Saint BernardVSNewfoundland
The Saint Bernard and Newfoundland are two of the most beloved gentle giants — both famously patient, affectionate, and wonderful with families. Their key differences lie in coat care, drool levels, and water affinity.
Last reviewed: June 2026
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Category | Saint Bernard | Newfoundland |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 120–180 lbs, 26–30 in | 100–150 lbs, 26–28 in |
| Energy Level | Low–Moderate | ✓Moderate |
| Shedding | ✓Heavy | Very Heavy |
| Trainability | Good | ✓Very Good |
| Good With Kids | Excellent | Excellent |
| Apartment Friendly | Poor | Poor |
| Average Lifespan | 8–10 years | 9–10 years |
| Monthly Cost (est.) | $250–$450 | ✓$230–$420 |
✓ indicates advantage in this category. Tie = comparable.
Which Breed Is Right for You?
Choose a Saint Bernard if…
Families with space wanting the ultimate mountain rescue dog — calm, devoted, and iconic in appearance.
Choose a Newfoundland if…
Families wanting an excellent swimmer and water rescue dog with slightly better trainability and less drooling.
Grooming & Shedding
Saint Bernards have a thick double coat — short or long variety — that sheds heavily, particularly during seasonal blowouts. Long-coated Saints need brushing three to four times weekly; short-coated varieties need weekly brushing. Their size makes grooming sessions a considerable physical undertaking. Newfoundlands have a dense, water-resistant double coat that sheds very heavily and needs brushing several times per week, plus professional grooming every two to three months to manage the volume of fur. Both are extreme shedders — neither suits allergy-sensitive households or those unprepared for significant fur management.
Temperament & Family Compatibility
Both breeds are iconic gentle giants renowned for their extraordinary patience and affection with children. Saint Bernards are calm and devoted, suited to relaxed family life in a home with space for their enormous frame. Newfoundlands are slightly more active and have a natural instinct for water rescue — their swimming ability and cooperative nature make them uniquely suited to families near water. Both breeds are sociable with strangers, non-aggressive, and excellent multi-pet household companions. The choice comes down to preferred size, drool tolerance, and water affinity.
Compare pet insurance for Saint Bernard and Newfoundland
Both breeds have different health profiles — find the right coverage level before your first vet visit.
Compare Pet Insurance QuotesFrequently Asked Questions
Which drools more?
Saint Bernards are legendary droolers — their loose jowls produce significant saliva that gets flung onto walls, furniture, and guests. Newfoundlands also drool but generally less dramatically. If drooling is a dealbreaker, neither breed is suitable, but Newfoundlands are somewhat more manageable.
Which is better in water?
Newfoundlands are exceptional water dogs — they were bred for water rescue with webbed feet, water-resistant double coats, and a natural swimming instinct. They have historically rescued drowning sailors. Saint Bernards are mountain dogs with no particular water affinity.
Which is cheaper to own?
Both breeds are expensive due to their giant size — food, medications, equipment, and veterinary care all scale with weight. Saint Bernards are very slightly more expensive due to their larger average size. Both require budgeting for potential gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat) emergency surgery, which can cost thousands.
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