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

"Find similarities and differences between German Shepherd vs St. Bernard" Compare German Shepherd and St. Bernard. Which is better: German Shepherd or St. Bernard?
 
 
 
Name German Shepherd St. Bernard
OriginsGermany flagGermany Switzerland flagSwitzerland Italy flagItaly
Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs Working Dogs
Popularity Rank248
Reviews199
User Ratings

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

German Shepherd vs St. Bernard Size and Weight Comparison

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

German Shepherd vs St. Bernard Price and Availability Comparison

Price
Which is cheaper, German Shepherd or St. Bernard? Which is more expensive? What is the difference in price between German Shepherd and St. Bernard?
$800-$2000 $1500-$1800
Availability
Which is easier to get, German Shepherd or St. Bernard?
Very frequent: The German Shepherd is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The St.

German Shepherd vs St. Bernard Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

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

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

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

German Shepherd vs St. Bernard Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Adaptability
Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog?
German Shepherd dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
St.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
Which dog can be left alone: German Shepherd or St. Bernard?
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.
St.

German Shepherd vs St. Bernard Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI
Which bite is stronger: German Shepherd or St. Bernard?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.

Above 400 PSI 🔼

St.
Biting Potential
Is a German Shepherd more dangerous than a St. Bernard?

High 🔼

The German Shepherd has a high chance of biting somebody.

Moderate

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

Health Issues
German Shepherd vs St. Bernard health comparison. Which is the healthier: German Shepherd vs St. Bernard?
German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs.
Very healthy dog breed.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: German Shepherd vs St. Bernard? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? German Shepherd vs St. Bernard health problems comparison:
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
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Bloat
Epilepsy
Entropion
Elbow Dysplasia
Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Veterinarian Visits
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits: German Shepherd vs St. Bernard?
Rare
The German Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Rare
The St.
Life Expectancy
German Shepherd vs St. Bernard lifespan comparison. How long do German Shepherd and St. Bernard breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy? What is the age limit of the German Shepherd and St. Bernard?
9-13 years
The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years
8-10 years
The average lifespan of St.
Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: German Shepherd vs St. Bernard?
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.

German Shepherd vs St. Bernard Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level
Who has more energy a German Shepherd or St. Bernard? German Shepherd vs St. Bernard energy level comparison:
German Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs.
St.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
German Shepherd vs St. Bernard exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: German Shepherd or St. Bernard? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
German Shepherd dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
St.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: German Shepherd or St. Bernard?
German Shepherd dogs don't need too much sleep.
St.

German Shepherd vs St. Bernard Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: German Shepherd or St. Bernard? Does the German Shepherd breed eat more than the St. Bernard breed?
3 to 4 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.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? German Shepherd vs St. Bernard weight gain potential comparison:
Low to Average: The German Shepherd has a low to the average risk for obesity.
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Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the St.
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German Shepherd vs St. Bernard Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? German Shepherd vs St. Bernard coat comparison:
Fuzzy Dense
Rough
Smooth
Colors
What are the original German Shepherd and St. Bernard color? German Shepherd vs St. Bernard color comparison:
Black
Tan
Red
Silver
Black
Red
White
Brown
Brindle
Tricolor
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, German Shepherd or St. Bernard? German Shepherd vs St. Bernard grooming comparison:
Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort.
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Average: The St.
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Shedding Level
Who sheds more German Shepherd or St. Bernard? Do German Shepherd dogs shed more than St. Bernard dogs?
German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders.
See more.
St.
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Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: German Shepherd or St. Bernard?
8-12 weeks
Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
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4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
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Hypoallergenic
German Shepherd vs St. Bernard 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, German Shepherd or St. Bernard?

Medium

The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.

High 🔼

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

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

German Shepherd vs St. Bernard As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog
Which one could be a service dog?

Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
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Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Therapy Dog
Which one could be a therapy dog: German Shepherd or St. Bernard? 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?

Yes

After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.
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: German Shepherd vs St. Bernard?

Not really

German Shepherd breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Not really

St.
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Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Which one could be a cart pulling or drafting dog?

Not really

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

Yes

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

German Shepherd vs St. Bernard 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 German Shepherd and St. Bernard have? German Shepherd vs St. Bernard litter size comparison:
6-10 puppies 6-8 puppies

German Shepherd vs St. Bernard Recognition Comparison

AKC Group
Which dog is recognized by the AKC?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Herding breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885 as a Working breed.
FCI Group
Which dog is recognized by the FCI?
Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section. Not recognized by FCI.
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
German Shepherd Dog Club Of America
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

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