Great Dane vs Saint Bernard
Working · Giant vs Working · Giant
Great DaneGiant
A friendly, patient, dependable giant — the 'Apollo of dogs' is sweet-natured despite imposing size.
Weight: 140–175 lbsLifespan: 7–10 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 140–175 lbs for the Great Dane.
- • The Saint Bernard typically lives longer (8–10 years).
- • The Great Dane has higher daily energy needs.
- • The Great Dane sheds less.
Side-by-side traits
| Trait | Great Dane | Saint Bernard |
|---|---|---|
Group | Working | Working |
Size | Giant | Giant |
Origin | Germany | Switzerland |
Height (male) | 30–32" | 28–30" |
Height (female) | 28–30" | 26–28" |
Weight (male) | 140–175 lbs | 140–180 lbs |
Weight (female) | 110–140 lbs | 120–140 lbs |
Lifespan Average expected lifespan. | 7–10 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. | Moderate (3/5) | High (4/5) |
Grooming effort Brushing, bathing, professional grooming. | Very Low (1/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Drooling Lower = drier face and furniture. | Very High (5/5) | 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 | High (4/5) | High (4/5) |
Protectiveness Watchdog tendencies. | High (4/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Adaptability Apartment / new environment tolerance. | Moderate (3/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Coat length | short | long |
Hypoallergenic Lower-shedding, less dander. | No | No |
Ad slot · compare-mid
About the Great Dane
The Great Dane is a friendly, patient, dependable giant — the 'Apollo of dogs' is sweet-natured despite imposing size. Originally from Germany, this giant working breed typically weighs 140–175 lbs and lives 7–10 years. Breeders describe them as friendly, patient, dependable.
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
Great Dane health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Bloat
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Heart disease
- • Cancer
Saint Bernard health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Bloat
- • Heart disease
- • Eye conditions