Golden Retriever vs Saint Bernard
Side-by-side comparison: temperament, exercise, grooming, health, and cost of ownership.
Golden Retriever
Friendly, reliable, and devoted, the Golden Retriever is one of the most popular family dogs in the world. They are eager to please and excel in obedience, agility, and as therapy dogs.
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 Golden Retriever if you want easier to train and more apartment-friendly. Choose Saint Bernard if you want less shedding.
Quick Comparison
Golden Retriever
Attribute
Saint Bernard
large
Size
giant
25–34 kg (55–75 lbs)
Weight
54–82 kg (119–181 lbs)
51–61 cm (20–24 in)
Height
65–90 cm (26–35 in)
Better10–12 yrs
Lifespan
8–10 yrs
Better5/5
Trainability
3/5
4/5
Energy
2/5
5/5
Good with Kids
5/5
5/5
Shedding
4/5Better
4/5
Grooming
3/5Better
Better2/5
Apartment
1/5
Better3/5
Health
1/5
Better$800–$2,500
Price
$1,000–$3,000
Attribute Comparison
Golden Retriever vs Saint Bernard: Size and Coat
Saint Bernard is the larger breed; Golden Retriever is more compact.
Golden Retriever
Saint Bernard
Weight (kg)
25–34
vs54–82
Height (cm)
51–61
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 Golden Retriever is a large breed at just 25–34 kg (55–75 lbs) and 51–61 cm (20–24 in).
Which Is Healthier — Golden Retriever or Saint Bernard? Health Compared
Golden Retriever tends to be the healthier breed overall.
Golden Retriever
Saint Bernard
Lifespan (years)
Better10–12
vs8–10
Health Robustness
Better3/5
vs1/5
Life expectancy favors the Golden Retriever: 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 Golden Retriever.
Golden Retriever and Saint Bernard Temperament: What to Expect
Saint Bernard is calmer; Golden Retriever is more energetic.
Golden Retriever
Saint Bernard
Playfulness
Better5/5
vs3/5
Barking Level
3/5
vs2/5Better
Energy
4/5
vs2/5
Personality is where these two breeds diverge most visibly. The Golden Retriever — originally from Scotland — has a friendly, intelligent and devoted disposition.
Golden Retriever vs Saint Bernard: Energy and Exercise Compared
Golden Retriever needs more exercise; Saint Bernard is lower-maintenance.
Golden Retriever
Saint Bernard
Energy Level
4/5
vs2/5
Exercise Needs
4/5
vs2/5
Apartment Friendly
Better2/5
vs1/5
If your daily schedule is packed, pay close attention here. The Golden Retriever demands serious physical activity — we're talking 60-90+ minutes of vigorous exercise daily (4/5).
Golden Retriever vs Saint Bernard: Purchase and Lifetime Cost
Golden Retriever is less expensive to own annually.
Golden Retriever
Avg. Purchase$1,650
Annual Food$720
Annual Vet$500
Annual Grooming$200
Annual Total$1,420 ✓
Saint Bernard
Avg. Purchase$2,000
Annual Food$1,200
Annual Vet$700
Annual Grooming$200
Annual Total$2,100
Purchase prices are in the same ballpark: $800–$2,500 for a Golden Retriever and $1,000–$3,000 for a Saint Bernard. The initial investment won't differ dramatically between these two breeds.
Golden Retriever vs Saint Bernard: Training and Intelligence
Golden Retriever is generally easier to train.
Golden Retriever
Saint Bernard
Trainability
Better5/5
vs3/5
Intelligence
Better5/5
vs3/5
If you're a first-time dog owner, this is critical. The Golden Retriever's trainability score of 5/5 means it responds well to basic positive reinforcement and learns household rules fast.
Which Sheds More — Golden Retriever or Saint Bernard? Grooming Compared
Golden Retriever sheds more; Saint Bernard is easier to maintain.
Golden Retriever
Saint Bernard
Shedding
5/5
vs4/5Better
Grooming Needs
4/5
vs3/5Better
The Golden Retriever sheds a bit more (5/5) than the Saint Bernard (4/5). It's not a night-and-day difference, but if you prefer a cleaner home, the Saint Bernard has a slight edge.
Family and Social Compatibility: Golden Retriever vs Saint Bernard
Both breeds are similarly family-friendly.
Golden Retriever
Saint Bernard
Good with Kids
5/5
vs5/5
Good with Dogs
Better5/5
vs4/5
Strangers
Better5/5
vs4/5
Both breeds score 5/5 with children, making them equally suitable for families. Either breed would make an excellent family dog.
Summary and Final Take: Golden Retriever or Saint Bernard?
Neither breed is objectively "better" — it depends on your priorities. Choose the Golden Retriever if you value easier to train (5/5 vs 3/5) and more apartment-friendly (2/5).
Which Breed Is Right for You?
Question 1 of 3
Do you have children at home?
The Verdict
The Golden Retriever and Saint Bernard are both popular breeds, but they suit different lifestyles. The key differences: Golden Retriever needs significantly more daily exercise than Saint Bernard, Golden Retriever is notably easier to train. Annual ownership costs are lower for the Golden Retriever by roughly $700/year.
Choose Golden Retriever if...
- ✓You're an active person who runs, hikes, or exercises daily — Golden Retrievers will keep up and thrive on that activity.
- ✓This is your first dog — Golden Retrievers are easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
- ✓Budget matters to you — Golden Retrievers cost roughly $700 less per year in food, vet, and grooming.
Choose Saint Bernard if...
- ✓You lead a quieter lifestyle — Saint Bernards are happy with shorter walks and less vigorous exercise.
Looking for more options?
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for families, Golden Retriever or Saint Bernard?
The Golden Retriever scores 5/5 for being good with kids, tying with the Saint Bernard at 5/5. The Golden Retriever is specifically recommended for families.
Is a Golden Retriever or Saint Bernard easier to train?
The Golden Retriever is easier to train with a score of 5/5, compared to the Saint Bernard's 3/5. The Golden Retriever is recommended for first-time owners thanks to its cooperative nature.
Which costs more, a Golden Retriever or Saint Bernard?
A Golden Retriever puppy costs $800–$2,500 while a Saint Bernard costs $1,000–$3,000. Annual maintenance runs about $1,420 for the Golden Retriever and $2,100 for the Saint Bernard. The Saint Bernard costs more to maintain annually.
Do Golden Retrievers or Saint Bernards live longer?
The Golden Retriever lives 10–12 years on average, while the Saint Bernard lives 8–10 years. The Golden Retriever generally has a longer lifespan. Proper diet, exercise, and regular vet care help maximize lifespan for either breed.
Can a Golden Retriever or Saint Bernard live in an apartment?
The Golden Retriever is better suited for apartments (2/5) compared to the Saint Bernard (1/5). Neither breed is ideal for apartments — both prefer more space.