A side-by-side comparison of the Newfoundland and Saint Bernard across size, temperament, grooming, family fit, and more.
Newfoundland
Saint Bernard
Overall, Newfoundland wins more categories — but the right choice still depends on your family's specific needs.
Newfoundland
3 wins
Saint Bernard
1 win
More family-friendly
Newfoundland edges ahead on kid-friendliness, affection, and trainability.
Lower maintenance
Saint Bernard sheds less and needs less grooming overall.
Longer-lived
Newfoundland typically lives longer on average.
Calmer
These breeds have similar energy levels.
Quieter
These breeds bark about as much as each other.
More trainable
Newfoundland 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 | 110–152 lb | 26–28 in | 9–11 yr | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | — | — | — | |||||||
| Giant | 130–180 lb | 28–30 in | 8–10 yr | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | — | — | — |
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The Newfoundland 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, Newfoundland wins more categories — but the right choice still depends on your family's specific needs.