Saint Bernard vs Drever
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
Drever
Foundation Stock Service
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.
Drever Overview
Drevers are compact, muscular hunting dogs with distinctive long bodies and short legs. Their well-proportioned frame supports a broad chest and strong neck, topped by a noble head with long, drooping ears. The breed's weather-resistant double coat comes in various colors, featuring alert, intelligent eyes that reflect their keen hunting instincts and determined nature.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Saint Bernards are less energetic than Drevers, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Saint Bernards require more grooming attention compared to Drevers.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Saint Bernards tend to be more reserved with strangers than Drevers.
- Trainability: Drevers may be slightly easier to train due to their Drever's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Drevers 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 Drever, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Saint Bernard | Drever |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Large | Small |
| Life Expectancy | 8-10 years | 15-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Working Group | Foundation Stock Service |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Saint Bernard | Drever |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 26-30 inches 66-76 cm | 12-15 inches 30-38 cm |
| Weight | 120-180 lbs 54-82 kg | 35-40 lbs 16-18 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Occasional |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Saint Bernard | Drever |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Playful, Charming, Inquisitive | Loyal, Even-Tempered, Determined |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Saint Bernard | Drever |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Drever Temperament
The Drever is characterized by being loyal, even-tempered, determined, which makes them great companions for families. 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 Drever, 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
Drever
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Saint Bernard
Rating: 3/5
Drever
Rating: 5/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Saint Bernard
Rating: 3/5
Drever
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Saint Bernard
Rating: 2/5
Drever
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Saint Bernard
Rating: 3/5
Drever
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.
Drever Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Drevers 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, Drevers 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
Drever Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Back Problems
- Eye Issues
- Ear Infections
- Obesity
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
Drever
Pros
- Excellent tracking abilities
- Good family companion
- Adaptable to different environments
- Low grooming needs
Cons
- Can be stubborn
- Requires secure fencing
- Moderate exercise needs
- May be vocal
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Saint Bernard and Drever, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.