercise Requirements of the New Shep
New Sheps need daily exercise to stay healthy and fit. They need at least one hour of vigorous activity every day.
However, the dogs also enjoy being in the water to burn off excess energy!
Training New Sheps
New Sheps can be somewhat challenging to train as they are somewhat stubborn. However, they respond best to positive reinforcement training. So, be sure to have plenty of praise and a few treats when training your fur baby!
The dogs also excel at some dog sports such as obedience and agility competitions. They’re naturally successful at water sports, hauling, and more.
Health Conditions of the New Shep
While New Sheps are usually healthy dogs, they are prone to developing the following health conditions:
- Hot spots
- Skin allergies
- Cataracts
- Perianal fistulas
- Eye problems
- Hip & elbow dysplasia
- Heart disease
- Cancer
- Bone inflammation
- Von Willebrand’s disease
- Spinal issues
- Bloat
- Fungal infections (that are usually fatal)
It’s important to know that not all New Sheps will develop these conditions. There’s only a possibility for them to become sick with these health issues. The best way to protect your dog’s health is to ensure he sees the vet on a regular basis and has all his vaccinations, plenty of exercise, and great dog food!
Diet
The New Shep requires a diet high in proteins to meet the dog’s energy requirements. In addition, the amount of food is determined by your dogs age, size, and energy levels. So, these dogs need a dog food that’s higher in calories than foods made for couch potato fur babies.
These hybrid dogs require between 4 to 5 cups of dog food per day, divided between morning and evening. The dogs thrive on either kibble or wet dog food. Their food must be formulated for large, active dog breeds.
Are New Sheps Good for Families?
Yes, New Sheps are great with families! However, keep in mind these are large, active dogs that have plenty of energy. It’s possible for the dog to accidentally hurt a child with a swish of his tail or with a paw swipe!
So, be sure to never leave your kids and New Shep alone. They require constant supervision to make sure everyone’s playing nice!
Summing It Up
So, there you have it! The New Shep is a wonderful family dog for an active family that has a large home. These dogs are typically calm and loving; however, they also have a ton of energy!
We’re pretty sure if you decide to adopt a New Shep, you’ll have a loving, fun companion for years to come!
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Julie
Julie is a graduate of the University of North Carolina, Wilmington, where she studied Animal science. Though contrary to the opinion of her parents she was meant to study pharmacy, but she was in love with animals especially cats. Julie currently works in an animal research institute (NGO) in California and loves spending quality time with her little cat. She has the passion for making research about animals, how they survive, their way of life among others and publishes it. Julie is also happily married with two kids.
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