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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?
 
 
 
Name St. Bernard German Shepherd
OriginsSwitzerland flagSwitzerland Italy flagItaly Germany flagGermany
Group Working Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank482
Reviews919
User Ratings

Other Names
What other names do they have?
Alpine Mastiff
Bernhardiner
St. Barnhardshund
St. Bernard
Saint
Alsatian wolf dog
Berger Allemand
Deutscher Schäferhund
Schäferhund
Alsatian
Breed Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? St. Bernard vs German Shepherd breed type comparison:
Purebred Purebred

St. Bernard vs German Shepherd Size and Weight Comparison

Size
Which dog is bigger, St. Bernard or German Shepherd? Is the St. Bernard bigger than the German Shepherd breed? Is a St. Bernard smaller than a German Shepherd?
Giant Large
Weight
Which is heavier, St. Bernard or German Shepherd? St. Bernard vs German Shepherd weight comparison:
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
Which is cheaper, St. Bernard or German Shepherd? Which is more expensive? What is the difference in price between St. Bernard and German Shepherd?
$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

Intelligent Rank
Which dog has more intelligence? Is a St. Bernard or German Shepherd smarter? Which is best? St. Bernard vs German Shepherd intelligence:
Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one.
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Outstanding: German Shepherd is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Trainability
St. Bernard vs German Shepherd trainability comparison. What's the difference between St. Bernard vs German Shepherd?
A slightly harder to train than average.
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German Shepherd dogs are easy to train.
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Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: St. Bernard or German Shepherd?
St.
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German Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog St. Bernard or German Shepherd? Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?
St.
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German Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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St. Bernard vs German Shepherd Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, St. Bernard or German Shepherd? St. Bernard vs German Shepherd behavior/temperament comparison:
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.
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Sensitive: German Shepherd dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: St. Bernard vs German Shepherd?
High: St.
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High: German Shepherd dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Social Needs
St. Bernard vs German Shepherd social needs comparison:
St.
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German Shepherd dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct? What's the difference between St. Bernard vs German Shepherd?
St.
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German Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers.
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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.
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German Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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St. Bernard vs German Shepherd Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness
St. Bernard vs German Shepherd playfulness comparison:
St.
See more.
Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Barking
Which dog barks more/less: St. Bernard vs German Shepherd?
Low: The St.
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Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks.
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Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly St. Bernard or German Shepherd?
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.

St. Bernard vs German Shepherd Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Adaptability
Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog?
St.
German Shepherd dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
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 Force PSI
Which bite is stronger: St. Bernard or German Shepherd?

Above 400 PSI 🔼

St.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.
Biting Potential
Is a St. Bernard more dangerous than a German Shepherd?

Moderate

The St.

High 🔼

The German Shepherd has a high chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness
Which is the better dog? St. Bernard vs German Shepherd mouthiness comparison:
St.
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German Shepherd dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
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St. Bernard vs German Shepherd Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues
St. Bernard vs German Shepherd health comparison. Which is the healthier: St. Bernard vs German Shepherd?
Very healthy dog breed.
German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs.
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
Veterinarian Visits
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).
Life Expectancy
St. Bernard vs German Shepherd lifespan comparison. How long do St. Bernard and German Shepherd breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy? What is the age limit of the St. Bernard and German Shepherd?
8-10 years
The average lifespan of St.
9-13 years
The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years
Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: St. Bernard vs German Shepherd?
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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Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
See more.

St. Bernard vs German Shepherd Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level
Who has more energy a St. Bernard or German Shepherd? St. Bernard vs German Shepherd energy level comparison:
St.
German Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs.
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.

St. Bernard vs German Shepherd Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: St. Bernard or German Shepherd? Does the St. Bernard breed eat more than the German Shepherd breed?
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.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? St. Bernard vs German Shepherd weight gain potential comparison:
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the St.
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Low to Average: The German Shepherd has a low to the average risk for obesity.
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St. Bernard vs German Shepherd Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? St. Bernard vs German Shepherd coat comparison:
Dense
Rough
Smooth
Fuzzy
Colors
What are the original St. Bernard and German Shepherd color? St. Bernard vs German Shepherd color comparison:
Black
Red
White
Brown
Brindle
Tricolor
Black
Tan
Red
Silver
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, St. Bernard or German Shepherd? St. Bernard vs German Shepherd grooming comparison:
Average: The St.
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Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort.
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.
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Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: St. Bernard or German Shepherd?
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.
Hypoallergenic
St. Bernard vs German Shepherd hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?
No See more. No See more.
Stinkiness
Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, St. Bernard or German Shepherd?

High 🔼

The St.

Medium

The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.
Drooling Tendency
Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least? What's the difference between St. Bernard vs German Shepherd?
The St.
See more.
The German Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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St. Bernard vs German Shepherd Good With Comparison

Pet Friendly
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.
Child Friendly
Which dog is more child/kid friendly St. Bernard or German Shepherd?
St.
German Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly St. Bernard or German Shepherd?
St.
German Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards 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
Which one could be a service dog?

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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Therapy Dog
Which one could be a therapy dog: St. Bernard or German Shepherd? Which is better for autism?

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
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Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
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Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Which one could be a detection/sniffer dog?

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 and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Which one could be a search and rescue dog?

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.
Boat and Sailor Dog
Which one could be a boat dog: St. Bernard vs German Shepherd?

Not really

St.
See more.

Not really

German Shepherd breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Which one could be a cart pulling or drafting dog?

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.
Fighting Dog / Military Dog

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

Gestation Length 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Litter Frequency

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
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Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.
Litter Size
How many puppies can St. Bernard and German Shepherd have? St. Bernard vs German Shepherd litter size comparison:
6-8 puppies 6-10 puppies

St. Bernard vs German Shepherd Recognition Comparison

AKC Group
Which dog is recognized by the AKC?
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 Group
Which dog is recognized by the FCI?
Not recognized by FCI. Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section.
Breed Recognition
What other organizations and kennel clubs recognize these dog breeds?
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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