15 Ways A Saint Bernard Is Different From A Great Dane

Choosing between a Great Dane and a Saint Bernard isn’t just a size debate—it’s a lifestyle decision. You’ll meet two giants with different habits and personalities. This breakdown reveals key contrasts through fifteen eye-opening snapshots that could shape your future with a dog the size of a sofa. Ready to meet your match?

Breed Origins 

The Saint Bernard was bred by monks at the Great St. Bernard Hospice in the 17th century to search for stranded travelers caught in blizzards. Great Danes date back to the 16th century in Germany, where they guarded castles and hunted boars. One guarded a king, and the other saved lives during snowstorms.

Energy Levels

Think of a Great Dane as a sprinter. It explodes with energy, often topping 30 mph in brief bursts, then crashes onto the couch. Their bursts can exceed 30 mph in play. Saint Bernards resemble snowplows: steady and hard to rush. If you’re hoping for a jogging partner, only one breed keeps up.

Climate Preference

Saint Bernards power through snow with thick, heat-trapping coats built for alpine survival. Great Danes, on the other hand, struggle in the cold. With their single-layer coats, Danes tend to get cold easily and sunburn more quickly. Climate isn’t a footnote; it’s a dealbreaker.

Watchdog Instinct

GDs were dubbed “Apollo of Dogs” by the AKC because they’re imposing and perceptive. They’ll warn you if a squirrel blinks wrong. On the contrary, Bernies are more diplomatic. A delivery driver might get a tail wag instead of a warning bark from them.

Grooming Needs

Brushing a Saint Bernard is like sweeping a shag rug during shedding season. They can drop enough fur weekly to stuff a pillow. Danes shed, too, but thanks to their close coats, not in massive clumps. Grooming the Saint will take more time.

Drool Drama

Veterinarians rank Saint Bernards in the top three for excessive drooling. After drinking, they shake their heads like wet mops, sending water flying everywhere. If you value clean clothes, a Bernie will test your laundry budget. Well, GDs also have looser lips, but it’s not a faucet.

Life Expectancy

Great Danes have a 37% higher risk of bloat than other large breeds, often requiring urgent surgery to survive. As for Saints, they commonly face elbow dysplasia, a chronic condition that affects their mobility. You need to recognize the signs of these problems to keep each one of them safe.

Body Type

Picture a Great Dane standing at eye level with your countertop. Males reach 32 inches tall. Saints? They don’t stretch upward; they widen. Their mass requires orthopedic beds, wider doorways, and strong joints beneath. Your Bernie may struggle more if your home has narrow halls or slippery floors.

Learning Style

A Dane craves structure and learns through praise. With a steady routine and positive reinforcement, they quickly pick up basic commands. Saint Bernards are brilliant but stubborn. If your patience wears thin during training, you’ll likely repeat “sit,” “stay,” and “no” frequently.

Feeding Requirements

Feeding a Great Dane is expensive and strategic. They need high-protein diets to prevent joint issues and support rapid growth. On the other hand, Saint Bernards require calorie-dense meals but gain weight easily. So, one breed requires specific nutrient intake, and the other needs portion control.

Social Temperament

Bernards earned the nickname “nanny dog” for their famously patient, child-friendly demeanor. Due to their gentle and affectionate nature, they are often great companions for families with children. Danes can be affectionate, too, but they usually form tight bonds with just one or two people.

Barking Behavior

Big Danes bark with purpose and projection, delivering deep, thunderous warnings when they sense change. A sudden noise will get a response. Saints tend to reserve their voice. They are known for barking less frequently than other breeds. Choose based on how much quiet matters to you.

Noise Sensitivity

Great Danes often react sharply to sudden noises. A dropped pan or doorbell can trigger a full-volume response. They’re naturally alert and quick to respond. The Saints? Well, they behave saintly. You’ll see how they stay unfazed by the commotion. Thunder and fireworks might earn a blink.

Play Style

Great Danes love short, spirited bursts of play and often bounce like colts when excited. They’re agile for their size and respond quickly to toys or a game of chase. Bernards prefer slower, deliberate movements. Tug-of-war or lounging in the yard wins over fetch.

Training Motivation

Danes respond best to consistent praise, quick sessions, and clear expectations. They’re eager to please but lose interest with repetition. Quiet Bernies need firmer encouragement and can stall without strong leadership. So, you need to give them good company, direction, and snacks.