Great DaneVSSaint Bernard

The Great Dane is known for being friendly, patient, dependable, 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 Great Dane 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 Great Dane is your pick.

The Great Dane is a giant breed standing 71–86 cm (28–34 in) tall and weighing 45–90 kg (99–198 lbs). In comparison, the Saint Bernard is a giant breed at 65–90 cm (26–35 in) and 54–82 kg (119–181 lbs).

These two breeds are quite similar in size, so space and food requirements will be comparable for either choice.

The Great Dane has a short coat available in fawn, brindle, blue, black, harlequin, mantle, 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 Great Dane 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 Great Dane 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.

For apartment dwellers, the Great Dane is the stronger choice with an apartment-friendliness score of 2/5, compared to the Saint Bernard's 1/5. The Saint Bernard generally does better with access to a yard or larger living space.

The Saint Bernard sheds more than the Great Dane — 4/5 versus 3/5. You'll want to invest in a good lint roller and vacuum if you go with the Saint Bernard.

Grooming-wise, the Saint Bernard needs more upkeep (3/5) than the Great Dane (1/5). The Saint Bernard's medium coat demands regular professional grooming to stay in top shape.

Annual grooming costs average around $100 for the Great Dane and $200 for the Saint Bernard. Factor this into your budget when deciding between the two.

The Great Dane has a lifespan of 7–10 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 Great Dane include bloat, hip dysplasia, cardiomyopathy, osteosarcoma. 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 Great Dane and $700 for the Saint Bernard. Pet insurance is worth considering for either breed.

Both breeds are equally trainable at 3/5. Consistent, positive reinforcement methods work well with either breed.

Both breeds match in intelligence at 3/5, so expect similar learning speeds and mental stimulation needs from either choice.

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.

Both the Great Dane and Saint Bernard score 3/5 for intelligence, putting them on equal footing mentally. They'll learn commands at similar speeds and need comparable amounts of mental stimulation to stay happy and well-behaved.

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.

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.

The Saint Bernard edges ahead as a family dog, scoring 5/5 with children versus the Great Dane's 4/5. The Saint Bernard's gentle temperament makes it especially patient around kids.

The initial purchase price for a Great Dane ranges from $1,000–$3,000, while a Saint Bernard typically costs $1,000–$3,000. Both breeds have similar purchase prices.

Ongoing annual costs (food, vet, grooming) come to approximately $2,000 for the Great Dane and $2,100 for the Saint Bernard. The Saint Bernard costs more annually, largely because of grooming expenses.

Monthly food costs run about $100 for the Great Dane 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.