Breed Comparison
Great Dane vs Saint Bernard
Side-by-side breakdown of shedding, trainability, cost, temperament, and whether either breed suits your lifestyle — with honest UK context.
Great Dane
The gentle giant of the dog world. Surprisingly calm for their size, but their l…
Saint Bernard
The Swiss rescue dog turned house pet. Impossibly large, impossibly gentle, and …
Both are low-energy breeds. Puppy prices: Great Dane £800–£2 000, Saint Bernard £900–£2 000 from UK breeders.
Side-by-side comparison
| Great Dane | Saint Bernard | |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Giant | Giant |
| Weight | 50–90 kg | 64–120 kg |
| Lifespan | 7–10 yrs | 8–10 yrs longer |
| Shedding | Moderate shedding less shed | Heavy shedding |
| Barking | Moderate barker | Quiet quieter |
| Trainability | Moderate | Moderate |
| Good with kids | Yes | Yes |
| Good with cats | Yes | Yes |
| Hypoallergenic | No | No |
| UK puppy price | £800–£2 000 | £900–£2 000 |
| Insurance/month | £60–£130/mo cheaper | £70–£150/mo |
Green highlight = advantage on that trait. Prices are UK averages from reputable KC-registered breeders (2024–25).
Quick verdict
Great Dane
Saint Bernard
Which should you choose?
Both the Great Dane and Saint Bernard have their merits — the right choice depends on your lifestyle, living situation, and what matters most in a dog. Here is an honest breakdown of who each breed suits best.
Choose the Great Dane if…
- Their temperament — gentle, friendly, patient — matches what you are looking for
Choose the Saint Bernard if…
- You live in a flat or terraced house where noise matters
- Longevity matters to you — Saint Bernards tend to live longer
- Their temperament — gentle, friendly, patient — matches what you are looking for
Energy and exercise requirements
Both the Great Dane and Saint Bernard are low-energy breeds, so their daily exercise requirements are broadly similar. Expect 30–45 minutes of activity per day for either breed.
Cost comparison
Buying a Great Dane costs £800–£2 000 from a reputable UK breeder, compared to £900–£2 000 for a Saint Bernard. Insurance is another key variable: Great Danes run £60–£130/mo monthly versus £70–£150/mo for Saint Bernards. Over a dog's lifetime, insurance and food costs typically dwarf the initial purchase price — factor both into your budget.
Which is easier to live with day-to-day?
Both breeds have similar day-to-day demands — low energy and moderate trainability. The practical difference in daily life is minimal on these metrics. Where they diverge is in temperament details, size, and health considerations — factors that matter more over the long term than the headline stats.
The honest summary
These two breeds are closely matched — neither has a clear overall edge. The decision really comes down to which traits matter most in your household.
Both the Great Dane and Saint Bernard can be wonderful dogs in the right hands and the right home. The worst outcome is choosing based on looks or trend alone — make sure their energy level, grooming needs, and temperament fit your life before you commit.
Before you decide
Whatever breed you choose, buy from a reputable breeder who health-tests their breeding stock — not a puppy farm or pet shop. For the Great Dane, check what health testing the relevant breed club recommends (KC Assured Breeders follow minimum health testing requirements). The same applies to the Saint Bernard. A slightly higher purchase price from a responsible breeder is almost always cheaper than the veterinary bills from a poorly-bred dog.
If you're still undecided after reading this comparison, consider meeting dogs of both breeds in person — at a breed club event, through a local rescue, or by contacting a reputable breeder who allows you to meet the parents. Temperament on paper and temperament in the room are not always the same thing. Spend time with both breeds before committing: it's a 10–15 year relationship.