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

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

Which sheds more, the Leonberger or the Saint Bernard?

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

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

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

Is Leonberger or Saint Bernard bigger?

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

Which barks more, Leonberger or Saint Bernard?

Both bark a similar amount (low).

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

For apartment or apartment living, Saint Bernard has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Leonberger vs Saint Bernard: Which Needs Less Grooming?

Leonberger vs Saint Bernard: full comparison

Trait	Leonberger	Saint Bernard
Size	Giant	Giant
Energy level	Medium	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	Medium	Medium
Adaptability	Medium	Low
Typical lifespan	9 years	8 years
Hypoallergenic	No	No

Size and living space

The Leonberger is a giant breed that requires real space: bigger rooms, a bigger car and a bigger food budget. By comparison, the Saint Bernard is a giant breed that requires real space: bigger rooms, a bigger car and a bigger food budget. 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 Leonberger wants a decent walk or two each day and some playtime. The Saint Bernard does well on one steady walk a day plus a little play. If you have a busy schedule, the lower-energy of the two will be easier to keep satisfied; if you are active and want a dog to keep up, the higher-energy breed is the better match.

Grooming and shedding

The Leonberger is a serious grooming commitment, with daily brushing and regular salon visits and sheds heavily year-round and needs frequent vacuuming to keep up. The Saint Bernard requires frequent brushing and regular professional trims and sheds heavily year-round and needs frequent vacuuming to keep up. If low upkeep matters to you, factor this in — the difference adds up over a dog's lifetime.

Temperament, training and family life

The Leonberger takes to training fast and works willingly, keeps fairly quiet, barking occasionally and has a reputation for being wonderfully tolerant with kids. The Saint Bernard picks things up at a fair pace with steady practice, keeps fairly quiet, barking occasionally and has a reputation for being wonderfully tolerant with kids. On guarding instinct, Leonberger will let you know someone is at the door without being aggressive, whereas Saint Bernard will let you know someone is at the door without being aggressive.

Which is better for…

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

Which should you choose?

Choose the Leonberger if you want an easier dog to train, you want a more adaptable dog, or you want a more energetic partner for sport and adventure.

Choose the Saint Bernard if you want a calmer, lower-energy companion or you prefer lower grooming upkeep.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Leonberger or the Saint Bernard better for families with children?: Both the Leonberger and the Saint Bernard are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
Which sheds more, the Leonberger or the Saint Bernard?: The Leonberger and Saint Bernard shed a similar amount (very high).
Which is easier to train, the Leonberger or the Saint Bernard?: The Leonberger is generally the easier of the two to train, making it a better pick for less experienced owners.
Is Leonberger or Saint Bernard bigger?: Leonberger and Saint Bernard are a similar size (Giant).
Which barks more, Leonberger or Saint Bernard?: Both bark a similar amount (low).
Which is better for apartment living, Leonberger or Saint Bernard?: For apartment or apartment living, Saint Bernard has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Leonberger vs Saint Bernard