Golden RetrieverVSSaint Bernard

The Golden Retriever is known for being friendly, intelligent, devoted, while the Saint Bernard is typically described as gentle, friendly, patient. These distinct personality traits mean each breed offers a different kind of companionship.

When it comes to playfulness, the Golden Retriever has the edge with a 5/5 rating compared to the Saint Bernard's 3/5. If you're looking for a dog that's always ready for a game of fetch, the Golden Retriever is your pick.

Noise-wise, the Golden Retriever is more vocal with a barking level of 3/5, while the Saint Bernard is quieter at 2/5. If you prefer a calmer household, the Saint Bernard may be the better choice.

The Golden Retriever is a large breed standing 51–61 cm (20–24 in) tall and weighing 25–34 kg (55–75 lbs). In comparison, the Saint Bernard is a giant breed at 65–90 cm (26–35 in) and 54–82 kg (119–181 lbs).

There's a significant size difference between these two breeds. The Saint Bernard is considerably heavier, which means higher food costs and the need for more physical space. The Golden Retriever's smaller frame makes it easier to handle and transport.

The Golden Retriever has a long coat available in golden, light golden, dark golden, while the Saint Bernard sports a medium coat in red and white, brindle and white. Coat type significantly impacts grooming needs and shedding, which we cover below.

The Golden Retriever has high energy (4/5) with high exercise needs (4/5). The Saint Bernard has low energy (2/5) and low exercise needs (2/5).

The Golden Retriever requires more daily activity to stay happy and healthy. Without enough exercise, they may develop destructive behaviors. The Saint Bernard is more adaptable and can get by with shorter walks and play sessions.

For apartment dwellers, the Golden Retriever is the stronger choice with an apartment-friendliness score of 2/5, compared to the Saint Bernard's 1/5. The Saint Bernard generally does better with access to a yard or larger living space.

When it comes to shedding, the Golden Retriever drops more fur with a shedding level of 5/5, while the Saint Bernard is lighter at 4/5. If pet hair on furniture is a concern, the Saint Bernard will be easier to live with.

The Golden Retriever demands more grooming attention with a score of 4/5, while the Saint Bernard is lower-maintenance at 3/5. The Golden Retriever's long coat requires regular brushing and professional grooming sessions, adding to the overall cost of ownership.

Annual grooming costs average around $200 for the Golden Retriever and $200 for the Saint Bernard. Factor this into your budget when deciding between the two.

The Golden Retriever has a lifespan of 10–12 years, while the Saint Bernard lives 8–10 years. The Golden Retriever tends to live longer on average.

In terms of overall health robustness, the Golden Retriever scores 3/5 compared to the Saint Bernard's 1/5. The Golden Retriever is generally a hardier breed with fewer genetic health concerns.

Common health issues for the Golden Retriever include hip dysplasia, cancer, heart disease, elbow dysplasia. The Saint Bernard is prone to hip dysplasia, bloat, osteosarcoma, dilated cardiomyopathy. Regular vet checkups and health screenings are essential for both breeds.

Annual vet costs average $500 for the Golden Retriever and $700 for the Saint Bernard. Pet insurance is worth considering for either breed.

The Golden Retriever is easier to train with a trainability score of 5/5, making it more suitable for first-time dog owners. The Saint Bernard scores 3/5 and may require more patience and experience during training sessions.

The Golden Retriever ranks higher in intelligence (5/5 vs 3/5), which can be both a blessing and a challenge. Smarter dogs learn commands faster but also get bored more easily and may develop behavioral issues without mental stimulation.

Regardless of which breed you choose, early socialization and consistent positive reinforcement training are key to raising a well-behaved dog. Puppy classes are a great investment for either breed.

Both breeds score 5/5 with children, making them equally suitable for families. Either breed can be a wonderful addition to a household with kids.

If you have other pets, the Golden Retriever tends to get along better with other dogs (5/5) than the Saint Bernard (4/5). Proper introductions are still important, but the Golden Retriever is naturally more sociable with canine companions.

The Golden Retriever is more welcoming to strangers (5/5), while the Saint Bernard tends to be more reserved (4/5). If you frequently have guests, the Golden Retriever's sociable nature will make entertaining easier.

The initial purchase price for a Golden Retriever ranges from $800–$2,500, while a Saint Bernard typically costs $1,000–$3,000. The Saint Bernard is the more expensive breed to purchase.

Ongoing annual costs (food, vet, grooming) come to approximately $1,420 for the Golden Retriever and $2,100 for the Saint Bernard. The Saint Bernard costs more annually, largely because of higher food costs.

Monthly food costs run about $60 for the Golden Retriever and $100 for the Saint Bernard. Over a typical lifespan, the total cost of ownership can differ by thousands of dollars, so it's worth factoring in the long-term financial commitment.