Saint Bernard vs Pumi
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
Pumi
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.
Pumi Overview
Pumi dogs showcase a distinctive curly coat and expressive face with semi-erect ears, creating their signature whimsical appearance. Medium-sized with a square build, they move with agile grace and purpose. Their alert, intelligent expression reflects their keen herding heritage, while their muscular build enables swift, efficient movement. The breed's spiral-curled coat forms corkscrews over their athletic frame.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Saint Bernards are less energetic than Pumis, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Saint Bernards require more grooming attention compared to Pumis.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Saint Bernards tend to be more reserved with strangers than Pumis.
- Trainability: Saint Bernards may be slightly easier to train due to their Saint Bernard's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Pumis 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 Pumi, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Saint Bernard | Pumi |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Large | Small |
| Life Expectancy | 8-10 years | 12-13 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Working Group | Herding Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Saint Bernard | Pumi |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 26-30 inches 66-76 cm | 15-19 inches 38-47 cm |
| Weight | 120-180 lbs 54-82 kg | 22-29 lbs 10-13 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Infrequent |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Saint Bernard | Pumi |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Playful, Charming, Inquisitive | Energetic, Lively, Ready to Work |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Saint Bernard | Pumi |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Pumi Temperament
The Pumi is characterized by being energetic, lively, ready to work, 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 Pumi, 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
Pumi
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Saint Bernard
Rating: 3/5
Pumi
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Saint Bernard
Rating: 3/5
Pumi
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Saint Bernard
Rating: 2/5
Pumi
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Saint Bernard
Rating: 3/5
Pumi
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.
Pumi Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Pumis 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, Pumis 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
Pumi Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip dysplasia
- Elbow dysplasia
- Patellar luxation
- Eye problems
- Degenerative myelopathy
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
Pumi
Pros
- Highly intelligent
- Excellent herding instincts
- Adaptable
- Low-shedding coat
Cons
- High exercise needs
- Can be vocal
- Requires mental stimulation
- Strong herding drive
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Saint Bernard and Pumi, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.