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St. Bernard vs Bernese Mountain Dog vs Leonberger Comparison - Dog breed selector: Alpine Mastiff or Berner or Gentle Giant? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between St. Bernard vs Bernese Mountain Dog vs Leonberger" Compare St. Bernard and Bernese Mountain Dog. Which is better: St. Bernard or Bernese Mountain Dog or Leonberger?
 
 
 
Name St. Bernard Bernese Mountain Dog Leonberger
OriginsSwitzerland flagSwitzerland Italy flagItaly Switzerland flagSwitzerland Germany flagGermany
Group Working Dogs Working Dogs Working Dogs
Popularity Rank4825100
Reviews964
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for St. Bernard, Bernese Mountain Dog, and Leonberger breeds.
Alpine Mastiff
Bernhardiner
St. Barnhardshund
St. Bernard
Saint
Berner
Bernese Cattle Dog
Berner Sennenhund
Gentle Giant
Gentle Lion
Leonbergi
Leo
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between St. Bernard, Bernese Mountain Dog, and Leonberger? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

St. Bernard vs Bernese Mountain Dog vs Leonberger Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between St. Bernard, Bernese Mountain Dog, and Leonberger. Which breed is the largest?
Giant Large Giant
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between St. Bernard, Bernese Mountain Dog, and Leonberger? Compare adult weight ranges.
110-200 pounds (50-91 kg) Male: 85-110 pounds (38–50 kg), Female: 80-105 pounds (36–48 kg) Male: 130-170 pounds (59-77 kg), Female: 100-130 pounds (45-59 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
155 pounds (70.5 kg) Male: 97.5 pounds (38–50 kg), Female: 92.5 pounds (36–48 kg) Male: 150 pounds (68 kg), Female: 115 pounds (52 kg)
Height
Which is taller, St. Bernard or Bernese Mountain Dog or Leonberger? St. Bernard vs Bernese Mountain Dog vs Leonberger height comparison:
25.5-27.5 inches (61-70 cm) Male: 24-28 inches (61–71 cm), Female: 23-27 inches (58–69 cm) Male: 29-31 inches (74-80 cm), Female: 27-29 inches (61-74 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
25.5-27.5 inches (65.5 cm) Male: 26 inches (61–71 cm), Female: 25 inches (58–69 cm) Male: 30 inches (77 cm), Female: 28 inches (67.5 cm)

St. Bernard vs Bernese Mountain Dog vs Leonberger Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for St. Bernard, Bernese Mountain Dog, and Leonberger. Find price differences between these breeds.
$1500-$1800 $800-$1000 $1500-$2000
Availability
Which is easier to get, St. Bernard or Bernese Mountain Dog or Leonberger?
Very frequent: The St.
Very frequent: The Bernese Mountain Dog is quite easy to get.
Frequent: The Leonberger is easier than average to get.

St. Bernard vs Bernese Mountain Dog vs Leonberger Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between St. Bernard, Bernese Mountain Dog, and Leonberger. Which breed ranks highest?
Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one.
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Very smart: Bernese Mountain Dog is an excellent dog breed.
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Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
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Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between St. Bernard, Bernese Mountain Dog, and Leonberger. Which is easiest to train?
A slightly harder to train than average.
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Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are easy to train.
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Leonberger dogs are quite easy to train.
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Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of St. Bernard, Bernese Mountain Dog, and Leonberger. Which breed is most alert?
St.
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Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Leonberger dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between St. Bernard, Bernese Mountain Dog, and Leonberger. Which breed is most protective?
St.
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Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Leonberger dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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St. Bernard vs Bernese Mountain Dog vs Leonberger Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between St. Bernard, Bernese Mountain Dog, and Leonberger? Compare temperaments.
Independent
Happy
Friendly
Gentle
Going
Social
Quiet
Intelligent
Affectionate
Loyal
Faithful
Loving
Obedient
Loyal
Fearless
Companionable
Adaptable
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
Sensitive: St.
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They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: St. Bernard vs Bernese Mountain Dog vs Leonberger?
High: St.
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Average: Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are average dogs regarding their affection level.
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High: Leonberger dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Social Needs
St. Bernard vs Bernese Mountain Dog vs Leonberger social needs comparison:
St.
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Bernese Mountain Dog dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Leonberger dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
St.
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Bernese Mountain Dog dogs have average wanderlust potential.
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Leonberger dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
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Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
Their prey drive is low.
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Bernese Mountain Dog dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something.
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Leonberger dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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St. Bernard vs Bernese Mountain Dog vs Leonberger Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of St. Bernard, Bernese Mountain Dog, and Leonberger. Which breed is most vocal?
Low: The St.
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Average: The Bernese Mountain Dog barks occasionally.
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Low: The Leonberger barks none to minimal.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between St. Bernard, Bernese Mountain Dog, and Leonberger. Which breed is most playful?
St.
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Average: Bernese Mountain Dogs, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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The Leonberger is a playful breed.
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Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of St. Bernard, Bernese Mountain Dog, and Leonberger. Which adapts best to small spaces?
It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep St.
It is not recommended to keep the Bernese Mountain Dog breed in the home.
Not an apartment-friendly dog the Leonberger breed.

