Labrador Retriever vs Saint Bernard
Side-by-side comparison: temperament, exercise, grooming, health, and cost of ownership.
Labrador Retriever
America's most beloved family dog, known for a friendly temperament and eager-to-please attitude. Labs excel at everything from hunting to therapy work and are incredibly versatile.
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 Labrador Retriever if you want easier to train and more apartment-friendly. Choose Saint Bernard if you want a great companion.
Quick Comparison
Labrador Retriever
Attribute
Saint Bernard
large
Size
giant
25–36 kg (55–79 lbs)
Weight
54–82 kg (119–181 lbs)
55–62 cm (22–24 in)
Height
65–90 cm (26–35 in)
Better10–13 yrs
Lifespan
8–10 yrs
Better5/5
Trainability
3/5
5/5
Energy
2/5
5/5
Good with Kids
5/5
4/5
Shedding
4/5
Better2/5
Grooming
3/5
Better2/5
Apartment
1/5
Better3/5
Health
1/5
Better$800–$2,000
Price
$1,000–$3,000
Attribute Comparison
Size Differences: Labrador Retriever vs Saint Bernard
Saint Bernard is the larger breed; Labrador Retriever is more compact.
Labrador Retriever
Saint Bernard
Weight (kg)
25–36
vs54–82
Height (cm)
55–62
vs65–90
You'll notice the size difference immediately. The Saint Bernard stands 65–90 cm (26–35 in) tall and weighs 54–82 kg (119–181 lbs), making it considerably larger than the Labrador Retriever at 55–62 cm (22–24 in) and 25–36 kg (55–79 lbs).
Labrador Retriever vs Saint Bernard: Daily Exercise Demands
Labrador Retriever needs more exercise; Saint Bernard is lower-maintenance.
Labrador Retriever
Saint Bernard
Energy Level
5/5
vs2/5
Exercise Needs
5/5
vs2/5
Apartment Friendly
Better2/5
vs1/5
Activity needs are dramatically different here. The Labrador Retriever has very high energy (5/5) and needs very high exercise (5/5) — think long runs, hiking, or agility courses.
Health and Lifespan: Labrador Retriever vs Saint Bernard
Labrador Retriever tends to be the healthier breed overall.
Labrador Retriever
Saint Bernard
Lifespan (years)
Better10–13
vs8–10
Health Robustness
Better3/5
vs1/5
Life expectancy favors the Labrador Retriever: 10–13 years versus the Saint Bernard's 8–10 years. For many families, those extra years together are a compelling reason to lean toward the Labrador Retriever.
Labrador Retriever vs Saint Bernard: Temperament Compared
Saint Bernard is calmer; Labrador Retriever is more energetic.
Labrador Retriever
Saint Bernard
Playfulness
Better5/5
vs3/5
Barking Level
3/5
vs2/5Better
Energy
5/5
vs2/5
One of the most important factors in choosing between these two breeds is temperament. The Labrador Retriever is typically friendly, outgoing and active, making them well suited for families, first-time owners, active lifestyles and houses with yards.
Total Cost of Ownership: Labrador Retriever and Saint Bernard
Labrador Retriever is less expensive to own annually.
Labrador Retriever
Avg. Purchase$1,400
Annual Food$720
Annual Vet$500
Annual Grooming$150
Annual Total$1,370 ✓
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–$2,000 for a Labrador Retriever and $1,000–$3,000 for a Saint Bernard. The initial investment won't differ dramatically between these two breeds.
Training Differences: Labrador Retriever and Saint Bernard
Labrador Retriever is generally easier to train.
Labrador 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 Labrador Retriever's trainability score of 5/5 means it responds well to basic positive reinforcement and learns household rules fast.
Family Life: Labrador Retriever vs Saint Bernard
Both breeds are similarly family-friendly.
Labrador 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.
Grooming and Shedding: Labrador Retriever vs Saint Bernard
Both breeds have similar grooming needs.
Labrador Retriever
Saint Bernard
Shedding
4/5
vs4/5
Grooming Needs
Better2/5
vs3/5
Both breeds shed at the same rate (4/5), so fur management will be identical for either choice. Budget for a good robot vacuum.
Labrador Retriever vs Saint Bernard: Summary and Verdict
The Labrador Retriever comes out ahead in most categories — it's easier to train (5/5 vs 3/5), more apartment-friendly (2/5), better health profile (3/5). If you can meet its very high exercise needs and don't mind heavy shedding, the Labrador Retriever 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 Labrador Retriever and Saint Bernard are both popular breeds, but they suit different lifestyles. The key differences: Labrador Retriever needs significantly more daily exercise than Saint Bernard, Labrador Retriever is notably easier to train. Annual ownership costs are lower for the Labrador Retriever by roughly $700/year.
Choose Labrador Retriever if...
- ✓You're an active person who runs, hikes, or exercises daily — Labrador Retrievers will keep up and thrive on that activity.
- ✓This is your first dog — Labrador Retrievers are easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
- ✓Budget matters to you — Labrador 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, Labrador Retriever or Saint Bernard?
The Labrador Retriever scores 5/5 for being good with kids, tying with the Saint Bernard at 5/5. The Labrador Retriever is specifically recommended for families.
Is a Labrador Retriever or Saint Bernard easier to train?
The Labrador Retriever is easier to train with a score of 5/5, compared to the Saint Bernard's 3/5. The Labrador Retriever is recommended for first-time owners thanks to its cooperative nature.
Which costs more, a Labrador Retriever or Saint Bernard?
A Labrador Retriever puppy costs $800–$2,000 while a Saint Bernard costs $1,000–$3,000. Annual maintenance runs about $1,370 for the Labrador Retriever and $2,100 for the Saint Bernard. The Saint Bernard costs more to maintain annually.
Do Labrador Retrievers or Saint Bernards live longer?
The Labrador Retriever lives 10–13 years on average, while the Saint Bernard lives 8–10 years. The Labrador Retriever generally has a longer lifespan. Proper diet, exercise, and regular vet care help maximize lifespan for either breed.
Can a Labrador Retriever or Saint Bernard live in an apartment?
The Labrador 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.