Breed comparison
Bernese Mountain Dog vs Saint Bernard
How the two breeds compare on the American Kennel Club's 1 to 5 trait ratings, and which one suits which home.
5Affection with family5
5Good with young children5
5Good with other dogs3
4Openness to strangers3
4Playfulness3
4Energy level3
4Trainability3
3Mental stimulation needs3
4Adaptability4
3Watchdog / protective5
3Barking1
5Shedding3
3Coat grooming2
3Drooling5
The biggest differences
- Good with other dogs: the Bernese Mountain Dog scores 5 out of 5, the Saint Bernard 3.
- Watchdog / protective: the Saint Bernard scores 5 out of 5, the Bernese Mountain Dog 3.
- Barking: the Bernese Mountain Dog scores 3 out of 5, the Saint Bernard 1.
- Shedding: the Bernese Mountain Dog scores 5 out of 5, the Saint Bernard 3.
- Drooling: the Saint Bernard scores 5 out of 5, the Bernese Mountain Dog 3.
They score the same on affection with family, good with young children, mental stimulation needs, adaptability.
Which one should you choose?
Pick the Bernese Mountain Dog if you want an energetic exercise partner, you want a dog that is easier to train, you have other dogs. Pick the Saint Bernard if you prefer a calmer dog, you want less dog hair, you want a quieter dog.
Ratings are general breed tendencies from the AKC. Every dog is an individual, so meet the dog, and its parents if you can, before you decide. Not sure? Try the breed selector.
Source: American Kennel Club breed ratings (compiled February 2022). How we check.