St. Bernard vs Bernese Mountain Dog vs Leonberger Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between St. Bernard, Bernese Mountain Dog, and Leonberger. Which breed is most flexible?
St.
Average: Bernese Mountain Dog dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Average: Leonberger dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: St. Bernard or Bernese Mountain Dog or Leonberger?
St.
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.
Leonberger dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

St. Bernard vs Bernese Mountain Dog vs Leonberger Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between St. Bernard, Bernese Mountain Dog, and Leonberger. Which has lowest bite risk?

Moderate

The St.

Low 🔽

The Bernese Mountain Dog has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Leonberger has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Compare mouthing tendencies between St. Bernard, Bernese Mountain Dog, and Leonberger. Which uses mouth most during play?
St.
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Bernese Mountain Dog dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
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Leonberger dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Bite Strength Rating
Compare bite forces between St. Bernard, Bernese Mountain Dog, and Leonberger. Which has the strongest bite?

Above 400 PSI 🔼

St.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Bernese Mountain Dog bite force: Ordinary.

Above 400 PSI 🔼

Leonberger bite force: The Strongest.

St. Bernard vs Bernese Mountain Dog vs Leonberger Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of St. Bernard, Bernese Mountain Dog, and Leonberger. Which breed lives longest?
8-10 years
The average lifespan of St.
7-11 years
The average lifespan of Bernese Mountain Dog: 9 years
8-10 years
The average lifespan of Leonberger: 9 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between St. Bernard, Bernese Mountain Dog, and Leonberger. Which handles climate changes best?
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
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Prefers cold weather
The Bernese Mountain Dog can adapt well to harsh weather conditions, and also can be a good mountain dog.
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Prefers cold weather
The Leonberger can adapt well to harsh weather conditions, and also can be a good mountain dog.
See more.
Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in St. Bernard, Bernese Mountain Dog, and Leonberger. Which has fewer health issues?
Very healthy dog breed.
Very healthy dog breed.
Leonbergers tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
Rare
The St.
Rare
The Bernese Mountain Dog should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Frequent
The Leonberger should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: St. Bernard vs Bernese Mountain Dog vs Leonberger? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? St. Bernard vs Bernese Mountain Dog vs Leonberger health problems comparison:
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Bloat
Epilepsy
Entropion
Elbow Dysplasia
Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Hip Dysplasia
Cancer
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Von Willebrand's Disease
Bloat
Elbow Dysplasia
Panosteitis
Portosystemic Liver Shunt
Hip Dysplasia
Cancer
Bloat
Entropion
Inherited Polyneuropathy
Ectropion
Elbow Dysplasia
Addison's Disease
Eosinophilic Panosteitis

St. Bernard vs Bernese Mountain Dog vs Leonberger Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between St. Bernard, Bernese Mountain Dog, and Leonberger. Which breed is most active?
St.
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Leonberger dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
St. Bernard vs Bernese Mountain Dog vs Leonberger exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: St. Bernard or Bernese Mountain Dog or Leonberger? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
St.
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs have an average exercise need.
Leonberger dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: St. Bernard or Bernese Mountain Dog or Leonberger?
St.
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.
Leonberger dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.

St. Bernard vs Bernese Mountain Dog vs Leonberger Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between St. Bernard, Bernese Mountain Dog, and Leonberger. Which is most prone to obesity?
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the St.
See more.
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Bernese Mountain Dog's weight, he can easily gain weight.
See more.
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Leonberger's weight, he can easily gain weight.
See more.
Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between St. Bernard, Bernese Mountain Dog, and Leonberger. Which needs most food?
6 to 8 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 6 to 8 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 8 to 10 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals

