Dog breed comparison
Newfoundland 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 11 kg heavier on average.
At a glance
Side by side.
| Trait | Newfoundland | Saint Bernard |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Working Dogs | Working Dogs |
| Size | Very Large | Very Large |
| Height | 25 inch to 29 inches tall at the shoulder | 26 inches to 30 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Weight | 100 to 150 pounds | 120 to 180 pounds |
| Life span | 8 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.
Easy to train
The Newfoundland is easier to train than the Saint Bernard.
Barking
The Newfoundland barks more than the Saint Bernard.
Apartment living
The Saint Bernard copes better in an apartment than the Newfoundland.
Exercise needs
The Newfoundland needs more exercise than the Saint Bernard.
Good with other dogs
The Saint Bernard gets on better with other dogs than the Newfoundland.
Friendly with strangers
The Saint Bernard is friendlier with strangers than the Newfoundland.
Which to choose
Newfoundland or Saint Bernard?
Choose the Newfoundland if…
- You want a dog that is easier to train
- You’re out walking, running or hiking most days (it needs more exercise)
- You want a more watchful dog (it is more reserved with strangers)
- You want a dog that suits first-time owners better
Choose the Saint Bernard if…
- You want a dog that barks less
- You want a dog that copes better in an apartment
- You have less time for long walks (it needs less exercise)
- You want a dog that gets on better with other dogs
Questions.
Is the Newfoundland or the Saint Bernard bigger, and which lives longer?
The Saint Bernard is the bigger breed, about 11 kg heavier on average. Individual pets vary, so meet the parents or the pet where you can.
Which is easier to train, the Newfoundland or the Saint Bernard?
The Newfoundland is generally easier to train than the Saint Bernard. Short, positive, reward-based sessions work best for both.
Which is better for families, the Newfoundland 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 Newfoundland. No breed is completely hair-free; regular brushing helps with both.
