Compare

Newfoundland vs Saint Bernard

Two giant, gentle, cold-weather breeds that drool; the Newfoundland has the heavier coat and loves water, the Saint Bernard is bulkier.

Newfoundland profileSaint Bernard profile

Verdict

The Newfoundland and the Saint Bernard are giant, patient family dogs built for cold, with low energy, quiet voices and a tolerance for drool that owners must share. Both need space, struggle in hot weather and do poorly in small apartments.

The Newfoundland is the heavier shedder and has the more demanding coat, which brings a damp, hairy house, and it earns the top score with children. It loves water and does best near safe swimming. The Saint Bernard is the bulkier dog, at up to 180 pounds, with a lighter coat load and a big food bill. It is friendly and calm, and its profile says it also rates well with families.

Choose the Newfoundland if

  • You have children and want a sweet, devoted giant
  • You live near safe water
  • You can handle heavy shedding and regular brushing
  • You accept a damp, hairy house

Choose the Saint Bernard if

  • You want a heavier, friendly giant with somewhat less coat work
  • Your climate is cool
  • You can handle a dog of up to 180 pounds
  • You accept drool and a short lifespan

Side by side

Newfoundland Saint Bernard
AKC group Working Group Working Group
Size class Large Large
Typical weight 100 to 150 lb 120 to 180 lb
Height 26 to 28 in at the shoulder 26 to 30 in at the shoulder
Typical lifespan 9 to 10 years 8 to 10 years
AKC popularity, 2025 46 of 202 63 of 202
Shedding Very heavy Heavy
Grooming needs High Moderate
Energy Low to moderate Low to moderate
Trainability Average Average
Barking Rarely barks Rarely barks
With children Excellent Very good
Apartment living Poor Fair
First-time owners Manageable Manageable
Heat tolerance Poor Poor
Cold tolerance Excellent Excellent
Temperament
  • sweet
  • patient
  • gentle
  • devoted
  • friendly
  • calm
  • patient
  • gentle
Health concerns to know about
  • subvalvular aortic stenosis
  • hip and elbow dysplasia
  • cystinuria
  • bloat
  • cruciate ligament injury
  • hip and elbow dysplasia
  • bloat
  • heart disease including dilated cardiomyopathy
  • eyelid conditions
  • bone cancer
Suits
  • families with space
  • owners near safe water
  • people who tolerate drool and shedding
  • families with space
  • owners in cool climates
  • people who accept drool and a short lifespan

Facts and ratings come from each breed's profile. They describe a breed as a whole, and individual dogs vary, so meet the dog before you choose.

Last reviewed November 8, 2026

In the index now