Saint Bernard vs Mastiff: Giant Breed Comparison Guide

The Saint Bernard and Mastiff have rich histories spanning centuries. These giant breeds emerged from different regions to serve unique purposes, shaping their characteristics over time. Let’s take a look at the differences and similarities between these two dog breeds.

Saint Bernard: A Historical Overview

Saint Bernards originated in Switzerland, where monks bred them for rescue work in the Alps. These dogs got their name from the Great St. Bernard Hospice, a shelter for travelers crossing the dangerous mountain pass.

In the 17th century, monks started using these dogs to find and help lost travelers. Saint Bernards were perfect for this job because of their size, strength, and keen sense of smell. They could easily move through deep snow and track down people buried in avalanches.

Over time, Saint Bernards became famous for their rescue work. Their gentle nature and loyalty made them popular as family pets too. Today, they’re known as loving companions and still embody their working dog heritage.

Mastiff: Ancient Lineage and Development

Mastiffs have one of the oldest bloodlines among dog breeds. Their history goes back thousands of years, with roots in ancient civilizations. These powerful dogs were prized for their strength and size.

Early Mastiffs were used in war, hunting, and guarding. Ancient Assyrians, Babylonians, and Romans all kept Mastiffs. In England, they became popular as estate guardians and for bear-baiting, a cruel sport later banned.

The modern Mastiff, also called the English Mastiff, was developed in Britain. Breeders focused on creating a gentler giant, moving away from its fierce past. Today’s Mastiffs are known for their calm nature and protective instincts, making them excellent family guardians.

Physical Characteristics

Saint Bernards and Mastiffs are both giant breeds known for their impressive size and distinctive looks. They have some similarities but also key differences in their physical traits.

Comparing Size and Weight

• Mastiffs can weigh up to 230 pounds for males.
• Saint Bernards typically max out around 180 pounds. 
• Mastiffs are also taller, with males standing over 30 inches at the shoulder. 
• Saint Bernards are slightly shorter at about 28-30 inches tall.

You’ll find some variation in size within each breed. Female dogs are usually smaller than males. Both breeds grow quickly as puppies but take 2-3 years to reach their full adult size.

Coat and Grooming Requirements

• Saint Bernards have a dense, fluffy double coat that can be either smooth or rough. Their coats come in white with red, orange, or brown markings. 
• Mastiffs have shorter, smoother coats. Their fur is typically fawn, apricot, or brindle in color. They shed moderately year-round.
• You’ll need to brush your Saint Bernard several times a week to control shedding and prevent matting. 
• Mastiffs require less grooming — weekly brushing is usually sufficient.

Distinctive Features and Appearance

• Saint Bernards are known for their large, blocky heads and wrinkled brows. They have loose, jowly faces with distinctive markings. Their eyes are deep-set and often have a gentle, soulful expression.
• Mastiffs also have massive heads, but with a more squared-off muzzle. Their faces have heavy wrinkles and drooping jowls. Mastiffs’ eyes are set wider apart compared to Saint Bernards.
• Both breeds have strong, muscular bodies. Saint Bernards tend to have a slightly longer coat that makes them appear fluffier. Mastiffs have a more streamlined look with their shorter fur.

Personality and Behavior Traits

Saint Bernards and Mastiffs are known for their gentle nature and protective instincts. These large breeds have distinct personalities that make them great family pets. Their energy levels and exercise needs vary, affecting how they fit into different households.

Temperament: Gentle Nature and Protective Instincts

• Both Saint Bernards and Mastiffs have gentle and calm demeanors.
• Saint Bernards are known for their friendly nature. They’re typically good-natured and easy-going. 
• Mastiffs, while also gentle, can be more aloof with strangers.
• Both breeds have strong protective instincts. They’ll watch over your family, but rarely show aggression without cause.

