St. Bernard vs German Shepherd Comparison – Which dog is better Alpine Mastiff or Alsatian wolf dog?

"Find similarities and differences between St. Bernard vs German Shepherd" Compare St. Bernard and German Shepherd. Which is better: St. Bernard or German Shepherd?

Size and Weight Price and Availability Trainability and Intelligence Personality and Temperament Activity and Playfulness Adaptability and Independence Bite Characteristics Health and Lifespan Energy and Activity Diet and Weight Management Allergies and Grooming Good With As a Working Dog Reproducibility Recognition Show differences only

Name	St. Bernard	German Shepherd
Origins	Switzerland Italy	Germany
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Working Dogs	Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank	48	2
Reviews	9	21
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Common Names & Aliases Compare different names used for St. Bernard and German Shepherd. What other names are these breeds known by?	Alpine Mastiff Bernhardiner St. Barnhardshund St. Bernard Saint	Alsatian wolf dog Berger Allemand Deutscher Schäferhund Schäferhund Alsatian
Breed Classification Compare breed classifications between a St. Bernard and a German Shepherd. Learn about their genetic backgrounds.	Purebred	Purebred

St. Bernard vs German Shepherd Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification Which is bigger: a St. Bernard or a German Shepherd? Compare size differences between these breeds.	Giant	Large
Weight Statistics Compare weight ranges between a St. Bernard and a German Shepherd. Which breed is heavier?	110-200 pounds (50-91 kg)	Male: 66-88 pounds (30-40 kg), Female: 49-71 pounds (22-32 kg)
Average Weight Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?	155 pounds (70.5 kg)	Male: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg)
Height Which is taller, St. Bernard or German Shepherd? Is a St. Bernard taller than a German Shepherd?	25.5-27.5 inches (61-70 cm)	Male: 24-26 inches (60-65 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (55-60 cm)
Average Height Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?	25.5-27.5 inches (65.5 cm)	Male: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (57.5 cm)

St. Bernard vs German Shepherd Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range Compare puppy prices between a St. Bernard and a German Shepherd. Which breed costs more?	$1500-$1800	$800-$2000
Availability Which is easier to get, St. Bernard or German Shepherd?	Very frequent: The St.	Very frequent: The German Shepherd is quite easy to get.

St. Bernard vs German Shepherd Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating Which is smarter: a St. Bernard or a German Shepherd? Compare intelligence rankings and learning abilities.	Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one. See more.	Outstanding: German Shepherd is one of the brightest dog breeds. See more.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Training Difficulty Which is easier to train: a St. Bernard or a German Shepherd? Compare training requirements.	A slightly harder to train than average. See more.	German Shepherd dogs are easy to train. See more.
Least Obedient Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Easy To Train
Watchdog Rating Which makes a better watchdog: a St. Bernard or a German Shepherd? Compare alertness levels.	St. See more.	German Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs. See more.
Territorial Protection Which is more protective: a St. Bernard or a German Shepherd? Compare territorial behaviors.	St. See more.	German Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

St. Bernard vs German Shepherd Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits Compare personalities of a St. Bernard and a German Shepherd. How do their temperaments differ?	Independent Happy Friendly Gentle Going Social Quiet	Curious Alert Courageous Intelligent Confident Obedient Loyal Watchful
Sensitivity Level Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between St. Bernard vs German Shepherd?	Sensitive: St. See more.	Sensitive: German Shepherd dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits. See more.
Most Sensitive Dog Breeds		Less Sensitive Dog Breeds
Affection Level Which is the more affectionate dog breed: St. Bernard vs German Shepherd?	High: St. See more.	High: German Shepherd dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.
Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
Social Needs St. Bernard vs German Shepherd social needs comparison:	St. See more.	German Shepherd dogs need for social interaction is average. See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam Which dog has a greater roaming instinct? What's the difference between St. Bernard vs German Shepherd?	St. See more.	German Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers. See more.
Prey Drive Which dog has a higher prey drive? What's the difference between St. Bernard vs German Shepherd? Which can be better for hunting?	Their prey drive is low. See more.	German Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. See more.
Dog Breeds With Low Prey Drive		Dog Breeds With High Prey Drive

