Great Dane VS Saint Bernard
A detailed side-by-side comparison to help you choose between these two popular breeds.
Quick Comparison
| Trait | Great Dane | Saint Bernard |
|---|---|---|
| Lifespan | 7–10 yrs | 8–10 yrs |
| Weight | 110–175 lbs | 120–180 lbs |
| Height | 28–32" | 26–30" |
| Price | $1000–$2500 | $1000–$2000 |
| AKC Rank | #19 | #43 |
| Group | Working | Working |
| Size | Giant | Giant |
Rating Comparison
Detailed Comparison
Hunting wild boar, one of the most dangerous game animals in Europe, requiring a dog with size, strength, courage, and speed.. Locating and rescuing travelers lost or buried in snow and avalanches at the treacherous Great St. Bernard Pass between Switzerland and Italy.. Both breeds remain popular in 2026, but they offer very different ownership experiences.
Size and Appearance
At 110–175 lbs and 28–32" tall, the Great Dane is a giant-sized dog. The Saint Bernard stands 26–30" and weighs 120–180 lbs (giant size). This difference matters for living space, transportation, and physical handling.
Temperament
The Great Dane brings energy (3/5), trainability (3/5), and a kid-friendliness score of 4/5. The Saint Bernard offers energy (2/5), trainability (3/5), and kid-friendliness of 5/5. Surprisingly sensitive and emotionally attuned for such a massive dog; Great Danes are people-pleasers who wilt under harsh treatment or raised voices. Exceptionally gentle and tolerant with a calm, almost philosophical outlook on life; rarely aggressive and approaches most situations with serene equanimity.
Health and Lifespan
Great Dane: 7–10 years, watch for Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus. Saint Bernard: 8–10 years, watch for Hip Dysplasia. Both breeds need health-tested parents to minimize genetic risks.
Cost
Initial cost: $1000–$2500 (Great Dane) vs. $1000–$2000 (Saint Bernard). Monthly: ~$291 vs. ~$326. First-year total: ~$5,867 (Great Dane) vs. ~$6,026 (Saint Bernard).
Grooming and Maintenance
Great Dane: short coat, grooming 1/5, shedding 3/5. Saint Bernard: double coat, grooming 3/5, shedding 4/5.
Living Situation
Apartment: 2/5 vs. 1/5. Exercise: 3/5 vs. 2/5. Barking: 3/5 vs. 2/5. Consider these factors carefully if you're in a shared-wall living situation.
The Verdict
Your lifestyle determines which breed is the better fit. Consider your space, schedule, experience level, and what you want from a canine companion.
Great Dane: A giant working breed, 7–10 year lifespan, $1000–$2500. Best for: families with kids, needs space, moderate activity. The Apollo of Dogs, combining majestic size with a gentle, affectionate temperament that makes them one of the best-natured giant breeds.
Saint Bernard: A giant working breed, 8–10 year lifespan, $1000–$2000. Best for: families with kids, needs space, moderate activity. An enormous, drool-producing teddy bear that combines overwhelming affection with a calm, patient demeanor that belies its history as a rugged mountain rescue dog.
Size and Physical Differences
When comparing the Great Dane and Saint Bernard side by side, the physical differences become immediately apparent and play a significant role in determining which breed suits your home environment. The Great Dane weighs 110–175 lbs, while the Saint Bernard comes in at 120–180 lbs. In terms of height, the Great Dane stands 28–32" tall compared to the Saint Bernard at 26–30". These measurements directly impact how much space the dog needs to move comfortably, the size of crate and bed required, and even the cost of food and medication dosing since larger dogs require proportionally more of both.
Lifespan is another critical physical factor - the Great Dane typically lives 7–10 yrs, whereas the Saint Bernard has an expected lifespan of 8–10 yrs. Larger breeds generally have shorter lifespans due to faster cellular aging and greater strain on joints and organs. This difference means a potentially longer commitment with one breed versus the other, affecting everything from total lifetime costs to the emotional timeline of companionship. Consider which lifespan range aligns with your family situation and long-term plans before making a decision between these two breeds.
