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Saint Bernard vs English Bulldog

Discover the differences between Saint Bernard and English Bulldog to make the best choice for your situation.

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Saint Bernard
Switzerland

Saint Bernard

Working Group
Large

Gentle, massive, and incredibly patient, this breed thrives as a loyal family companion. Famous for its rescue history, it brings warmth and calm to any home.

English Bulldog
England

English Bulldog

Non-Sporting Group
Medium

Stocky, courageous, and affectionate, this breed charms with its wrinkled face and calm nature. Loyal and gentle, it thrives as a loving family companion.

Quick comparison

Size:

Large

Male:

64–82 kg

Coat:

Dense double coat, straight or slightly wavy

Lifespan:

8–10 years

Female:

54–72 kg

Energy:

Low activity needs

Size:

Medium

Male:

23–25 kg

Coat:

Short, smooth

Lifespan:

8–10 years

Female:

18–23 kg

Energy:

Low activity needs

Personality & behavior

Compare the personality traits and behavioral characteristics of both breeds.

Saint Bernard

Friendliness
5/5

Gentle and welcoming with family and strangers

Intelligence
4/5

Learns commands with patience and consistency

Energy Level
2/5

Prefers calm activities over vigorous exercise

Playfulness
3/5

Enjoys interactive play but not overly boisterous

Adaptability
4/5

Adjusts well to different home environments

English Bulldog

Friendliness
5/5

Affectionate and gentle with family and children

Intelligence
3/5

Learns basic commands with some patience

Energy Level
2/5

Prefers lounging over vigorous physical activity

Playfulness
3/5

Enjoys play but tires fairly quickly

Adaptability
4/5

Adjusts well to most living environments

Care needs

Exercise, grooming, and daily care requirements

Saint Bernard

Grooming:
Average grooming needed (2–3 times weekly)
Exercise:
60–90 minutes daily
Shedding:
Heavy shedding
Trainability:
Learns with consistency
Climate tolerance:
Tolerates cold well, Struggles with heat
Health concerns:

Hip dysplasia, bloat

English Bulldog

Grooming:
Minimal grooming needed (weekly)
Exercise:
20–40 minutes daily
Shedding:
Light shedding
Trainability:
Learns with consistency
Climate tolerance:
Struggles with heat
Health concerns:

Brachycephalic syndrome, skin fold infections

Suitability

How well each breed fits different living situations and families

Saint Bernard

First-time Owner
3/5

Manageable with guidance

Needs patient training and large-breed management experience

Apartment Living
2/5

Not ideal

Large size and exercise needs make small spaces challenging

Active Lifestyle
3/5

Moderately suitable

Enjoys activity but prefers moderate exercise over intense workouts

Kids
5/5

Great choice

Gentle, patient temperament is well-suited for young children

Multiple Pets
4/5

Generally compatible

Usually sociable but may be overwhelming for smaller pets

Being Left Alone
1/5

Not recommended

Dislikes being alone and prone to separation anxiety

English Bulldog

First-time Owner
4/5

Good option

Easygoing, low-maintenance nature suits owners with limited dog experience

Apartment Living
5/5

Excellent fit

Moderate exercise needs and calm demeanor work well in small living spaces

Active Lifestyle
2/5

Not ideal

Low stamina and breathing issues make them unsuited for high-activity lifestyles

Kids
5/5

Very suitable

Gentle, patient, and tolerant with young children when properly socialized

Multiple Pets
4/5

Usually compatible

Generally sociable but may need guidance with other pets, especially dogs

Being Left Alone
1/5

Not recommended

They struggle with long periods alone and are prone to separation anxiety

Breed strengths

What each breed excels at and their best qualities

Saint Bernard

  • Gentle and patient with children
  • Highly loyal to their family
  • Calm and tolerant temperament
  • Strong instinct to protect home
  • Tolerant of cold weather conditions

English Bulldog

  • Affectionate with family members
  • Generally good with children
  • Low exercise requirements
  • Minimal grooming needs
  • Adaptable to apartment living

Challenges & considerations

Potential challenges and considerations for each breed

Saint Bernard

  • Prone to excessive drooling
  • High risk of hip and elbow dysplasia
  • Shorter average lifespan than many breeds
  • Needs ample space due to large size
  • Can be difficult to train due to stubbornness

English Bulldog

  • Prone to respiratory problems
  • High risk of overheating
  • Susceptible to skin infections
  • Can be stubborn during training
  • Tends to drool frequently

Ready to choose your perfect breed?

Learn more about each breed or compare other breeds to find the perfect match for your lifestyle.

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