American Bulldog vs Saint Bernard
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
American Bulldog
Foundation Stock Service
Saint Bernard
Working Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
American Bulldog Overview
American Bulldogs showcase a powerful, muscular build with a large, square head and strong jaws. Their athletic frame combines strength with agility, featuring a broad chest and well-defined muscles. The short, smooth coat comes in various patterns, predominantly white with patches. Their confident stance and alert expression reflect their protective nature and working dog heritage.
Saint Bernard Overview
Saint Bernards are majestic giants with powerful, muscular bodies and distinctive broad heads. Their thick double coat comes in white with red, brown, or brindle markings. Known for their gentle expression and patient demeanor, these dogs combine impressive strength with remarkable gentleness. Their deep chest, strong legs, and massive frame reflect their historical role as mountain rescue dogs.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: American Bulldogs are more energetic than Saint Bernards, requiring more daily exercise.
- Grooming: American Bulldogs require less grooming attention compared to Saint Bernards.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, American Bulldogs tend to be more reserved with strangers than Saint Bernards.
- Trainability: Saint Bernards may be slightly easier to train due to their Saint Bernard's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: American Bulldogs adapt better to apartment living, while Saint Bernards typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the American Bulldog and Saint Bernard, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | American Bulldog | Saint Bernard |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Large |
| Life Expectancy | 10-12 years | 8-10 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Foundation Stock Service | Working Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | American Bulldog | Saint Bernard |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 20-25 inches 51-64 cm | 26-30 inches 66-76 cm |
| Weight | 60-100 lbs 27-45 kg | 120-180 lbs 54-82 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | American Bulldog | Saint Bernard |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Loyal, Self-Confident | Playful, Charming, Inquisitive |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | American Bulldog | Saint Bernard |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
American Bulldog Temperament
The American Bulldog is known for being loyal, self-confident, making them better suited for homes without young children. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They tend to be reserved with strangers, which makes them good watchdogs. With their high energy levels, they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.
Saint Bernard Temperament
The Saint Bernard is characterized by being playful, charming, inquisitive, which makes them great companions for families. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They're naturally cautious around strangers, which enhances their ability to serve as watchdogs. Their moderate energy level makes them versatile companions that can adapt to your activity level, though regular exercise is still important.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the American Bulldog and Saint Bernard, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:
Sociability with Strangers
Good with Children
Side-by-Side Trait Ratings
GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
American Bulldog
Rating: 3/5
Saint Bernard
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
American Bulldog
Rating: 3/5
Saint Bernard
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
American Bulldog
Rating: 4/5
Saint Bernard
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
American Bulldog
Rating: 2/5
Saint Bernard
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
American Bulldog
Rating: 2/5
Saint Bernard
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
American Bulldog Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
American Bulldogs require significant daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and more vigorous activities like running, swimming, or fetch.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, American Bulldogs require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
Saint Bernard Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Saint Bernards need regular daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Saint Bernards require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
American Bulldog Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Cherry Eye
- Thyroid Issues
- Bone Cancer
Saint Bernard Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Bloat
- Heart Issues
- Eye Problems
- Elbow Dysplasia
Pros & Cons
American Bulldog
Pros
- Loyal and protective
- Strong work ethic
- Good with families
- Adaptable
- Athletic
Cons
- Strong-willed
- Need firm training
- High exercise needs
- May be dog-aggressive
- Heavy droolers
Saint Bernard
Pros
- Gentle and patient with children
- Loyal and protective
- Good-natured temperament
- Excellent cold weather tolerance
Cons
- Heavy drooling
- Expensive to feed and maintain
- Short lifespan
- Not suited for hot climates
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the American Bulldog and Saint Bernard, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.