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Saint Bernard vs French Bulldog

Discover the differences between Saint Bernard and French 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.

French Bulldog
France

French Bulldog

Non-Sporting Group
Small

Compact, playful, and affectionate, this breed charms with its expressive face and easygoing personality. Ideal for city living, French Bulldogs make steadfast companions and loving family pets.

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:

Small

Male:

9–13 kg

Coat:

Short, smooth

Lifespan:

10–12 years

Female:

8–12 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

French Bulldog

Friendliness
5/5

Affectionate with people and enjoys companionship

Intelligence
4/5

Learns routines quickly but can be stubborn

Energy Level
2/5

Prefers short play sessions and moderate walks

Playfulness
4/5

Enjoys interactive games and gentle roughhousing

Adaptability
5/5

Comfortable in apartments and various 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

French Bulldog

Grooming:
Minimal grooming needed (weekly)
Exercise:
30–45 minutes daily
Shedding:
Light shedding
Trainability:
Learns with consistency
Climate tolerance:
Struggles with heat
Health concerns:

Brachycephalic syndrome, skin allergies

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

French Bulldog

First-time Owner
5/5

Great choice

Easygoing temperament and manageable size suit first-time owners well

Apartment Living
5/5

Perfect fit

Quiet and compact, they adapt well to small apartments

Active Lifestyle
2/5

Not ideal

They tire quickly and don’t match very active lifestyles

Kids
5/5

Highly suitable

Gentle and playful, they are patient with young children

Multiple Pets
4/5

Very friendly

Generally sociable and get along with other pets if introduced properly

Being Left Alone
2/5

Prone to anxiety

They dislike being left alone for long periods and may develop separation issues

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

French Bulldog

  • Affectionate with families and children
  • Adaptable to apartment living
  • Minimal grooming requirements
  • Generally quiet and not prone to barking
  • Strong loyalty to owners

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

French Bulldog

  • Prone to breathing difficulties due to flat face
  • Sensitive to extreme heat and cold
  • May develop separation anxiety
  • Stubborn during training sessions
  • High risk of obesity without portion control

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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