Socialization and Behavior with Families

Early socialization is crucial for both Saint Bernards and Mastiffs. This helps them become well-adjusted adult dogs. When properly socialized, they’re excellent with children and other pets. Saint Bernards are often described as patient and tolerant. They can handle the noise and activity of a busy household. Mastiffs are equally family-friendly, but may be more reserved.

Energy Levels and Exercise Requirements

Saint Bernards and Mastiffs have similar energy levels. They’re not high-energy dogs, but they do need regular exercise to stay healthy.

• Saint Bernards typically need about 30 minutes of exercise daily.
• Mastiffs also have moderate exercise needs — a couple of daily walks and some playtime should suffice.

Health and Care Considerations

Both Saint Bernards and Mastiffs need special care to stay healthy. These big dogs face some unique health challenges. You’ll want to know about their common health issues, diet needs, and expected lifespans.

Typical Health Issues and Genetic Conditions

Saint Bernards and Mastiffs share some health concerns. The following health issues are common with both breeds.

• Hip dysplasia is common in both breeds. This can cause pain and mobility issues.
• Both breeds are also at risk for bloat, also known as gastric dilatation-volvulus.
• Saint Bernards may develop eye problems like entropion.
• Mastiffs can get progressive retinal atrophy, which affects eyesight.
• Degenerative myelopathy is another concern for both breeds.

Diet and Nutrition

Feeding your Saint Bernard or Mastiff the right diet is crucial. These big dogs need a lot of food, but quality matters more than quantity. Choose a high-quality diet made for large breeds. Look for food with:

• High-quality protein sources
• Balanced calcium and phosphorus
• Glucosamine for joint health
• Controlled calories to prevent obesity
• Human-grade food

Divide meals into smaller portions throughout the day. This can help reduce the risk of bloat. Watch your dog’s weight. Obesity can worsen joint problems in these heavy breeds.

Lifespan and Quality of Life

Saint Bernards and Mastiffs have shorter lifespans than smaller dogs. Saint Bernards typically live 8-10 years, while Mastiffs average 6-10 years.

You can help your dog live a good life by:

• Providing regular exercise (30-45 minutes daily)
• Keeping them at a healthy weight
• Giving mental stimulation with toys and training
• Regular vet check-ups and preventive care

Watch for signs of aging like slowed movement or changes in behavior. Adjust care as needed to keep your dog comfortable in their senior years.

Training and Intelligence

Saint Bernards and Mastiffs have unique training needs and mental capabilities. Both breeds require patient, consistent training approaches to bring out their best qualities.

Trainability and Responding to Commands

Saint Bernards are generally easy to train due to their gentle nature and eagerness to please. You’ll find they respond well to positive reinforcement methods, so use treats and praise to motivate your Saint Bernard during training sessions. Mastiffs can be a bit more stubborn, so you’ll need extra patience when training this breed. Consistent, firm commands work best. Keep training sessions short and engaging to maintain their interest.

Both breeds benefit from early socialization. Expose them to different people, animals, and situations while young. This helps prevent fearfulness or aggression later on.

Mental Stimulation and Intelligence

Saint Bernards have moderate intelligence levels. You can keep their minds sharp with puzzle toys and interactive games. Mastiffs are intelligent but independent thinkers. They may not always follow commands immediately. Engage their minds with scent work or food puzzles.

Both breeds make excellent watchdogs due to their size and protective instincts. However, they’re typically not aggressive without reason. Proper training ensures they know when to alert you to potential threats.

Bottom Line

Saint Bernards and Mastiffs both make wonderful companions with distinct personalities and care needs. If you’re interested in bringing one of these lovable breeds into your home, it’s essential to find a reputable breeder to ensure a healthy start. Trusted sources connect you with breeders who prioritize health and socialization, making it easier to find a happy, well-adjusted puppy. PuppySpot, for example, offers a $250 discount and matches you with carefully vetted breeders, helping you welcome the perfect Saint Bernard or Mastiff into your family with confidence.