Dachshund 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.
Dachshund
Hound Group
Saint Bernard
Working Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Dachshund Overview
Dachshunds, with their distinctive long bodies and short legs, embody a perfect blend of charm and determination. Their smooth, wirehaired, or longhaired coats come in various colors, complementing their alert, intelligent expressions and paddle-shaped paws. Standing 8-9 inches tall, these compact hounds possess muscular bodies designed for tracking prey into burrows, while their long, tapered muzzles and powerful jaws reflect their hunting 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: Dachshunds are less energetic than Saint Bernards, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Dachshunds require less grooming attention compared to Saint Bernards.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Dachshunds tend to be more outgoing 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: Dachshunds 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 Dachshund and Saint Bernard, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Dachshund | Saint Bernard |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small | Large |
| Life Expectancy | 12-16 years | 8-10 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Hound Group | Working Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Dachshund | Saint Bernard |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 5-9 inches 13-23 cm | 26-30 inches 66-76 cm |
| Weight | 11-32 lbs 5-15 kg | 120-180 lbs 54-82 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Occasional | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Dachshund | Saint Bernard |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Friendly, Curious, Spunky | Playful, Charming, Inquisitive |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Dachshund | Saint Bernard |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Dachshund Temperament
The Dachshund is known for being friendly, curious, spunky, making them better suited for homes without young children. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They're typically friendly with strangers, making them poor guard dogs but excellent social companions. Their moderate energy level makes them adaptable to different lifestyles, though they still need regular exercise.
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 Dachshund 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
Dachshund
Rating: 3/5
Saint Bernard
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Dachshund
Rating: 4/5
Saint Bernard
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Dachshund
Rating: 3/5
Saint Bernard
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Dachshund
Rating: 2/5
Saint Bernard
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Dachshund
Rating: 3/5
Saint Bernard
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
Dachshund Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Dachshunds require moderate daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Dachshunds 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
Dachshund Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- IVDD
- PRA
- Obesity
- Patella
- Heart
Saint Bernard Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Bloat
- Heart Issues
- Eye Problems
- Elbow Dysplasia
Pros & Cons
Dachshund
Pros
- Adaptable to various living situations
- Affectionate with family
- Good watchdogs
- Minimal grooming needs
Cons
- Can be stubborn during training
- Prone to back problems
- May be vocal
- Can be challenging to housebreak
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 Dachshund and Saint Bernard, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.