Saint Bernard vs Poodle
Discover the differences between Saint Bernard and Poodle to make the best choice for your situation.
Try different breeds
Saint Bernard
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.
Poodle
Elegant, intelligent, and highly trainable, this breed stands out for its lively spirit and loyal companionship. Their hypoallergenic coat and playful personality make them ideal family pets.
Quick comparison
Large
64–82 kg
Dense double coat, straight or slightly wavy
8–10 years
54–72 kg
Low activity needs
Medium
20–32 kg
Curly, dense
12–15 years
18–27 kg
High energy
Personality & behavior
Compare the personality traits and behavioral characteristics of both breeds.
Saint Bernard
Gentle and welcoming with family and strangers
Learns commands with patience and consistency
Prefers calm activities over vigorous exercise
Enjoys interactive play but not overly boisterous
Adjusts well to different home environments
Poodle
Warm and sociable with family and guests
Highly intelligent and quick to learn commands
Needs regular activity and enjoys exercise
Loves games and interactive playtime
Easily adjusts to new environments and routines
Care needs
Exercise, grooming, and daily care requirements
Saint Bernard
Hip dysplasia, bloat
Poodle
Hip dysplasia, Addison’s disease
Suitability
How well each breed fits different living situations and families
Saint Bernard
Manageable with guidance
Needs patient training and large-breed management experience
Not ideal
Large size and exercise needs make small spaces challenging
Moderately suitable
Enjoys activity but prefers moderate exercise over intense workouts
Great choice
Gentle, patient temperament is well-suited for young children
Generally compatible
Usually sociable but may be overwhelming for smaller pets
Not recommended
Dislikes being alone and prone to separation anxiety
Poodle
Great choice
Intelligent and eager to please, Poodles are easy for beginners to train and manage.
Highly suitable
Poodles adapt well to apartment life if given daily exercise and mental stimulation.
Perfect fit
Their energy and love for activity make them great companions for active households.
Very friendly
Poodles are gentle and patient with children when socialized from a young age.
Gets along well
Poodles usually coexist peacefully with other pets, especially if socialized early.
Prone to anxiety
Poodles can develop separation anxiety if left alone for long periods regularly.
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
Poodle
- Highly intelligent and easy to train
- Hypoallergenic coat reduces shedding
- Strong bond with family members
- Adaptable to various living environments
- Excellent performance in canine sports
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
Poodle
- Requires regular professional grooming
- Prone to separation anxiety if left alone
- Needs daily mental and physical stimulation
- Can be reserved with unfamiliar people
- Susceptible to certain genetic health issues
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