BreedHealth

Saint Bernard vs Great Dane — Complete Comparison

Choosing between the Saint Bernard and the Great Dane comes down to lifestyle fit, living space, and the time you can commit to training and grooming. Both breeds are giant-sized dogs, so their space and feeding requirements are broadly similar. Both breeds have comparable exercise needs, though individual dogs will vary. Grooming is a notable difference: the Saint Bernard requires considerably more coat maintenance than the Great Dane. Both breeds are well-suited to families with children.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Trait Saint Bernard Great Dane
Size Giant Giant
Weight 54–82 kg 50–82 kg
Height 65–90 cm 71–86 cm
Lifespan 8–10 yrs 7–10 yrs
Exercise Need
Low (2/5)
Moderate (3/5)
Grooming Need
Moderate (3/5)
Very Low (1/5)
Shedding
High (4/5)
Low (2/5)
Trainability
Moderate (3/5)
Moderate (3/5)
Good with Children ✓ ✓
Good with Dogs ✓ ✓
Apartment Friendly ✗ ✗

Bold green indicates the better result for that trait. Exercise, grooming and shedding: lower is easier to manage. Trainability and lifespan: higher is better.

Health Comparison

Understanding each breed's health profile helps owners budget for insurance, schedule appropriate screening, and make informed decisions before purchasing.

Saint Bernard (5 conditions)

Great Dane (5 conditions)

Conditions shared by both breeds: hip dysplasia , bloat , osteosarcoma .

Which Breed Is Right for You?

Based on data across health, exercise, trainability, and temperament, here is how the two breeds compare across common owner priorities:

Best for families with children both Saint Bernard and Great Dane
Best for apartment living neither breed — both thrive with access to outdoor space
Best for active owners Great Dane (exercise level 3/5)
Best for first-time owners Saint Bernard
Longer average lifespan both breeds have a similar average lifespan

Explore Each Breed in Depth

Saint Bernard

The Saint Bernard was developed by monks at the Great Saint Bernard Hospice in the Swiss Alps to rescue lost and injured…

giant · Working · 8–10 yrs

Great Dane

The Great Dane holds the record for the world's tallest domestic dog, with males routinely exceeding 80 cm at the should…

giant · Working · 7–10 yrs

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is bigger — a Saint Bernard or a Great Dane?

The Saint Bernard is the larger breed, typically weighing 54–82 kg compared to the Great Dane's 50–82 kg.

Which breed lives longer — Saint Bernard or Great Dane?

Both breeds have a comparable average lifespan. The Saint Bernard typically lives 8–10 years and the Great Dane 7–10 years.

Are Saint Bernards or Great Danes easier to train?

Both the Saint Bernard and Great Dane have comparable trainability (3/5). Consistent positive reinforcement methods work well for both breeds.

Which needs more grooming — Saint Bernard or Great Dane?

The Saint Bernard requires considerably more grooming (3/5) than the Great Dane (1/5). The Saint Bernard's long or short double coat needs more frequent brushing and professional grooming to stay in good condition.

Which breed is better for families — Saint Bernard or Great Dane?

Both the Saint Bernard and Great Dane are generally considered good family dogs and are typically patient and gentle with children. As always, early socialisation and teaching children how to interact respectfully with dogs are essential regardless of breed.

Do Saint Bernards and Great Danes have the same health problems?

Some health conditions are shared between both breeds, including hip dysplasia, bloat, osteosarcoma. The Saint Bernard has 5 documented conditions overall and the Great Dane has 5. Pet insurance is strongly recommended for both.

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