Saint Bernard vs Lancashire Heeler
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
Lancashire Heeler
Miscellaneous Class
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.
Lancashire Heeler Overview
Lancashire Heelers are compact, muscular dogs with distinctive black and tan coloring. Their alert expression and sturdy build reflect their heritage as skilled herding dogs. Standing 10-12 inches at the shoulder with a weather-resistant double coat, these dogs possess powerful shoulders and strong hindquarters that enable remarkable agility and quick movements.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Saint Bernards are less energetic than Lancashire Heelers, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Saint Bernards require more grooming attention compared to Lancashire Heelers.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Saint Bernards tend to be more reserved with strangers than Lancashire Heelers.
- Trainability: Saint Bernards may be slightly easier to train due to their Saint Bernard's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Lancashire Heelers 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 Lancashire Heeler, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Saint Bernard | Lancashire Heeler |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Large | Toy |
| Life Expectancy | 8-10 years | 12-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Working Group | Miscellaneous Class |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Saint Bernard | Lancashire Heeler |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 26-30 inches 66-76 cm | 10-12 inches 25-30 cm |
| Weight | 120-180 lbs 54-82 kg | 9-17 lbs 4-8 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Saint Bernard | Lancashire Heeler |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Playful, Charming, Inquisitive | Affectionate, Versatile, Intelligent |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Saint Bernard | Lancashire Heeler |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Lancashire Heeler Temperament
The Lancashire Heeler is characterized by being affectionate, versatile, 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 high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Saint Bernard and Lancashire Heeler, 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
Lancashire Heeler
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Saint Bernard
Rating: 3/5
Lancashire Heeler
Rating: 5/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Saint Bernard
Rating: 3/5
Lancashire Heeler
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Saint Bernard
Rating: 2/5
Lancashire Heeler
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Saint Bernard
Rating: 3/5
Lancashire Heeler
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.
Lancashire Heeler Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Lancashire Heelers 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, Lancashire Heelers 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
Lancashire Heeler Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Patella Luxation
- Eye Problems
- Collie Eye Anomaly
- Primary Lens Luxation
- Heart 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
Lancashire Heeler
Pros
- Intelligent
- Adaptable
- Low grooming needs
- Good with families
Cons
- Can be stubborn
- High exercise needs
- May chase small animals
- Can be vocal
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Saint Bernard and Lancashire Heeler, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.