Estrela Mountain Dog 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.
Estrela Mountain Dog
Foundation Stock Service
Saint Bernard
Working Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Estrela Mountain Dog Overview
Majestic and powerful, the Estrela Mountain Dog boasts a robust build with a thick double coat that can be either long or short. Standing up to 29 inches at the shoulder, these dogs display a proud bearing and strong muscular structure. Their distinctive features include a black mask, dark eyes, and a confident expression that reflects their guardian heritage. The breed's weatherproof coat comes in solid colors including fawn, wolf gray, or yellow, often with brindling.
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: Estrela Mountain Dogs are less energetic than Saint Bernards, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Estrela Mountain Dogs require less grooming attention compared to Saint Bernards.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Estrela Mountain Dogs 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: Saint Bernards adapt better to apartment living, while Estrela Mountain Dogs typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Estrela Mountain Dog and Saint Bernard, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Estrela Mountain Dog | Saint Bernard |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Large | Large |
| Life Expectancy | 10-14 years | 8-10 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Foundation Stock Service | Working Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Estrela Mountain Dog | Saint Bernard |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 25-29 inches 62-74 cm | 26-30 inches 66-76 cm |
| Weight | 77-132 lbs 35-60 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 | Estrela Mountain Dog | Saint Bernard |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Alert, Intelligent, Brave | Playful, Charming, Inquisitive |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Estrela Mountain Dog | Saint Bernard |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Estrela Mountain Dog Temperament
The Estrela Mountain Dog is known for being alert, intelligent, brave, making them excellent family dogs. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They tend to be reserved with strangers, which makes them good watchdogs. 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 Estrela Mountain Dog 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
Estrela Mountain Dog
Rating: 5/5
Saint Bernard
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Estrela Mountain Dog
Rating: 3/5
Saint Bernard
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Estrela Mountain Dog
Rating: 2/5
Saint Bernard
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Estrela Mountain Dog
Rating: 2/5
Saint Bernard
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Estrela Mountain Dog
Rating: 3/5
Saint Bernard
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
Estrela Mountain Dog Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Estrela Mountain Dogs 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, Estrela Mountain Dogs 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
Estrela Mountain Dog Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Bloat
- Eye Problems
- Heart Issues
Saint Bernard Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Bloat
- Heart Issues
- Eye Problems
- Elbow Dysplasia
Pros & Cons
Estrela Mountain Dog
Pros
- Excellent guardian instincts
- Loyal to family
- Weather-resistant coat
- Independent nature
- Good with livestock
Cons
- Requires extensive space
- Strong-willed personality
- Heavy shedding
- Not suitable for apartments
- Needs experienced owner
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 Estrela Mountain Dog and Saint Bernard, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.