German Shepherd vs Saint Bernard

Compare the German Shepherd to the Saint Bernard. Use the tool below to compare temperament, size, personality, maintenance requirements, and everything else between German Shepherds and Saint Bernards.

German Shepherd vs Saint Bernard
German Shepherd
Saint Bernard
German Shepherd
Saint Bernard
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General Details
German Shepherd
Saint Bernard
Breed Type
Purebred
Purebred
Allergy Friendly
No
No
Lifespan
10-14 Years
8-10 Years
Height
22-26 Inches
25½-27½ Inches
Weight
75-95 Pounds
110-200 Pounds
Intelligence
Above Average
Average
History
German Shepherd
Saint Bernard
Origin Country
Germany
Switzerland
Origin Year
1899 AD
1695 AD
Temperament
German Shepherd
Saint Bernard
Overall Friendliness
Average
Above Average
Family Friendly
Above Average
Above Average
Child Friendly
Average
Above Average
Pet Friendly
Above Average
Above Average
Stranger Friendly
Below Average
Above Average
Personality
German Shepherd
Saint Bernard
Traits
Affectionate
Loving
Separation Anxiety
Willing to Please
Affectionate
Loving
Snuggle
Stubborn
Willing to Please
Living Environment
German Shepherd
Saint Bernard
Apartment
Yes
Yes
Indoor
Yes
Yes
Small Yard
Yes
Yes
Medium Yard
Yes
Yes
Large Yard
Yes
Yes
Temperature Tolerance
40-85 °F
20-85 °F
Barks/Howls
Average
Below Average
Exercise Needs
German Shepherd
Saint Bernard
Energy Level
High
Low
Exercise Required
High
Low to Medium
Top Running Speed
30 MPH
20 MPH
Strength
High
Very High
Grooming Needs
German Shepherd
Saint Bernard
Coat Maintenance
Medium to High
Medium
Shedding
High
Medium
Dander
High
Medium
Drool
Medium
High
Instincts and Behavior
Breed Mentality
German Shepherd
Saint Bernard
Dominant / Alpha
No
No
Family / Pack
Yes
Yes
Independent
No
No
Breed Focus
German Shepherd
Saint Bernard
Distracted Easy
No
No
Focused & Patient
Yes
No
Breed Instincts
German Shepherd
Saint Bernard
Aggression
Average
None
Burrow / Digging
Below Average
None
Chasing
Below Average
Below Average
Follow Commands
Above Average
Below Average
Fighting
Below Average
Below Average
Guarding
Above Average
Below Average
Herding
Above Average
Average
Hunting
Above Average
Below Average
Protection
Above Average
Below Average
Remove Vermin
Below Average
Below Average
Sled Pulling
Below Average
Above Average
Watch / Guardian
Above Average
Below Average
Health Comparison
Lifespan
German Shepherd
Saint Bernard
Average Lifespan
10-14 Years
8-10 Years
Health Concerns
German Shepherd
Saint Bernard
Common Health Issues
Cushing's syndrome
Bloat
Cancer
Cataracts
Hip dysplasia
Von willebrand's disease
Progressive retinal atrophy
Allergies
Epilepsy
Elbow dysplasia
Demodectic mange
Cherry eye
Lens luxation
Panosteitis
Megaesophagus
Hypertrophic osteodystrophy
Degenerative myelopathy
Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency
Retinal dysplasia
Seborrheic dermatitis
Heart problems
Blindness
Diabetes
Wobbler Syndrome
Osteochondrosis
Cruciate ligament rupture
Pannus
Digestive problems
Lupus
Vitiligo
Paralysis
Perianal fistula
Chronic diarrhea
Nail bed disease
Myasthenia gravis
Hemophilia A
Hemophilia B
Bloat
Entropion
Cataracts
Hip dysplasia
Allergies
Epilepsy
Elbow dysplasia
Dilated cardiomyopathy
Appearance Comparison
Coat
German Shepherd
Saint Bernard
Coat Type
Fur
Fur
Coat Layering
Double
Double
Coat Texture
Straight
Rough
Straight
Coat Length
Short to Medium
Medium
Coat Coloring
German Shepherd
Saint Bernard
Breed Colors
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