Saint Bernard vs American Staffordshire Terrier
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Saint Bernard
Working Group
American Staffordshire Terrier
Terrier Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
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.
American Staffordshire Terrier Overview
Muscular and agile, the American Staffordshire Terrier showcases a powerful build with a broad head, pronounced cheek muscles, and a distinctive smile. Their short, stiff coat comes in various colors and patterns. Despite their strong appearance, they display remarkable gentleness and intelligence, combining confidence with a good-natured demeanor that makes them devoted family companions.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Saint Bernards are less energetic than American Staffordshire Terriers, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Saint Bernards require more grooming attention compared to American Staffordshire Terriers.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Saint Bernards tend to be more reserved with strangers than American Staffordshire Terriers.
- Trainability: American Staffordshire Terriers may be slightly easier to train due to their American Staffordshire Terrier's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: American Staffordshire Terriers 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 Saint Bernard and American Staffordshire Terrier, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Saint Bernard | American Staffordshire Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Large | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 8-10 years | 12-16 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Working Group | Terrier Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Saint Bernard | American Staffordshire Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 26-30 inches 66-76 cm | 17-19 inches 43-48 cm |
| Weight | 120-180 lbs 54-82 kg | 40-70 lbs 18-32 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Occasional |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Saint Bernard | American Staffordshire Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Playful, Charming, Inquisitive | Confident, Smart, Good-Natured |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Saint Bernard | American Staffordshire Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Saint Bernard Temperament
The Saint Bernard is known for being playful, charming, inquisitive, 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.
American Staffordshire Terrier Temperament
The American Staffordshire Terrier is characterized by being confident, smart, good-natured, which makes them better for households without small children. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They generally welcome strangers, making them sociable companions rather than protective guardians. 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 Saint Bernard and American Staffordshire Terrier, 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
Saint Bernard
Rating: 5/5
American Staffordshire Terrier
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Saint Bernard
Rating: 3/5
American Staffordshire Terrier
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Saint Bernard
Rating: 3/5
American Staffordshire Terrier
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Saint Bernard
Rating: 2/5
American Staffordshire Terrier
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Saint Bernard
Rating: 3/5
American Staffordshire Terrier
Rating: 2/5
Care & Maintenance
Saint Bernard Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Saint Bernards 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, Saint Bernards require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
American Staffordshire Terrier Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
American Staffordshire Terriers 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, American Staffordshire Terriers require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Saint Bernard Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Bloat
- Heart Issues
- Eye Problems
- Elbow Dysplasia
American Staffordshire Terrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Heart Disease
- Skin Allergies
- Thyroid Problems
- Eye Issues
Pros & Cons
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
American Staffordshire Terrier
Pros
- Loyal and devoted to family
- Excellent with children
- Strong and athletic
- Easy to groom
Cons
- Strong prey drive
- Need extensive socialization
- May be dog aggressive
- High exercise needs
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Saint Bernard and American Staffordshire Terrier, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.