BreedHealth

Saint Bernard vs Newfoundland — Complete Comparison

Choosing between the Saint Bernard and the Newfoundland 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. Both breeds are well-suited to families with children.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Trait Saint Bernard Newfoundland
Size Giant Giant
Weight 54–82 kg 45–68 kg
Height 65–90 cm 66–71 cm
Lifespan 8–10 yrs 9–10 yrs
Exercise Need
Low (2/5)
Moderate (3/5)
Grooming Need
Moderate (3/5)
High (4/5)
Shedding
High (4/5)
High (4/5)
Trainability
Moderate (3/5)
High (4/5)
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)

Newfoundland (5 conditions)

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

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 Newfoundland
Best for apartment living neither breed — both thrive with access to outdoor space
Best for active owners Newfoundland (exercise level 3/5)
Best for first-time owners Newfoundland
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

Newfoundland

Developed by fishermen on the island of Newfoundland as a working water dog capable of hauling nets and rescuing drownin…

giant · Working · 9–10 yrs

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is bigger — a Saint Bernard or a Newfoundland?

The Saint Bernard is the larger breed, typically weighing 54–82 kg compared to the Newfoundland's 45–68 kg.

Which breed lives longer — Saint Bernard or Newfoundland?

Both breeds have a comparable average lifespan. The Saint Bernard typically lives 8–10 years and the Newfoundland 9–10 years.

Are Saint Bernards or Newfoundlands easier to train?

The Newfoundland (trainability 4/5) is generally easier to train than the Saint Bernard (3/5). Newfoundlands tend to respond quickly to reward-based training, while Saint Bernards may require more patience and consistency.

Which needs more grooming — Saint Bernard or Newfoundland?

The Newfoundland requires considerably more grooming (4/5) than the Saint Bernard (3/5). The Newfoundland's long thick double coat needs more frequent brushing and professional grooming to stay in good condition.

Which breed is better for families — Saint Bernard or Newfoundland?

Both the Saint Bernard and Newfoundland 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 Newfoundlands have the same health problems?

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

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