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

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

Which sheds more, the Newfoundland or the Saint Bernard?

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

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

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

Is Newfoundland or Saint Bernard bigger?

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

Which barks more, Newfoundland or Saint Bernard?

Both bark a similar amount (low).

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

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

Newfoundland vs Saint Bernard: Which Needs Less Grooming?

Newfoundland vs Saint Bernard: full comparison

Trait	Newfoundland	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	9 years	8 years
Hypoallergenic	No	No

Size and living space

The Newfoundland is a genuinely giant dog 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 genuinely giant dog 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 Newfoundland needs a modest daily walk and some light play to stay happy. The Saint Bernard needs a modest daily walk and some light play to stay happy. Their exercise needs are broadly the same, so this is unlikely to be a deciding factor.

Grooming and shedding

The Newfoundland demands daily coat care plus professional grooming to stay in shape and drops hair heavily in every season. The Saint Bernard needs plenty of coat work, including trips to a groomer 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 Newfoundland takes to training fast and works willingly, speaks up only now and then and is famously gentle and patient with children. The Saint Bernard picks things up at a fair pace with steady practice, speaks up only now and then and is famously gentle and patient with children. On guarding instinct, Newfoundland is not a natural guard and greets visitors warmly, whereas Saint Bernard will let you know someone is at the door without being aggressive.

Which is better for…

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

Which should you choose?

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

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

Newfoundland vs Saint Bernard