St. Bernard vs German Shepherd Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency Which breed barks more: a St. Bernard or a German Shepherd? Compare vocalization tendencies.	Low: The St. See more.	Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks. See more.
Quiet Dog Breeds That Don't Bark		Dog Breeds That Bark The Most
Playful Nature Which breed is more playful: a St. Bernard or a German Shepherd? Compare play drive and energy.	St. See more.	Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Apartment Adaptability Which is better for apartments: a St. Bernard or a German Shepherd? Compare living space needs.	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 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 German Shepherd indoors.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

St. Bernard vs German Shepherd Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability Which adapts better to changes: a St. Bernard or a German Shepherd? Compare adaptability levels.	St.	German Shepherd dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance Which dog can be left alone: St. Bernard or German Shepherd?	St.	Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.

St. Bernard vs German Shepherd Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment Which has lower bite risk: a St. Bernard or a German Shepherd? Compare biting tendencies.	Moderate ⏺ The St.	High 🔼 The German Shepherd has a high chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency Which is more mouthy: a St. Bernard or a German Shepherd? Compare mouthing behaviors.	St. See more.	German Shepherd dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. See more.
Bite Strength Rating Which has a stronger bite: a St. Bernard or a German Shepherd? Compare bite force PSI.	Above 400 PSI 🔼 St.	Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.
Dog Breeds With The Lowest Bite Force		Dog Breeds With the Strongest Bite Force

St. Bernard vs German Shepherd Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan Which lives longer: a St. Bernard or a German Shepherd? Compare average lifespans.	8-10 years The average lifespan of St.	9-13 years The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Climate Tolerance Which handles weather better: a St. Bernard or a German Shepherd? Compare climate tolerances.	Tolerates warm and cold weather Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. See more.	Tolerates warm and cold weather Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. See more.
Health Concerns Compare common health issues between a St. Bernard and a German Shepherd. Which breed is healthier?	Very healthy dog breed.	German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs.
Healthiest Dog Breeds
Vet Care Frequency Which one may need more or less veterinary visits: St. Bernard vs German Shepherd?	Rare The St.	Rare The German Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Longest Living Dog Breeds
Health Problems Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: St. Bernard vs German Shepherd? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? St. Bernard vs German Shepherd health problems comparison:	Cataracts Hip Dysplasia Allergies Bloat Epilepsy Entropion Elbow Dysplasia Dilated Cardiomyopathy	Cataracts Hip Dysplasia Allergies Cancer Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Von Willebrand's Disease Bloat Epilepsy Blindness Cherry Eye Elbow Dysplasia Diabetes Heart Disease Retinal Dysplasia Demodectic Mange Degenerative Myelopathy Wobbler's Syndrome Panosteitis Hemophilia B Megaesophagus Cushing's Syndrome Lens Luxation Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency Chronic Diarrhea Cruciate Ligament Rupture Digestive Problems Hemophilia A Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy Lupus Myasthenia Gravis Nail Bed Disease Osteochondrosis Pannus Paralysis Perianal Fistula Seborrhea Vitiligo

St. Bernard vs German Shepherd Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating Which breed is more energetic: a St. Bernard or a German Shepherd? Compare activity levels.	St.	German Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs.
Low-Energy Dog Breeds		High-Energy Dog Breeds
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need St. Bernard vs German Shepherd exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: St. Bernard or German Shepherd? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?	St.	German Shepherd dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Sleeping Need Which one sleeps the least/most: St. Bernard or German Shepherd?	St.	German Shepherd dogs don't need too much sleep.
Dog Breeds That Sleep A Lot

St. Bernard vs German Shepherd Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency Which gains weight easier: a St. Bernard or a German Shepherd? Compare obesity risks.	Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the St. See more.	Low to Average: The German Shepherd has a low to the average risk for obesity. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity
Food Consumption Which eats more: a St. Bernard or a German Shepherd? Compare daily food needs.	6 to 8 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.	3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot

