Boston Terrier vs Saint Bernard
Non-Sporting · Small vs Working · Giant
Boston TerrierSmall
A friendly, bright, amusing 'American Gentleman' in a tuxedo coat — born in Boston, the original AKC breed.
Weight: 12–25 lbsLifespan: 11–13 years
Saint BernardGiant
A playful, charming, inquisitive Alpine rescue giant — the original mountain rescue with the brandy keg.
Weight: 140–180 lbsLifespan: 8–10 years
Quick take
- • Saint Bernard is the larger breed at 140–180 lbs (males) vs 12–25 lbs for the Boston Terrier.
- • The Boston Terrier typically lives longer (11–13 years).
- • The Boston Terrier has higher daily energy needs.
- • The Boston Terrier sheds less.
Side-by-side traits
| Trait | Boston Terrier | Saint Bernard |
|---|---|---|
Group | Non-Sporting | Working |
Size | Small | Giant |
Origin | USA | Switzerland |
Height (male) | 15–17" | 28–30" |
Height (female) | 15–17" | 26–28" |
Weight (male) | 12–25 lbs | 140–180 lbs |
Weight (female) | 12–25 lbs | 120–140 lbs |
Lifespan Average expected lifespan. | 11–13 years | 8–10 years |
Energy level Daily activity needs. | Moderate (3/5) | Low (2/5) |
Trainability How quickly the breed learns commands. | High (4/5) | High (4/5) |
Intelligence Problem-solving ability. | High (4/5) | High (4/5) |
Exercise needs Daily physical activity required. | Moderate (3/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Shedding Lower = less hair around your home. | Low (2/5) | High (4/5) |
Grooming effort Brushing, bathing, professional grooming. | Very Low (1/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Drooling Lower = drier face and furniture. | Very Low (1/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Barking How vocal the breed is. | Low (2/5) | Low (2/5) |
Good with kids | Very High (5/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Good with other dogs | High (4/5) | High (4/5) |
Good with strangers | Very High (5/5) | High (4/5) |
Protectiveness Watchdog tendencies. | Low (2/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Adaptability Apartment / new environment tolerance. | Very High (5/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Coat length | short | long |
Hypoallergenic Lower-shedding, less dander. | No | No |
Ad slot · compare-mid
About the Boston Terrier
The Boston Terrier is a friendly, bright, amusing 'American Gentleman' in a tuxedo coat — born in Boston, the original AKC breed. Originally from USA, this small non-sporting breed typically weighs 12–25 lbs and lives 11–13 years. Breeders describe them as friendly, bright, amusing.
About the Saint Bernard
The Saint Bernard is a playful, charming, inquisitive Alpine rescue giant — the original mountain rescue with the brandy keg. Originally from Switzerland, this giant working breed typically weighs 140–180 lbs and lives 8–10 years. Breeders describe them as playful, charming, inquisitive.
Ad slot · compare-bottom
Boston Terrier health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Brachycephalic syndrome
- • Eye problems
- • Patellar luxation
- • Allergies
Saint Bernard health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Bloat
- • Heart disease
- • Eye conditions