Is the Landseer or the Saint Bernard better for families with children?

Both the Landseer and the Saint Bernard are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.

Which sheds more, the Landseer or the Saint Bernard?

The Landseer and Saint Bernard shed a similar amount (very high).

Which is easier to train, the Landseer or the Saint Bernard?

The Landseer is generally the easier of the two to train, making it a better pick for less experienced owners.

Is Landseer or Saint Bernard bigger?

Landseer and Saint Bernard are a similar size (Giant).

Which barks more, Landseer or Saint Bernard?

Both bark a similar amount (low).

Which is better for apartment living, Landseer or Saint Bernard?

For apartment or apartment living, Landseer and Saint Bernard are an even match — either can work well.

Landseer vs Saint Bernard: Which Needs Less Grooming?

Landseer vs Saint Bernard: full comparison

Trait	Landseer	Saint Bernard
Size	Giant	Giant
Energy level	Low	Low
Trainability	High	Medium
Friendliness	Very High	Very High
Good with children	Very High	Very High
Grooming needs	Very High	High
Shedding	Very High	Very High
Barking	Low	Low
Protectiveness	Low	Medium
Adaptability	Medium	Low
Typical lifespan	10 years	8 years
Hypoallergenic	No	No

Size and living space

The Landseer is a giant breed that needs a spacious home — its size alone means more room, a bigger car and higher food costs. By comparison, the Saint Bernard is a giant breed that needs a spacious home — its size alone means more room, a bigger car and higher food costs. Because they are a similar size, neither has a clear space advantage — both will suit the same kind of home.

Exercise and energy needs

The Landseer does well on one steady walk a day plus a little play. The Saint Bernard does well on one steady walk a day plus a little play. Their exercise needs are broadly the same, so this is unlikely to be a deciding factor.

Grooming and shedding

The Landseer is high-maintenance to groom, needing regular professional grooming and daily brushing and drops hair heavily in every season. The Saint Bernard needs frequent grooming and benefits from professional trims and drops hair heavily in every season. If low upkeep matters to you, factor this in — the difference adds up over a dog's lifetime.

Temperament, training and family life

The Landseer takes to training fast and works willingly, keeps fairly quiet, barking occasionally and is renowned for its patience and gentleness with children. The Saint Bernard picks things up at a fair pace with steady practice, keeps fairly quiet, barking occasionally and is renowned for its patience and gentleness with children. On guarding instinct, Landseer shows limited protectiveness and is friendly to callers, whereas Saint Bernard announces visitors but stops short of guarding.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, Landseer and Saint Bernard are an even match — either can work well.
For families with young children, Landseer and Saint Bernard are an even match — either can work well.
For first-time dog owners, Landseer has the edge, as it is easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
For being left alone during the workday, Landseer and Saint Bernard are an even match — either can work well.
For allergy sufferers, Landseer and Saint Bernard are an even match — either can work well.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Landseer if you want a longer-lived breed, you want an easier dog to train, or you want a more adaptable dog.

Choose the Saint Bernard if you want a more protective, watchful guardian or you prefer lower grooming upkeep.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Landseer or the Saint Bernard better for families with children?: Both the Landseer and the Saint Bernard are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
Which sheds more, the Landseer or the Saint Bernard?: The Landseer and Saint Bernard shed a similar amount (very high).
Which is easier to train, the Landseer or the Saint Bernard?: The Landseer is generally the easier of the two to train, making it a better pick for less experienced owners.
Is Landseer or Saint Bernard bigger?: Landseer and Saint Bernard are a similar size (Giant).
Which barks more, Landseer or Saint Bernard?: Both bark a similar amount (low).
Which is better for apartment living, Landseer or Saint Bernard?: For apartment or apartment living, Landseer and Saint Bernard are an even match — either can work well.

Landseer vs Saint Bernard