St. Bernard vs German Shepherd Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness Which is more hypoallergenic: a St. Bernard or a German Shepherd? Compare allergy friendliness.	No See more.	No See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Coat Colors What color variations exist for St. Bernard and German Shepherd? Compare breed colors.	Black Red White Brown Brindle Tricolor	Black Tan Red Silver
Grooming Requirements Which needs more grooming: a St. Bernard or a German Shepherd? Compare maintenance needs.	Average: The St. See more.	Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Drooling Tendency Which drools more: a St. Bernard or a German Shepherd? Compare drooling amounts.	The St. See more.	The German Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.
Stinkiness Rating Which has less odor: a St. Bernard or a German Shepherd? Compare natural smell levels.	High 🔼 The St.	Medium ⏺ The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics How do coats differ between a St. Bernard and a German Shepherd? Compare fur types.	Dense Rough Smooth	Fuzzy
Bathing Needs Which needs more baths: a St. Bernard or a German Shepherd? Compare bathing frequencies.	4-6 weeks Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup. See more.	8-12 weeks Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. See more.
Shedding Level Who sheds more St. Bernard or German Shepherd? Do St. Bernard dogs shed more than German Shepherd dogs?	St. See more.	German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most

St. Bernard vs German Shepherd Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility Which is better with children: a St. Bernard or a German Shepherd? Compare kid-friendliness.	St.	German Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Kid-Friendly Dog Breeds
Pet Compatibility Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?	St.	German Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly Which dog is more stranger friendly St. Bernard or German Shepherd? Which dog is more friendly?	St.	German Shepherd dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Are Aloof With Strangers		Dog Breeds That Are Friendly To Strangers
Cat Friendly Which dog is more cat friendly St. Bernard or German Shepherd?	St.	German Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Breeds That Get Along Well With Cats
Dog Friendly Which dog is more dog friendly St. Bernard or German Shepherd? Can a St. Bernard and a German Shepherd be friends? Do St. Bernard dogs get along with German Shepherd dogs?	St.	German Shepherd dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners Which dog is best for first time owners: St. Bernard vs German Shepherd?	No St.	Yes German Shepherd dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly Which one fits better in the office?	No St.	No German Shepherd is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly Which dog is good for elderly people?	St.	German Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

St. Bernard vs German Shepherd As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability Which makes a better service dog: a St. Bernard or a German Shepherd? Compare service capabilities.	Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. See more.	Yes This breed makes good as a service dog. See more.
Most Popular Service Dog Breeds
Therapy Work Suitability Which is better for therapy work: a St. Bernard or a German Shepherd? Compare therapy capabilities.	Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. See more.	Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. See more.
Therapy Dog Breeds
Scent Detection Ability Which is better at detection work: a St. Bernard or a German Shepherd? Compare scenting abilities.	Not really They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.	Yes After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.
Search & Rescue Potential Which is better for search and rescue: a St. Bernard or a German Shepherd? Compare SAR abilities.	Yes This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.	Yes This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability Which is better on boats: a St. Bernard or a German Shepherd? Compare maritime abilities.	Not really St. See more.	Not really German Shepherd breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.
Draft Work Capability Which is better at pulling: a St. Bernard or a German Shepherd? Compare draft work capabilities.	Yes A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. See more.	Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. See more.
Military Service Background Compare military history between St. Bernard and German Shepherd. Which has stronger military background?	Yes In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs.	Yes In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs.

St. Bernard vs German Shepherd Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size Compare litter sizes between St. Bernard and German Shepherd. Which has larger litters?	6-8 puppies	6-10 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy
Pregnancy Duration Compare pregnancy duration between St. Bernard and German Shepherd breeds.	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency Compare breeding frequencies between St. Bernard and German Shepherd. Which needs longer recovery?	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 German Shepherd Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification Compare AKC classifications of St. Bernard and German Shepherd. Which groups do they belong to?	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885 as a Working breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Herding breed.
FCI Classification Compare FCI classifications of St. Bernard and German Shepherd. Which groups are they in?	Not recognized by FCI.	Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section.
Kennel Club Recognition Compare kennel club recognition between St. Bernard and German Shepherd. Which is more widely recognized?	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 German Shepherd Dog Club Of America

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