A side-by-side comparison of the Bernese Mountain Dog and Saint Bernard across size, temperament, grooming, family fit, and more.
Bernese Mountain Dog
Saint Bernard
Overall, Bernese Mountain Dog wins more categories — but the right choice still depends on your family's specific needs.
Bernese Mountain Dog
3 wins
Saint Bernard
2 wins
More family-friendly
Bernese Mountain Dog edges ahead on kid-friendliness, affection, and trainability.
Lower maintenance
Saint Bernard sheds less and needs less grooming overall.
Longer-lived
Bernese Mountain Dog typically lives longer on average.
Calmer
These breeds have similar energy levels.
Quieter
Saint Bernard tends to bark less.
More trainable
Bernese Mountain Dog picks up commands and new behaviors more readily.
| Breed | Size | Weight | Height | Lifespan | Energy | Shedding | Grooming | Trainable | Affection | Barking | Kids | Dogs | Cats | Apartment | First-timers | Low-allergen |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Giant | 71–120 lb | 23–28 in | 10 yr | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | — | — | — | |||||||
| Giant | 130–180 lb | 28–30 in | 8–10 yr | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | — | — | — |
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The Bernese Mountain Dog and Saint Bernard are both popular breeds, but they differ meaningfully in day-to-day life. The verdict above scores them on six key dimensions — use it as a starting point, then factor in your specific home, activity level, and family situation.
Overall, Bernese Mountain Dog wins more categories — but the right choice still depends on your family's specific needs.