Temperament and Lifestyle Fit
Beyond physical traits, the temperament profiles of the Great Dane and Saint Bernard reveal which breed integrates more naturally into your daily life. The Great Dane is the higher-energy breed at 3/5 compared to the Saint Bernard's 2/5, meaning it demands more daily exercise and mental stimulation to remain well-behaved. Both breeds are equally trainable at 3/5.
The Great Dane is the more vocal breed with a barking level of 3/5 compared to 2/5, which matters significantly for apartment dwellers or those with noise-sensitive neighbors. Consider which temperament profile aligns with your household dynamics, daily schedule, and activity preferences before choosing between these two breeds.
Cost of Ownership
The initial purchase price differs between these breeds: the Great Dane typically costs $1000–$2500, while the Saint Bernard runs $1000–$2000. However, the purchase price represents only a fraction of the total cost of dog ownership. First-year expenses including supplies, initial veterinary visits, vaccinations, spay or neuter surgery, and early training classes typically add $1,000–$2,500 on top of the acquisition cost regardless of breed. Larger breeds generally incur higher ongoing costs because they consume more food, require larger doses of medications, and need bigger crates, beds, and accessories.
Monthly costs for either breed include food ($30–$100 depending on size and dietary needs), pet insurance ($30–$60), routine grooming ($0–$100 depending on coat type), and miscellaneous supplies. Annual veterinary care adds $300–$800 for healthy dogs, with senior dogs and those with chronic conditions requiring significantly more. Over a full lifespan, total ownership costs for medium to large breeds commonly reach $15,000–$30,000, not including emergency veterinary care. Before deciding between the Great Dane and Saint Bernard, create a realistic budget that accounts for these ongoing expenses to ensure you can provide excellent care throughout the dog's entire life without financial strain.
Hidden costs that prospective owners frequently overlook include professional training classes ($150–$500 for basic obedience), boarding or pet sitting during vacations ($30–$75 per night), dog-proofing your home ($100–$300), and replacement of items damaged during puppyhood. Renters should factor in pet deposits ($200–$500) and monthly pet rent ($25–$75) that many landlords charge. Pet insurance at $30–$60 per month is strongly recommended regardless of which breed you choose, as a single emergency can easily cost $3,000–$8,000. Establishing an emergency veterinary fund alongside insurance provides a financial safety net that prevents care decisions from being driven by budget constraints during your dog's most vulnerable moments.
Which Breed Is Right for You?
Choose the Great Dane if: You are looking for a breed that matches the Great Dane's specific combination of traits and temperament characteristics outlined above. Consider this breed if your living situation, activity level, and experience with dogs align well with what the Great Dane demands. Prospective owners should visit our full Great Dane profile for detailed information on health issues, grooming requirements, training tips, and real ownership costs broken down by category.
Choose the Saint Bernard if: Your lifestyle and preferences align more closely with the Saint Bernard's temperament and physical characteristics. Review the complete Saint Bernard breed profile for in-depth coverage of health, temperament, cost breakdowns, and practical ownership advice. Spending time with both breeds before making a final decision is strongly recommended - attend breed-specific events, connect with local breed clubs, or visit reputable breeders and rescue organizations to interact with dogs of each breed in person.
Still undecided? Use our Dog Age Calculator and Puppy Weight Calculator to understand the growth and aging trajectory for each breed. Browse our expert guides for advice on training, nutrition, health care, and choosing the right breed for your specific situation. The right dog is not simply the most popular or the most attractive breed - it is the one whose daily needs, temperament, and care requirements align with what you can realistically provide over the next decade or more. Take the time to meet dogs of both breeds in person before committing - the investment in research and firsthand experience prevents the heartbreak of rehoming a dog that does not fit your lifestyle.