Bulldog vs Saint Bernard
Side-by-side comparison: temperament, exercise, grooming, health, and cost of ownership.
Bulldog
The gentle, courageous Bulldog is a beloved symbol of determination. Despite their muscular build, they are calm and friendly companions who prefer lounging on the couch to long hikes.
VS
Saint Bernard
A massive, gentle rescue dog from the Swiss Alps with a heart as big as its body. Saint Bernards are patient, friendly, and wonderful with children despite their enormous size.
Quick Answer
Choose Bulldog if you want more apartment-friendly and less shedding. Choose Saint Bernard if you want easier to train and better with kids.
Quick Comparison
Bulldog
Attribute
Saint Bernard
medium
Size
giant
18–25 kg (40–55 lbs)
Weight
54–82 kg (119–181 lbs)
31–40 cm (12–16 in)
Height
65–90 cm (26–35 in)
8–10 yrs
Lifespan
8–10 yrs
2/5
Trainability
3/5Better
2/5
Energy
2/5
4/5
Good with Kids
5/5Better
Better3/5
Shedding
4/5
Better2/5
Grooming
3/5
Better5/5
Apartment
1/5
1/5
Health
1/5
$1,500–$4,000
Price
$1,000–$3,000Better
Attribute Comparison
Size & Build: Bulldog vs Saint Bernard
Saint Bernard is the larger breed; Bulldog is more compact.
Bulldog
Saint Bernard
Weight (kg)
18–25
vs54–82
Height (cm)
31–40
vs65–90
These two breeds look nothing alike. The Saint Bernard is a giant breed at 54–82 kg (119–181 lbs) and 65–90 cm (26–35 in), while the Bulldog is a medium breed at just 18–25 kg (40–55 lbs) and 31–40 cm (12–16 in).
How Much Exercise Do Bulldogs vs Saint Bernards Need?
Both breeds have similar exercise requirements.
Bulldog
Saint Bernard
Energy Level
2/5
vs2/5
Exercise Needs
2/5
vs2/5
Apartment Friendly
Better5/5
vs1/5
Exercise won't be the deciding factor here — both the Bulldog and Saint Bernard need low daily activity (2/5). Neither breed will overwhelm you with exercise demands.
Cost to Own: Bulldog vs Saint Bernard
Bulldog is less expensive to own annually.
Bulldog
Avg. Purchase$2,750
Annual Food$600
Annual Vet$900
Annual Grooming$100
Annual Total$1,600 ✓
Saint Bernard
Avg. Purchase$2,000
Annual Food$1,200
Annual Vet$700
Annual Grooming$200
Annual Total$2,100
Both breeds cost a similar amount upfront — $1,500–$4,000 for a Bulldog versus $1,000–$3,000 for a Saint Bernard. Where the real cost differences emerge is in ongoing expenses.
Bulldog vs Saint Bernard: Grooming Routine and Shedding
Saint Bernard sheds more; Bulldog is easier to maintain.
Bulldog
Saint Bernard
Shedding
Better3/5
vs4/5
Grooming Needs
Better2/5
vs3/5
The Saint Bernard sheds a bit more (4/5) than the Bulldog (3/5). It's not a night-and-day difference, but if you prefer a cleaner home, the Bulldog has a slight edge.
Training: Bulldog vs Saint Bernard
Saint Bernard is generally easier to train.
Bulldog
Saint Bernard
Trainability
2/5
vs3/5Better
Intelligence
2/5
vs3/5Better
The Saint Bernard has a slight training edge (3/5 vs 2/5). Both respond to positive reinforcement, but the Saint Bernard tends to catch on a bit faster.
Bulldog or Saint Bernard for Your Family?
Saint Bernard is better suited for families with children.
Bulldog
Saint Bernard
Good with Kids
4/5
vs5/5Better
Good with Dogs
3/5
vs4/5Better
Strangers
4/5
vs4/5
The Saint Bernard has a slight edge with children (5/5 vs 4/5). Both breeds can do well in families, but the Saint Bernard's gentle temperament gives it a small advantage around young kids.
Temperament Differences: Bulldog and Saint Bernard
Both breeds have similar temperaments.
Bulldog
Saint Bernard
Playfulness
3/5
vs3/5
Barking Level
2/5
vs2/5
Energy
2/5
vs2/5
The Bulldog and Saint Bernard bring very different personalities to the table. Bulldogs are docile, willful and friendly, while Saint Bernards tend to be gentle, friendly and patient.
Bulldog vs Saint Bernard: Common Health Issues
Both breeds have similar health profiles.
Bulldog
Saint Bernard
Lifespan (years)
8–10
vs8–10
Health Robustness
1/5
vs1/5
Both breeds have comparable lifespans — 8–10 years for the Bulldog and 8–10 years for the Saint Bernard. You can expect a similar length of companionship from either breed, all else being equal.
Summary — Bulldog or Saint Bernard: Which Is Right for You?
Neither breed is objectively "better" — it depends on your priorities. Choose the Bulldog if you value more apartment-friendly (5/5) and less shedding (3/5).
Which Breed Is Right for You?
Question 1 of 3
Do you have children at home?
The Verdict
The Bulldog and Saint Bernard are both popular breeds, but they suit different lifestyles. The key differences: Bulldog is considerably better suited to apartment living. Annual ownership costs are lower for the Bulldog by roughly $500/year.
Choose Bulldog if...
- ✓You live in an apartment or don't have a yard — Bulldogs adapt much better to smaller spaces (5/5 vs 1/5 apartment rating).
- ✓Budget matters to you — Bulldogs cost roughly $500 less per year in food, vet, and grooming.
Choose Saint Bernard if...
- ✓You have other dogs at home — Saint Bernards tend to get along well with other dogs (4/5).
- ✓Their temperament and lifestyle fit aligns better with your situation — use our quiz for a personalized recommendation.
Neither may be right if...
Both breeds have significant health concerns and above-average vet costs. If budget is a constraint, consider looking at breeds with health robustness scores of 4–5/5, such as the Beagle or Australian Cattle Dog.
Looking for more options?
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for families, Bulldog or Saint Bernard?
The Saint Bernard is generally better with children, scoring 5/5 compared to the Bulldog's 4/5. The Saint Bernard is one of our top-recommended breeds for families.
Is a Bulldog or Saint Bernard easier to train?
The Saint Bernard is easier to train, scoring 3/5 versus the Bulldog's 2/5. The Saint Bernard's eagerness to please makes training sessions more productive.
Which costs more, a Bulldog or Saint Bernard?
A Bulldog puppy costs $1,500–$4,000 while a Saint Bernard costs $1,000–$3,000. Annual maintenance runs about $1,600 for the Bulldog and $2,100 for the Saint Bernard. The Saint Bernard costs more to maintain annually.
Do Bulldogs or Saint Bernards live longer?
The Bulldog lives 8–10 years on average, while the Saint Bernard lives 8–10 years. Both breeds have similar lifespans. Proper diet, exercise, and regular vet care help maximize lifespan for either breed.
Can a Bulldog or Saint Bernard live in an apartment?
The Bulldog is better suited for apartments (5/5) compared to the Saint Bernard (1/5). The Bulldog is one of our top picks for apartment living.