Mastiff vs Saint Bernard

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

Quick Summary

Below are a few quick comparisons between the two breeds.
  • Owner Experience - The Saint Bernard is an okay choice for new or inexperienced owners, but the Mastiff is not recommended for new owners.
  • Children - Both the Mastiff and Saint Bernard are great with children.
  • Grooming - The Mastiff is easier to groom than the Saint Bernard.
  • Barking - The Mastiff has an average tendency to bark. The Saint Bernard will rarely bark.
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Mastiff vs Saint Bernard
Fawn Mastiff
White & Orange Saint Bernard
Breed NameMastiffSaint Bernard
General Details
Breed TypePurebredPurebred
Is Hypo­allergenicNoNo
Lifespan6-10 yrs.8-10 yrs.
Height27-32 in.25½-27½ in.
Weight120-220 lb110-200 lb
IntelligenceBelow AverageAverage
History
Origin CountryChina (Tibet)Switzerland
Origin Year700 BC1695 AD
Temperament
Overall FriendlinessVery GoodVery Good
Family FriendlyVery GoodVery Good
Kid FriendlyVery GoodVery Good
Pet FriendlyBelow AverageVery Good
Stranger FriendlyBelow AverageVery Good
Personality
  • Affectionate
  • Loving
  • Likes To Snuggle
  • Willing To Please
  • Protective
  • Affectionate
  • Loving
  • Likes To Snuggle
  • Stubborn
  • Willing To Please
Living Environment
ApartmentYesYes
IndoorYesYes
Small YardYesYes
Medium YardYesYes
Large YardYesYes
Temperature Tolerance ¹30°F to 80°F20°F to 85°F
Barks/HowlsBelow AverageRarely
Exercise Needs
Energy LevelMediumLow
Exercise RequiredMediumLow-Medium
Top Running Speed24 mph20 mph
StrengthVery HighVery High
Grooming Needs
Coat Main­tenanceMediumMedium
SheddingMediumMedium
DanderMediumMedium
Drool AmountHighHigh

¹This is estimated min/max temperature range for a healthy adult dog. Dogs that live indoors, puppies, seniors, unwell dogs, and/or dogs with improperly groomed coats may overheat sooner and get cold more quickly.
Instincts & Behavior Comparison
Breed NameMastiffSaint Bernard
Breed Mentality
Dominant/AlphaNoNo
Family/PackYesYes
IndependentNoNo
Breed Focus
Distracted EasilyNoNo
AverageYesYes
Focused & PatientNoNo
Breed Instincts
AggressionBelow AverageBelow Average
Burrow/DiggingBelow AverageVery Low
ChasingBelow AverageBelow Average
Follow CommandsBelow AverageBelow Average
FightingAverageBelow Average
GuardingAverageBelow Average
HerdingBelow AverageAverage
HuntingBelow AverageBelow Average
ProtectionHighBelow Average
Remove VerminVery LowBelow Average
SleddingAverageHigh
WatchAverageBelow Average
Health Comparison
Breed NameMastiffSaint Bernard
Lifespan
Lifespan6-10 yrs.8-10 yrs.
Common Health Issues
AllergiesNoYes
BloatYesYes
CancerYesNo
CataractsNoYes
CystinuriaYesNo
Dilated CardiomyopathyNoYes
Elbow DysplasiaNoYes
EntropionNoYes
EpilepsyNoYes
Hip DysplasiaYesYes
Progressive Retinal AtrophyYesNo
SeizuresYesNo
Appearance Comparison
Breed NameMastiffSaint Bernard
Coat
FurYesYes
Coat Type
Double CoatYesYes
Coat Texture
StraightYesYes
RoughNoYes
Coat Length(s)
ShortYesNo
MediumNoYes
Coat Color(s)
ApricotYesNo
BrindleYesNo
FawnYesNo
Brindle GrizzleNoYes
Brown & WhiteNoYes
Mahogany & WhiteNoYes
Orange & WhiteNoYes
Red & WhiteNoYes
Rust & WhiteNoYes
White & BrownNoYes
White & OrangeNoYes
White & RedNoYes