Saint Bernard vs Hovawart
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
Hovawart
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.
Hovawart Overview
Hovawarts are powerful, medium-sized dogs with a noble bearing and distinctive tricolor coat. Their well-proportioned build combines strength with agility, featuring a broad chest and strong limbs. Alert eyes and a confident stance reflect their watchful nature, while their medium-length coat provides protection in various weather conditions.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Saint Bernards are less energetic than Hovawarts, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Saint Bernards require more grooming attention compared to Hovawarts.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Saint Bernards tend to be more reserved with strangers than Hovawarts.
- Trainability: Hovawarts may be slightly easier to train due to their Hovawart's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Hovawarts 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 Hovawart, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Saint Bernard | Hovawart |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Large | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 8-10 years | 10-14 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Working Group | Foundation Stock Service |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Saint Bernard | Hovawart |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 26-30 inches 66-76 cm | 23-28 inches 58-71 cm |
| Weight | 120-180 lbs 54-82 kg | 65-90 lbs 29-41 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Saint Bernard | Hovawart |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Playful, Charming, Inquisitive | Alert, Faithful, Intelligent |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Saint Bernard | Hovawart |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Hovawart Temperament
The Hovawart is characterized by being alert, faithful, intelligent, 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 Hovawart, 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
Hovawart
Rating: 4/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Saint Bernard
Rating: 3/5
Hovawart
Rating: 4/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Saint Bernard
Rating: 3/5
Hovawart
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Saint Bernard
Rating: 2/5
Hovawart
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Saint Bernard
Rating: 3/5
Hovawart
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.
Hovawart Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Hovawarts 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, Hovawarts 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
Hovawart Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Thyroid Issues
- Eye Problems
- Heart Disease
- Bloat
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
Hovawart
Pros
- Loyal and protective
- Intelligent
- Good with family
- Weather-resistant coat
Cons
- Strong-willed
- Needs extensive training
- High exercise needs
- Reserved with strangers
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Saint Bernard and Hovawart, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.