Saint Bernard vs Golden Retriever
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
Golden Retriever
Sporting 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.
Golden Retriever Overview
Golden Retrievers embody grace and athleticism with their sturdy, well-balanced frame and distinctive golden coat. Their broad head features intelligent dark eyes and a friendly expression, while their thick, water-repellent double coat comes in various golden shades. Known for their gentle mouth, developed for retrieving game without damage, these dogs combine strength with elegance in their fluid movement.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Saint Bernards are less energetic than Golden Retrievers, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Saint Bernards require less grooming attention compared to Golden Retrievers.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Saint Bernards tend to be more reserved with strangers than Golden Retrievers.
- Trainability: Saint Bernards may be slightly easier to train due to their Saint Bernard's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Golden Retrievers 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 Golden Retriever, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Saint Bernard | Golden Retriever |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Large | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 8-10 years | 10-12 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Working Group | Sporting Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Saint Bernard | Golden Retriever |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 26-30 inches 66-76 cm | 22-24 inches 55-61 cm |
| Weight | 120-180 lbs 54-82 kg | 55-75 lbs 25-34 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Saint Bernard | Golden Retriever |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Playful, Charming, Inquisitive | Friendly, Intelligent, Devoted |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Saint Bernard | Golden Retriever |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Golden Retriever Temperament
The Golden Retriever is characterized by being friendly, intelligent, devoted, 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 high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Saint Bernard and Golden Retriever, 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
Golden Retriever
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Saint Bernard
Rating: 3/5
Golden Retriever
Rating: 5/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Saint Bernard
Rating: 3/5
Golden Retriever
Rating: 5/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Saint Bernard
Rating: 2/5
Golden Retriever
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Saint Bernard
Rating: 3/5
Golden Retriever
Rating: 3/5
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.
Golden Retriever Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Golden Retrievers 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, Golden Retrievers 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
Golden Retriever Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Heart Issues
- Cancer
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
Golden Retriever
Pros
- Excellent family dog
- Highly trainable
- Great with children
- Friendly disposition
- Versatile working ability
Cons
- Heavy shedding
- High exercise needs
- Prone to health issues
- Can be mouthy
- Requires regular grooming
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Saint Bernard and Golden Retriever, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.