Great Dane vs Saint Bernard: Giant Breed Comparison

Great Danes and Saint Bernards have fascinating histories rooted in different parts of Europe. These gentle giants were bred for distinct purposes, shaping their unique characteristics and roles over time. Let’s take a look at the differences and similarities between these two dog breeds.

Physical Characteristics

Great Danes and Saint Bernards are both large, powerful breeds with distinct physical traits. These gentle giants have unique features that set them apart from other dogs.

Size and Build

Great Danes are slightly taller than Saint Bernards. Great Danes can stand up to 32 inches at the shoulder, while Saint Bernards typically reach 30 inches. Both breeds are heavy, with Great Danes weighing 110-175 pounds and Saint Bernards 120-180 pounds.

• Great Danes have a lean, athletic build with long legs. 
• Their bodies are rectangular and muscular. 
• Saint Bernards are more massive and stocky with a broader chest and shorter legs.
• You’ll notice Great Danes have a longer neck and a more square-shaped head. 
• Saint Bernards have a shorter neck and a rounder head shape.

Coat and Color

Great Danes have a short, smooth coat that’s easy to groom. Their coat comes in various colors and patterns:

• Fawn
• Brindle
• Blue
• Black
• Harlequin (white with black patches)
• Mantle (black and white)

Saint Bernards have two coat types: short and long. Both are dense and come in colors like:

• Red and white
• Brindle and white
• Mahogany and white

Saint Bernards often have a white chest, paws, and tail tip. Their coat requires more grooming, especially the long-haired variety.

Distinct Features

• Great Danes have a noble, regal appearance with upright ears and a long tail. 
• Saint Bernards have a more wrinkled face with very droopy jowls and they’re known for their excessive drooling.
• Both breeds have large, expressive eyes. 
• Great Danes often have an alert, watchful expression. 
• Saint Bernards typically have a gentle, soulful look.
• You’ll notice Saint Bernards have a more pronounced stop (the transition from forehead to muzzle) compared to Great Danes.

Personality Traits

Great Danes and Saint Bernards have distinct personalities that set them apart. Their temperaments, family compatibility, and social behaviors influence how they fit into different households.

Temperament

• Great Danes are gentle giants with a calm demeanor. 
• Saint Bernards are known for their patient and gentle nature. 
• Both breeds are typically good-natured, but Great Danes may be slightly more energetic.

Family Compatibility

• Great Danes are excellent family dogs. 
• Saint Bernards also make wonderful family pets.
• Both breeds are affectionate and form strong bonds with their families.

Social Behavior

• Great Danes are generally friendly towards strangers, making them poor guard dogs but excellent social companions.
• Saint Bernards are more reserved with strangers but not typically aggressive.
• Both dogs can be gentle with smaller pets if introduced properly. 

Health and Longevity

Great Danes and Saint Bernards face unique health challenges due to their large size. Both breeds need special care to stay healthy and live long lives. Let’s look at their common health issues, how to prevent problems, and how long you can expect these gentle giants to be part of your family.

Common Ailments

• Both Great Danes and Saint Bernards are prone to hip dysplasia.
• Bloat, also known as gastric dilatation-volvulus, is another serious concern.
• Great Danes often deal with heart problems, especially dilated cardiomyopathy. 
• Saint Bernards may face eye problems and bone cancer.
• Both breeds can get arthritis as they age due to their size and weight. 

Preventative Measures

To keep your giant dog healthy, regular vet check-ups are a must. Early detection of health issues can make a big difference. Feed your dog a high-quality diet made for large breeds. This helps support their bones and joints.

Exercise is important, but don’t overdo it. Great Danes and Saint Bernards need moderate activity to stay fit without straining their joints. Swimming is great for low-impact exercise.

For bloat prevention:

• Feed smaller meals more often
• Avoid exercise right after eating
• Use elevated food bowls

Keep your dog at a healthy weight to reduce stress on their joints. Brush their teeth regularly and keep their nails trimmed. These simple steps can prevent many health problems down the road.

Life Expectancy

Sadly, these big dogs have shorter lifespans than smaller breeds. Great Danes typically live 7-10 years. Saint Bernards usually live a bit longer, around 8-10 years.

Training and Care

Great Danes and Saint Bernards need specific training and care routines. These giant breeds have unique requirements for exercise, grooming, and training to keep them healthy and well-behaved.

Training Essentials

• Consistent training is crucial for both Great Danes and Saint Bernards.
• Socialization is key. 
• Both breeds can be stubborn at times. 
• Consider obedience classes or working with a professional trainer. 

Exercise Requirements

Great Danes and Saint Bernards have different energy levels. Great Danes need about 2 hours of exercise daily, while Saint Bernards require moderate activity.

For Great Danes:

• Two 30-minute walks per day
• Playtime in a fenced yard
• Mental stimulation through games or toys

For Saint Bernards:

• One or two shorter walks daily
• Gentle play sessions
• Swimming (if they enjoy it)

Be cautious with exercise in hot weather. Both breeds can overheat easily due to their size. Avoid high-impact activities, especially for growing puppies. This helps protect their developing joints.

Grooming and Maintenance

Both breeds have similar grooming needs, but Saint Bernards require more attention due to their longer coat.

Brushing:

• Great Danes: Weekly brushing
• Saint Bernards: 2-3 times per week

Bathing:

• Great Danes: Every 6-8 weeks
• Saint Bernards: Every 4-6 weeks

Both breeds drool a lot. Keep a drool towel handy and clean their facial folds regularly to prevent skin issues. Nail trimming and teeth cleaning are essential for both breeds. Do this every 2-4 weeks or as needed.

Check and clean their ears weekly to prevent infections. This is especially important for floppy-eared Saint Bernards.