Saint Bernard vs Rottweiler
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
Rottweiler
Working 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.
Rottweiler Overview
Powerful and muscular, Rottweilers showcase a robust, balanced build with a broad head and strong jaws. Their black coat with mahogany markings complements their confident stance and alert expression. Distinguished by their natural guarding instincts, these dogs combine strength with remarkable agility, displaying a calm yet watchful demeanor that reflects their working heritage.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Saint Bernards are less energetic than Rottweilers, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Saint Bernards require less grooming attention compared to Rottweilers.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Saint Bernards tend to be more reserved with strangers than Rottweilers.
- Trainability: Rottweilers may be slightly easier to train due to their Rottweiler's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Rottweilers 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 Rottweiler, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Saint Bernard | Rottweiler |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Large | Large |
| Life Expectancy | 8-10 years | 9-10 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Working Group | Working Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Saint Bernard | Rottweiler |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 26-30 inches 66-76 cm | 22-27 inches 56-69 cm |
| Weight | 120-180 lbs 54-82 kg | 80-135 lbs 36-61 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Saint Bernard | Rottweiler |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Playful, Charming, Inquisitive | Loyal, Loving, Confident Guardian |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Saint Bernard | Rottweiler |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Rottweiler Temperament
The Rottweiler is characterized by being loyal, loving, confident guardian, 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 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 Rottweiler, 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
Rottweiler
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Saint Bernard
Rating: 3/5
Rottweiler
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Saint Bernard
Rating: 3/5
Rottweiler
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Saint Bernard
Rating: 2/5
Rottweiler
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Saint Bernard
Rating: 3/5
Rottweiler
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.
Rottweiler Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Rottweilers 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, Rottweilers 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
Rottweiler Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Heart Problems
- Eye Issues
- Osteosarcoma
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
Rottweiler
Pros
- Loyal and protective
- Excellent guard dog
- Intelligent
- Good with family
- Trainable
- Strong work ethic
Cons
- High exercise needs
- Can be stubborn
- Requires firm training
- May be too powerful for novice owners
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Saint Bernard and Rottweiler, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.