St. Bernard vs Bernese Mountain Dog vs Leonberger Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of St. Bernard, Bernese Mountain Dog, and Leonberger. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
No See more. No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between St. Bernard, Bernese Mountain Dog, and Leonberger. What colors are available?
Black
Red
White
Brown
Brindle
Tricolor
Black
White
Red
Brown
Yellow
Sandy
Reddish
Mahogany
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between St. Bernard, Bernese Mountain Dog, and Leonberger. Which requires most maintenance?
Average: The St.
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Average: The Bernese Mountain Dog requires average grooming effort.
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Average: The Leonberger requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between St. Bernard, Bernese Mountain Dog, and Leonberger. Which drools least?
The St.
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The Bernese Mountain Dog drools quite a lot, so if you dislike being covered by slobber spots on your clothes, you may want to choose another dog breed.
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The Leonberger is an average drooler.
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Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between St. Bernard, Bernese Mountain Dog, and Leonberger. Which has least natural smell?

High 🔼

The St.

Medium

The Bernese Mountain Dog has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Leonberger has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between St. Bernard, Bernese Mountain Dog, and Leonberger. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Dense
Rough
Smooth
Dense Waterproof
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between St. Bernard, Bernese Mountain Dog, and Leonberger. Which requires most frequent baths?
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
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4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
See more.
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more St. Bernard or Bernese Mountain Dog or Leonberger? St. Bernard or Bernese Mountain Dog or {name3 shedding:
St.
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Bernese Mountain Dog dogs shed above average.
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Leonberger dogs are heavy shedders.
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St. Bernard vs Bernese Mountain Dog vs Leonberger Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between St. Bernard, Bernese Mountain Dog, and Leonberger. Which is best with kids?
St.
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Leonberger dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
St.
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are generally with other pets.
Leonberger dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly St. Bernard or Bernese Mountain Dog or Leonberger? Which dog is more friendly?
St.
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Leonberger dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly St. Bernard or Bernese Mountain Dog or Leonberger?
St.
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Leonberger dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly St. Bernard or Bernese Mountain Dog or Leonberger?
St.
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Leonberger dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: St. Bernard vs Bernese Mountain Dog vs Leonberger?
No
St.
Yes
Bernese Mountain Dog dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Leonberger dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office?
No
St.
No
Bernese Mountain Dog is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Leonberger is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people?
St.
Bernese Mountain Dogs are usually recommended for elderly people.
Leonbergers are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

St. Bernard vs Bernese Mountain Dog vs Leonberger As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between St. Bernard, Bernese Mountain Dog, and Leonberger. Which is best suited for service work?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
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Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
See more.
Therapy Work Suitability
Compare therapy dog potential between St. Bernard, Bernese Mountain Dog, and Leonberger. Which excels in therapy work?

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
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Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.
Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between St. Bernard, Bernese Mountain Dog, and Leonberger. Which has best nose work ability?

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.
Search & Rescue Potential
Compare search and rescue potential between St. Bernard, Bernese Mountain Dog, and Leonberger. Which is best for SAR work?

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability
Compare boating aptitude between St. Bernard, Bernese Mountain Dog, and Leonberger. Which is best suited for water work?

Not really

St.
See more.

Not really

Bernese Mountain Dog breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Not really

Leonberger breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.
Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between St. Bernard, Bernese Mountain Dog, and Leonberger. Which is best for draft work?

Yes

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Yes

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Yes

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Military Service Background
Compare military service history of St. Bernard, Bernese Mountain Dog, and Leonberger. Which has most military use?

Yes

In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs.

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

St. Bernard vs Bernese Mountain Dog vs Leonberger Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of St. Bernard, Bernese Mountain Dog, and Leonberger. Which has most puppies?
6-8 puppies 1-14 puppies, average 8 6-8 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of St. Bernard, Bernese Mountain Dog, and Leonberger. Any breeding differences?
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding intervals between St. Bernard, Bernese Mountain Dog, and Leonberger. What's recommended?

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

St. Bernard vs Bernese Mountain Dog vs Leonberger Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for St. Bernard, Bernese Mountain Dog, and Leonberger. How are they classified?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885 as a Working breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1937 as a Working breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2010 as a Working breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for St. Bernard, Bernese Mountain Dog, and Leonberger. How are they classified internationally?
Not recognized by FCI. Recognized by FCI in the Pinscher and Schnauzer - Molossoid and Swiss Mountain and Cattledogs group, in the Swiss Mountain- and Cattledogs section. Recognized by FCI in the Pinscher and Schnauzer - Molossoid and Swiss Mountain and Cattledogs group, in the Molossian type section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of St. Bernard, Bernese Mountain Dog, and Leonberger. Which has most recognition?
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
Canadian Canine Registry
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club

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