Dog breed comparison
Bernese Mountain Dog vs Saint Bernard
How the two compare on size, temperament, training, grooming and health, and which suits your home. The Saint Bernard is the bigger breed, about 26 kg heavier on average. The Saint Bernard tends to live about 1 year longer.
At a glance
Side by side.
| Trait | Bernese Mountain Dog | Saint Bernard |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Working Dogs | Working Dogs |
| Size | Large | Very Large |
| Height | 23 to 28 inches | 26 inches to 30 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Weight | 70 to 115 pounds | 120 to 180 pounds |
| Life span | 6 to 10 years | 8 to 10 years |
| Energy | ||
| Exercise needs | ||
| Easy to train | ||
| Intelligence | ||
| Good with children | ||
| Good with other dogs | ||
| Friendly with strangers | ||
| Shedding | ||
| Easy to groom | ||
| Barking | ||
| Apartment living | ||
| First-time owners | ||
| Copes alone | ||
| Drooling | ||
| General health |
Ratings are 1 to 5, from our breed database. Every pet is an individual.
Key differences
Where they differ most.
Barking
The Bernese Mountain Dog barks more than the Saint Bernard.
Easy to train
The Bernese Mountain Dog is easier to train than the Saint Bernard.
Good with other dogs
The Saint Bernard gets on better with other dogs than the Bernese Mountain Dog.
Apartment living
The Saint Bernard copes better in an apartment than the Bernese Mountain Dog.
Energy
The Bernese Mountain Dog has more energy than the Saint Bernard.
Exercise needs
The Bernese Mountain Dog needs more exercise than the Saint Bernard.
Which to choose
Bernese Mountain Dog or Saint Bernard?
Choose the Bernese Mountain Dog if…
- You want a dog that is easier to train
- You want an active, playful companion (it has more energy)
- You’re out walking, running or hiking most days (it needs more exercise)
- You want a dog that is easier to groom
Choose the Saint Bernard if…
- You want a dog that barks less
- You want a dog that gets on better with other dogs
- You want a dog that copes better in an apartment
- You’d like a calmer pet (it is calmer)
Questions.
Is the Bernese Mountain Dog or the Saint Bernard bigger, and which lives longer?
The Saint Bernard is the bigger breed, about 26 kg heavier on average. The Saint Bernard tends to live about 1 year longer. Individual pets vary, so meet the parents or the pet where you can.
Which is easier to train, the Bernese Mountain Dog or the Saint Bernard?
The Bernese Mountain Dog is generally easier to train than the Saint Bernard. Short, positive, reward-based sessions work best for both.
Which is better for families, the Bernese Mountain Dog or the Saint Bernard?
Both are usually good with children when well socialised. Always supervise young children with any pet.
Which sheds less?
The Saint Bernard sheds less than the Bernese Mountain Dog. No breed is completely hair-free; regular brushing helps with both.
