Bernese Mountain DogVSSaint Bernard

The Bernese Mountain Dog is known for being gentle, calm, strong, while the Saint Bernard is typically described as gentle, friendly, patient. These distinct personality traits mean each breed offers a different kind of companionship.

When it comes to playfulness, the Bernese Mountain Dog has the edge with a 4/5 rating compared to the Saint Bernard's 3/5. If you're looking for a dog that's always ready for a game of fetch, the Bernese Mountain Dog is your pick.

The Bernese Mountain Dog is a large breed standing 58–70 cm (23–28 in) tall and weighing 32–52 kg (71–115 lbs). In comparison, the Saint Bernard is a giant breed at 65–90 cm (26–35 in) and 54–82 kg (119–181 lbs).

There's a significant size difference between these two breeds. The Saint Bernard is considerably heavier, which means higher food costs and the need for more physical space. The Bernese Mountain Dog's smaller frame makes it easier to handle and transport.

The Bernese Mountain Dog has a long coat available in tricolor, while the Saint Bernard sports a medium coat in red and white, brindle and white. Coat type significantly impacts grooming needs and shedding, which we cover below.

The Bernese Mountain Dog has moderate energy (3/5) with moderate exercise needs (3/5). The Saint Bernard has low energy (2/5) and low exercise needs (2/5).

The Bernese Mountain Dog requires more daily activity to stay happy and healthy. Without enough exercise, they may develop destructive behaviors. The Saint Bernard is more adaptable and can get by with shorter walks and play sessions.

When it comes to shedding, the Bernese Mountain Dog drops more fur with a shedding level of 5/5, while the Saint Bernard is lighter at 4/5. If pet hair on furniture is a concern, the Saint Bernard will be easier to live with.

The Bernese Mountain Dog demands more grooming attention with a score of 4/5, while the Saint Bernard is lower-maintenance at 3/5. The Bernese Mountain Dog's long coat requires regular brushing and professional grooming sessions, adding to the overall cost of ownership.

Annual grooming costs average around $250 for the Bernese Mountain Dog and $200 for the Saint Bernard. Factor this into your budget when deciding between the two.

The Bernese Mountain Dog has a lifespan of 6–8 years, while the Saint Bernard lives 8–10 years. The Saint Bernard generally has a longer lifespan.

Both breeds score 1/5 for health robustness, meaning they share similar overall health profiles.

Common health issues for the Bernese Mountain Dog include cancer, hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, bloat. The Saint Bernard is prone to hip dysplasia, bloat, osteosarcoma, dilated cardiomyopathy. Regular vet checkups and health screenings are essential for both breeds.

Annual vet costs average $700 for the Bernese Mountain Dog and $700 for the Saint Bernard. Pet insurance is worth considering for either breed.

The Bernese Mountain Dog is easier to train with a trainability score of 4/5, making it more suitable for first-time dog owners. The Saint Bernard scores 3/5 and may require more patience and experience during training sessions.

The Bernese Mountain Dog ranks higher in intelligence (4/5 vs 3/5), which can be both a blessing and a challenge. Smarter dogs learn commands faster but also get bored more easily and may develop behavioral issues without mental stimulation.

Regardless of which breed you choose, early socialization and consistent positive reinforcement training are key to raising a well-behaved dog. Puppy classes are a great investment for either breed.

In terms of raw intelligence, the Bernese Mountain Dog outranks the Saint Bernard with a score of 4/5 compared to 3/5. The Bernese Mountain Dog tends to learn new commands in fewer repetitions and shows stronger problem-solving ability in novel situations. However, higher intelligence doesn't always mean an easier dog to own — smarter breeds often demand more mental stimulation to avoid boredom-driven destructive behavior.

Both breeds share a similar intelligence profile rooted in working intelligence. They both excel when given structured tasks and thrive in obedience, agility, or service work.

The Bernese Mountain Dog's higher intelligence translates directly into better trainability (4/5 vs 3/5), making them both the quicker learner and the easier breed to train. This combination is ideal for owners who want a responsive, obedient companion.

For either breed, mental enrichment is just as important as physical exercise. Puzzle feeders, training sessions, scent work, and interactive toys keep intelligent dogs engaged and prevent the boredom that leads to chewing, digging, or excessive barking.

Both breeds score 5/5 with children, making them equally suitable for families. Either breed can be a wonderful addition to a household with kids.

The initial purchase price for a Bernese Mountain Dog ranges from $1,500–$4,000, while a Saint Bernard typically costs $1,000–$3,000. The Bernese Mountain Dog has a higher upfront cost.

Ongoing annual costs (food, vet, grooming) come to approximately $1,910 for the Bernese Mountain Dog and $2,100 for the Saint Bernard. The Saint Bernard costs more annually, largely because of higher food costs.

Monthly food costs run about $80 for the Bernese Mountain Dog and $100 for the Saint Bernard. Over a typical lifespan, the total cost of ownership can differ by thousands of dollars, so it's worth factoring in the long-term financial commitment.