Two giant, gentle working breeds — compare swimming ability, drool factor, lifespan, and family temperament.
Sweet, patient, devoted, gentle
Massive, gentle water rescue dog with an extraordinarily sweet temperament; one of the best large breeds for families but demands exceptional space, coat management, and health commitment.
Full Newfoundland profile →Friendly, patient, gentle, watchful
Iconic giant rescue breed with an exceptionally gentle temperament; one of the best family dogs but requires space, cold climate tolerance, and preparation for a shorter lifespan.
Full Saint Bernard profile →← Scroll to see all columns →
| Trait | Newfoundland | Saint Bernard |
|---|---|---|
| Energy level | Low | Low |
| Grooming needs | Very High | High |
| Training difficulty | Low | Medium |
| Apartment suitability | Very Low | Very Low |
| Kid-friendliness | Very High | Very High |
| Alone-time tolerance | Low | Low |
| Barking tendency | Low | Low |
| Heat sensitivity | Very High | Very High |
| Size class | giant | giant |
Trait levels reflect breed population averages — individual dogs vary. Lead cells indicate a contextual advantage for most owners; interpretations depend on your specific lifestyle.
$2,000 – $5,500 / year
Typical: $3,200/yr
First year: $3,200 – $11,000
Detailed cost estimate →$2,000 – $5,500 / year
Typical: $3,200/yr
First year: $3,200 – $11,000
Detailed cost estimate →US national averages. Does not include emergency vet costs, boarding, or training classes.
One of the gentlest, most patient giant breeds — magnificent with children, but demands exceptional space, grooming time, and heat management.
One of the gentlest giant breeds for families — plan for heavy shedding, drooling, heat intolerance, and an 8–10 year lifespan.
Very common in Newfoundlands. OFA evaluation of parent dogs is essential. Weight management and avoiding high-impact exercise in puppies reduces risk. Consult your vet.
Cardiac SAS is well-documented in Newfoundlands. OFA cardiac examination by a cardiologist is strongly recommended for parent dogs and should be asked of breeders. Consult your vet.
Deep-chested giant breeds have elevated GDV risk. Discuss prophylactic gastropexy and feeding practices with your veterinarian.
A breed-specific urinary condition. DNA testing is available. Consult your vet for guidance specific to your dog.
The breed's size puts extra stress on knee ligaments. Maintain a healthy weight. Consult your vet for guidance specific to your dog.
Very common in giant breeds. OFA screening of parent dogs is essential. Weight management and avoiding high-impact exercise in puppies reduces risk. Consult your vet.
Deep-chested giant breeds have elevated GDV risk. Discuss prevention strategies and prophylactic gastropexy with your veterinarian.
Giant breeds have a significantly elevated risk of bone cancer. Annual wellness exams with attention to lameness or swelling are important. Consult your vet.
The loose facial skin makes eyelid issues common. Surgical correction may be needed. Consult your vet for guidance specific to your dog.
Cervical vertebral instability can affect giant breeds. Watch for unsteady gait. Consult your vet for guidance specific to your dog.
Health information is educational only. Always consult your veterinarian.
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