Breed comparison
Newfoundland 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.
Newfoundland
5Affection with family5
5Good with young children5
5Good with other dogs3
5Openness to strangers3
3Playfulness3
3Energy level3
3Trainability3
3Mental stimulation needs3
4Adaptability4
5Watchdog / protective5
1Barking1
3Shedding3
2Coat grooming2
5Drooling5
The biggest differences
- Good with other dogs: the Newfoundland scores 5 out of 5, the Saint Bernard 3.
- Openness to strangers: the Newfoundland scores 5 out of 5, the Saint Bernard 3.
They score the same on affection with family, good with young children, playfulness, energy level, trainability, mental stimulation needs.
Which one should you choose?
Pick the Newfoundland if you have other dogs. Pick the Saint Bernard if its looks and size suit you better, since the ratings are close.
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.