French Bulldog vs Saint Bernard
Side-by-side comparison: temperament, exercise, grooming, health, and cost of ownership.
French Bulldog
A playful, adaptable companion with bat-like ears and a charming personality. French Bulldogs thrive in city apartments and make excellent companions for singles and families alike.
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 French Bulldog if you want more apartment-friendly and less shedding. Choose Saint Bernard if you want better with kids.
Quick Comparison
French Bulldog
Attribute
Saint Bernard
small
Size
giant
8–13 kg (18–29 lbs)
Weight
54–82 kg (119–181 lbs)
28–33 cm (11–13 in)
Height
65–90 cm (26–35 in)
Better10–12 yrs
Lifespan
8–10 yrs
3/5
Trainability
3/5
3/5
Energy
2/5
4/5
Good with Kids
5/5Better
Better2/5
Shedding
4/5
Better1/5
Grooming
3/5
Better5/5
Apartment
1/5
Better2/5
Health
1/5
$1,500–$5,000
Price
$1,000–$3,000Better
Attribute Comparison
Size Differences: French Bulldog vs Saint Bernard
Saint Bernard is the larger breed; French Bulldog is more compact.
French Bulldog
Saint Bernard
Weight (kg)
8–13
vs54–82
Height (cm)
28–33
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 French Bulldog is a small breed at just 8–13 kg (18–29 lbs) and 28–33 cm (11–13 in).
Total Cost of Ownership: French Bulldog and Saint Bernard
French Bulldog is less expensive to own annually.
French Bulldog
Avg. Purchase$3,250
Annual Food$480
Annual Vet$800
Annual Grooming$100
Annual Total$1,380 ✓
Saint Bernard
Avg. Purchase$2,000
Annual Food$1,200
Annual Vet$700
Annual Grooming$200
Annual Total$2,100
The upfront cost gap is substantial. A French Bulldog puppy runs $1,500–$5,000, while a Saint Bernard is $1,000–$3,000.
French Bulldog vs Saint Bernard: Daily Exercise Demands
Both breeds have similar exercise requirements.
French Bulldog
Saint Bernard
Energy Level
3/5
vs2/5
Exercise Needs
2/5
vs2/5
Apartment Friendly
Better5/5
vs1/5
Both breeds share identical exercise needs (2/5) and similar energy levels (French Bulldog: 3/5, Saint Bernard: 2/5). Your daily exercise routine will look the same regardless of which breed you choose — a daily walk and some playtime covers both breeds' needs.
Grooming and Shedding: French Bulldog vs Saint Bernard
Saint Bernard sheds more; French Bulldog is easier to maintain.
French Bulldog
Saint Bernard
Shedding
Better2/5
vs4/5
Grooming Needs
Better1/5
vs3/5
If you hate vacuuming, this matters. The Saint Bernard's 4/5 shedding level means daily fur management is part of life.
Health and Lifespan: French Bulldog vs Saint Bernard
French Bulldog tends to be the healthier breed overall.
French Bulldog
Saint Bernard
Lifespan (years)
Better10–12
vs8–10
Health Robustness
Better2/5
vs1/5
Life expectancy favors the French Bulldog: 10–12 years versus the Saint Bernard's 8–10 years. For many families, those extra years together are a compelling reason to lean toward the French Bulldog.
French Bulldog vs Saint Bernard: Temperament Compared
Saint Bernard is calmer; French Bulldog is more energetic.
French Bulldog
Saint Bernard
Playfulness
Better4/5
vs3/5
Barking Level
2/5
vs2/5
Energy
3/5
vs2/5
French Bulldogs from the Non-Sporting group carry a playful, adaptable and affectionate personality, shaped by their heritage as non-sporting dogs. Saint Bernards, belonging to the Working group, are gentle, friendly and patient — reflecting their own distinct breeding history.
Family Life: French Bulldog vs Saint Bernard
Saint Bernard is better suited for families with children.
French 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.
Training Differences: French Bulldog and Saint Bernard
Both breeds are equally trainable.
French Bulldog
Saint Bernard
Trainability
3/5
vs3/5
Intelligence
3/5
vs3/5
Both breeds score 3/5 for trainability — you'll have a similar experience training either one. Both are moderately responsive and benefit from consistent training sessions.
French Bulldog vs Saint Bernard: Summary and Verdict
The French Bulldog comes out ahead in most categories — it's more apartment-friendly (5/5), less shedding (2/5), better health profile (2/5). If you can meet its low exercise needs and don't mind its quirks, the French Bulldog is the more versatile choice for most households.
Which Breed Is Right for You?
Question 1 of 3
Do you have children at home?
The Verdict
The French Bulldog and Saint Bernard are both popular breeds, but they suit different lifestyles. The key differences: Saint Bernard sheds considerably more, French Bulldog is considerably better suited to apartment living. Annual ownership costs are lower for the French Bulldog by roughly $700/year.
Choose French Bulldog if...
- ✓You live in an apartment or don't have a yard — French Bulldogs adapt much better to smaller spaces (5/5 vs 1/5 apartment rating).
- ✓You hate vacuuming or have allergies — French Bulldogs shed dramatically less (2/5 vs 4/5 shedding score).
- ✓Budget matters to you — French Bulldogs cost roughly $700 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, French Bulldog or Saint Bernard?
The Saint Bernard is generally better with children, scoring 5/5 compared to the French Bulldog's 4/5. The Saint Bernard is one of our top-recommended breeds for families.
Is a French Bulldog or Saint Bernard easier to train?
The French Bulldog is equally easy to train with a score of 3/5, matching the Saint Bernard. The French Bulldog is recommended for first-time owners thanks to its cooperative nature.
Which costs more, a French Bulldog or Saint Bernard?
A French Bulldog puppy costs $1,500–$5,000 while a Saint Bernard costs $1,000–$3,000. Annual maintenance runs about $1,380 for the French Bulldog and $2,100 for the Saint Bernard. The Saint Bernard costs more to maintain annually.
Do French Bulldogs or Saint Bernards live longer?
The French Bulldog lives 10–12 years on average, while the Saint Bernard lives 8–10 years. The French Bulldog generally has a longer lifespan. Proper diet, exercise, and regular vet care help maximize lifespan for either breed.
Can a French Bulldog or Saint Bernard live in an apartment?
The French Bulldog is better suited for apartments (5/5) compared to the Saint Bernard (1/5). The French Bulldog is one of our top picks for apartment living.