Side-by-side comparison of two popular breeds — temperament, exercise, grooming, lifespan and common health issues. Use it to decide which breed fits your home.
🐕 Great Dane
🐶 Saint Bernard
Group
Working
Working
Origin
Germany
Switzerland
Weight
50–82 kg
64–82 kg
Height
76–86 cm
66–76 cm
Lifespan
7–10 years
8–10 years
Energy level
Trainability
Grooming needs
Good with kids
Good with other pets
Hypoallergenic
Watchdog instinct
Novice-owner OK
🐕 Great Dane
Temperament
Friendly, patient, dependable. Great Danes are usually gentle with children and sociable with other dogs and pets. They tend to be "leaners" — physically affectionate with their humans.
Exercise
60 minutes a day of moderate exercise. Avoid impact in puppies under 18 months — long walks and jumping can damage developing joints.
Grooming
Short coat, weekly brush. Bathing every 6–8 weeks.
Health
Bloat / GDV (the #1 cause of death — feed twice daily, slow feeders, never exercise around meals). Cardiomyopathy. Hip dysplasia. Wobbler syndrome. Bone cancer (osteosarcoma). Lifespan tragically short — 7–10 years.
Gentle, patient, friendly, quiet. Saints are renowned for their tolerance with children and other animals. They're slow to mature mentally — expect puppy behaviour for years.
Exercise
45–60 minutes of moderate daily exercise in cool weather. Heat-sensitive — limit summer exercise.
