Saint Bernard vs Golden Retriever

Side-by-side comparison — size, temperament, traits, costs, and health

Saint Bernard
Category
Golden Retriever

📏 Physical Stats

130 - 180
Weight (lbs)
55 - 75
25.5 - 27.5
Height (inches)
21.5 - 24
7 - 10 years
Life Expectancy
10 - 12 years
Working
Breed Group
Sporting
Switzerland
Origin
Scotland
Draft, search, rescue
Bred For
Retrieving

⚡ Temperament & Traits

Scores are 1–5 from breed data. Higher = more of that trait. Barking: lower is quieter.

4/5
Energy Level
4/5
5/5
Better
Trainability
2/5
5/5
Good with Children
5/5
5/5
Good with Other Dogs
5/5
4/5
Better
Grooming Needs
5/5

💰 Cost of Ownership

Based on breed-specific cost data at a moderate care level — quality food, routine vet, occasional grooming, standard insurance. Actual costs vary by location and provider.

Annual Cost
$4,184
Saint Bernard
vs
Annual Cost
$2,844
Golden Retriever
Saint Bernard
Expense
Golden Retriever
$4,184
Annual Cost
$2,844
Lower ✓
$4,904
First Year
$3,564
Lower ✓
$36,284
Lifetime Total
$32,004
Lower ✓
$1,440
Food (annual)
$780
Lower ✓
$735
Vet Care (annual)
$735
$640
Grooming (annual)
$440
Lower ✓
$1,344
Insurance (annual)
$864
Lower ✓
$112
Insurance (monthly)
$72
Lower ✓

Over their lifetimes, a Golden Retriever (~11 yrs) costs approximately $4,280 less than a Saint Bernard (~9 yrs) in total.

🏥 Health Considerations

Health conditions listed are common concerns for these breeds or breed groups. Not every dog will develop these conditions. Regular vet check-ups are the best prevention.

🐾 Temperament

Saint Bernard

Friendly, Lively, Gentle, Watchful, Calm, Affectionate, Funny, Sweet, Brave, Playful, Smart, Curious, Independent, Loyal, Dog Friendly

Golden Retriever

Intelligent, Kind, Reliable, Friendly, Trustworthy, Confident, Affectionate, Curious, Gentle, Funny, Playful, Quiet, Smart, Loyal, Couch