Saint Bernard vs Golden Retriever
Compare Saint Bernard and Golden Retriever side by side and get a clear picture of what sets the breeds apart. Explore differences in size, weight, temperament, activity level, and other key traits to more easily decide which breed best fits your lifestyle and circumstances.
Characteristic
Saint Bernard
Golden Retriever
Breed type
Purebred
Purebred
Height
65 – 90 cm
51 – 61 cm
Weight
60 – 100 kg
25 – 34 kg
Life expectancy
8 – 10 years
10 – 12 years
Child friendly
5/5
4/5
Energy level
3/5
3/5
Intelligence
3/5
5/5
Trainability
3/5
5/5
Health
3/5
3/5
Grooming needs
4/5
4/5
Shedding
5/5
5/5
Barking level
3/5
2/5
Aggressiveness
2/5
1/5
Characteristics
Saint Bernard
Great with kids
Giant
Golden Retriever
Great with kids
Super smart
Quiet
Easy to train
Large
Summary
About Saint Bernard
Large, gentle mountain dog developed by Swiss monks for rescue and companionship. Calm and affectionate, especially with children, but very big, drooly, and heavy shedding. Needs moderate exercise, careful joint and health management, and close inclusion in family life.
About Golden Retriever
Friendly, medium‑large retriever with dense, water‑repellent golden coat and soft mouth. Highly trainable, people‑oriented and playful, needing daily inclusion, grooming and 1.5–2 hours of varied exercise. Bred as a gundog, now common as family, assistance and therapy dog.
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