Saint Bernard vs Belgian Tervuren
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
Belgian Tervuren
Herding 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.
Belgian Tervuren Overview
Belgian Tervuren dogs showcase elegant proportions with a proud carriage and alert expression. Their distinctive long, straight double coat features rich fawn to russet mahogany coloring with black overlay. Square-built and muscular, they possess a refined yet powerful frame, complemented by their characteristic black mask and erect triangular ears.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Saint Bernards are less energetic than Belgian Tervurens, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Saint Bernards require less grooming attention compared to Belgian Tervurens.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Saint Bernards tend to be more reserved with strangers than Belgian Tervurens.
- Trainability: Saint Bernards may be slightly easier to train due to their Saint Bernard's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Belgian Tervurens 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 Belgian Tervuren, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Saint Bernard | Belgian Tervuren |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Large | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 8-10 years | 12-14 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Working Group | Herding Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Saint Bernard | Belgian Tervuren |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 26-30 inches 66-76 cm | 22-26 inches 56-66 cm |
| Weight | 120-180 lbs 54-82 kg | 45-75 lbs 20-34 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Saint Bernard | Belgian Tervuren |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Playful, Charming, Inquisitive | Courageous, Alert, Intelligent |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Saint Bernard | Belgian Tervuren |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Belgian Tervuren Temperament
The Belgian Tervuren is characterized by being courageous, alert, intelligent, which makes them better for households without small children. 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 high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Saint Bernard and Belgian Tervuren, 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
Belgian Tervuren
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Saint Bernard
Rating: 3/5
Belgian Tervuren
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Saint Bernard
Rating: 3/5
Belgian Tervuren
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Saint Bernard
Rating: 2/5
Belgian Tervuren
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Saint Bernard
Rating: 3/5
Belgian Tervuren
Rating: 4/5
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.
Belgian Tervuren Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Belgian Tervurens need substantial daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and more intense activities like running, swimming, or agility training.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Belgian Tervurens require significant grooming attention. This includes brushing several times per week to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is typically necessary.
Health & Lifespan
Saint Bernard Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Bloat
- Heart Issues
- Eye Problems
- Elbow Dysplasia
Belgian Tervuren Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Epilepsy
- Eye Problems
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Thyroid 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
Belgian Tervuren
Pros
- Highly intelligent
- Excellent working dog
- Loyal and protective
- Athletic and agile
- Good with family
Cons
- High exercise needs
- Intensive grooming required
- Can be aloof with strangers
- Strong herding instinct
- Requires experienced owner
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Saint Bernard and Belgian Tervuren, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.