Before getting a puppy, you should be sure that the breed youre doing to buy or rescue is a good fit for your lifestyle and home.
Although these breeds are members of the same breed group, they have some differences and not only similarities so keep reading to learn more.
Great Dane vs Saint Bernard adaptability
When we say “dog adaptability”, most people think about apartment living adaptability, so lets start with that.
All dogs are great — but not all dogs are great for or geared toward apartment living. A dog may be considered the worst dog breed for apartments for a few reasons including size, energy level, noise, smell, shedding…
Saint Bernards have a better reputation as good apartment living dogs than Great Danes.
While most dogs can be left home alone for 6 to 8 hours, some will do better. Check the table below to see how Great Danes and Saint Bernards tolerate being left alone.
To learn more, read our list of dogs that can be left alone.
Depending on where you live, you should choose a dog that tolerates hot or cold weather well.
Great Dane tolerates hot weather better than Saint Bernard.
During warm weather, be sure to provide shade and water and head out in the morning or late evening when its cooler. Also, avoid pavements – if the ground is too hot to touch for your hand for a few seconds, its too hot for paws.
Check our heatstroke article on prevention and symptoms to learn more.
Cold temperatures are not a problem for most dogs until they fall below 45° F, at which point some cold-averse dogs might begin to feel uncomfortable. When temperatures fall below 32° F, owners of small breed dogs, dogs with thin coats, and/or very young, old, or sick dogs should pay close attention to their pet’s well-being.
Once temperatures drop under 20° F, all owners need to be aware that their dogs could potentially develop cold-associated health problems like hypothermia and frostbite.
Saint Bernard tolerates cold weather better than Great Dane.
Great Danes fur is simply not designed for low temperatures, so you might consider getting them some kind of dog wear coat.
The best way to monitor dogs when it’s cold is to keep a close eye on their behavior. If you notice your dog shivering, acting anxious, whining, slowing down, searching out warm locations, or holding up one or more paws, it’s time to head inside.
Our “How Cold Is Too Cold For Dogs?” article has more information on this topic.
| Adaptability | Great Dane | Saint Bernard |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | ||
| Good For Novice Owners | ||
| Sensitivity Level | ||
| Tolerates Being Alone | ||
| Tolerates Cold Weather | ||
| Tolerates Hot Weather |
They are both prone to hip and elbow dysplasia. If, as a puppy, they bound around too much too early or grow too rapidly, it can exacerbate hip and joint problems. This is why you should try to keep their exercise mild and not wild. The right nutrition can help here too.
In the 16th century, they were bred smaller and more slender so that they could be adopted as family pets. So beautiful and charming, he was dressed in jewels and became a chamber dog for wealthy families.
On average, both breeds will eat roughly the same amount. Saint Bernards will consume about four to eight cups of food per day, and Great Danes eat about four to six cups a day, depending on their size. Both of them are prone to becoming overweight, so it is vital that you read the package instructions and do not overfeed them. Unnecessary weight will cause major issues for their joints, cardiac system, and lead to other health conditions.
The average price of a Saint Bernard and Great Dane puppy from a reputable breeder is about the same. At $1,500 for a well-bred pup, it’s a great price to pay in return for a healthy and happy puppy. If you are in the market for a pup instead of a rescue, be sure to read up on backstreet breeders and puppy mills.
The Saint Bernard and the Great Dane are easily identifiable. Apart from being classed as giant dog breeds, they aren’t very similar in appearance. The Saint Bernard has many variations of the traditional Swiss dog colors: black, white, and tan. The Great Dane has seven officially recognized colors: black, blue, fawn, brindle, harlequin, mantle, and merle.
Great Dane vs Saint Bernard trainability
Each dog needs some kind of obedience training, but some of them are easier to train, while others are more stubborn.
Novice owners should probably choose Great Dane over Saint Bernard as they are easier to train and arent very stubborn. Still, you should be patient, and forget – persistence, and consistency are key in successfully training your dog.
This doesnt mean Saint Bernards are untrainable, but you might also consider getting professional help.
| Trainability | Great Dane | Saint Bernard |
| Easy To Train | ||
| Intelligence | ||
| Potential For Mouthiness | ||
| Prey Drive | ||
| Tendency To Bark Or Howl | ||
| Wanderlust Potential |
FAQ
Can Saint Bernards fight?
What dog is bigger than a Saint Bernard?