Choosing between a Saint Bernard and an English Mastiff isn’t just about picking a dog—it’s about welcoming a gentle giant into your life. Both breeds belong to the category of giant dog breeds, and both come with big hearts, big personalities, and yes… big drool.
If you’re stuck between these two iconic breeds, this detailed guide will help you decide. We’ll break down everything from temperament and size to grooming, health issues, and cost of ownership—without fluff or guesswork.
Overview: Saint Bernard vs English Mastiff
At first glance, both dogs look massive and intimidating. But spend a few minutes with either, and you’ll notice their calm, affectionate nature.
- Saint Bernard: Famous as a rescue dog from the Swiss Alps, often called a “nanny dog” due to its gentle behavior with children.
- English Mastiff: One of the oldest mastiff breed types, known for its guarding instincts and loyal personality.
Both breeds make excellent family dogs, but their lifestyles and care needs differ more than you might expect.
Saint Bernard vs English Mastiff Temperament
Temperament plays a huge role when choosing between these two giants.
Saint Bernard Temperament
The Saint Bernard temperament leans toward calm, patient, and friendly. These dogs love people and thrive in family environments.
- Gentle with kids (hence the nickname nanny dog)
- Social and welcoming to strangers
- Not naturally aggressive
- Can be slightly stubborn but eager to please
They don’t make great guard dogs, but they excel as companions.
English Mastiff Temperament
The English Mastiff shows a more protective side.
- Loyal and deeply attached to family
- Natural watchdog instincts
- Reserved around strangers
- Calm but more alert than a Saint Bernard
If you want a dog that watches over your home quietly, the Mastiff fits better.
Verdict:
- Choose Saint Bernard for friendliness and social behavior
- Choose English Mastiff for guarding ability and loyalty
Saint Bernard vs English Mastiff Size Comparison
Both breeds are huge—but their build differs.
Saint Bernard Size
- Height: 26–30 inches
- Weight: 120–180 pounds
- Build: Large but slightly leaner
English Mastiff Size
- Height: 27–32 inches
- Weight: 150–230 pounds (sometimes more)
- Build: Heavier, more muscular, and bulkier
The English Mastiff often outweighs the Saint Bernard by a significant margin.
Verdict:
If you want the absolute heavyweight champion, go with the Mastiff.
Saint Bernard vs English Mastiff Lifespan
Large dogs tend to have shorter lifespans, and both breeds follow that trend.
- Saint Bernard lifespan: 8–10 years
- English Mastiff lifespan: 6–10 years
The Mastiff generally has a slightly shorter lifespan due to its massive size.
Tip: Proper diet, exercise, and regular vet care can help both breeds live healthier lives.
Saint Bernard vs English Mastiff Guarding Ability
This is where the difference becomes very clear.
Saint Bernard
- Friendly toward strangers
- Poor guard dog instincts
- More likely to greet an intruder than scare them
English Mastiff
- Strong guarding instincts
- Naturally protective
- Excellent watchdog
They don’t bark excessively, but their presence alone deters threats.
Verdict:
English Mastiff wins easily in guarding ability.
Saint Bernard vs English Mastiff Family Suitability
Both breeds fit well into families—but in slightly different ways.
Saint Bernard
- Excellent with children
- Very patient and tolerant
- Playful but gentle
English Mastiff
- Calm and affectionate
- Protective of family members
- Better suited for older kids due to size
Verdict:
- Saint Bernard = best for families with young kids
- English Mastiff = better for protection-focused households
Saint Bernard vs English Mastiff Grooming Needs
Let’s talk about shedding… because yes, both dogs shed. A lot.
Saint Bernard Grooming
- Thick double coat
- Heavy shedding, especially seasonally
- Needs brushing 3–4 times a week
- Prone to tear staining
English Mastiff Grooming
- Short coat
- Moderate shedding
- Easier to maintain
- Minimal grooming required
Verdict:
English Mastiff is easier to groom.
Saint Bernard vs English Mastiff Exercise Requirements
Don’t let their size fool you—these dogs aren’t marathon runners.
Saint Bernard Exercise Needs
- Moderate activity
- Daily walks required
- Enjoy outdoor play
English Mastiff Exercise Needs
- Low to moderate activity
- Short walks are enough
- Prefers lounging (a lot)
Verdict:
Saint Bernard is slightly more active, but both breeds prefer a relaxed lifestyle.
Saint Bernard vs English Mastiff Trainability
Training a giant dog requires patience—and snacks.
Saint Bernard Trainability
- Intelligent but sometimes stubborn
- Responds well to positive reinforcement
- Needs early socialization
English Mastiff Trainability
- Intelligent and calm
- Can be stubborn
- Requires consistent leadership
Verdict:
Both breeds are trainable, but consistency matters more than anything.
Saint Bernard vs English Mastiff Cost of Ownership
Owning a giant dog means big expenses.
Common Costs
- Food: High-quality large-breed diet
- Vet care: Frequent checkups
- Space: Larger living area
Saint Bernard Costs
- Higher grooming expenses
- More shedding-related maintenance
English Mastiff Costs
- Higher food consumption
- Potentially higher medical costs
Verdict:
Both are expensive, but Mastiffs often cost more in the long run.
Saint Bernard vs English Mastiff Health Issues
Health is a critical factor when choosing between these breeds.
Common Saint Bernard Health Issues
- Hip dysplasia
- Elbow dysplasia
- Bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus)
- Entropion
- Dilated cardiomyopathy
Common English Mastiff Health Issues
- Hip dysplasia
- Cystinuria
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- Degenerative myelopathy
- Bloat
Both breeds face risks due to their size, especially bloat, which can be life-threatening.
Tip:
Feed smaller meals and avoid exercise immediately after eating.
Coat, Drooling, and Shedding Comparison
Let’s be honest—drool is part of the package.
Saint Bernard
- Heavy shedding due to double coat
- Moderate drooling
- Needs regular cleaning
English Mastiff
- Less shedding
- Heavy drooling
- Slobber alert
Verdict:
- Hate hair? Choose Mastiff
- Hate drool? Neither is ideal
Living Conditions: Space and Environment
Both breeds need space—but not necessarily a mansion.
Saint Bernard
- Handles cold weather well
- Struggles in heat
- Needs cool environment
English Mastiff
- Adapts better indoors
- Sensitive to extreme heat
- Prefers a calm home
Verdict:
Both need climate control, especially in warmer regions.
Diet and Feeding Needs
Feeding a giant dog is no small task.
- Requires high-quality protein
- Needs joint-support nutrients
- Portion control is critical
Overfeeding can lead to obesity and worsen joint problems like hip dysplasia.
Personality Differences at a Glance
| Trait | Saint Bernard | English Mastiff |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Friendly | Protective |
| Guarding | Low | High |
| Energy | Moderate | Low |
| Grooming | High | Low |
| Drooling | Moderate | High |
| Family Fit | Excellent | Very Good |
Which Breed Should You Choose?
Choosing between a Saint Bernard and an English Mastiff depends on your lifestyle.
Choose Saint Bernard if you want:
- A friendly, social dog
- A great companion for kids
- A more playful giant
Choose English Mastiff if you want:
- A natural guard dog
- A calm and protective companion
- Lower grooming needs
FAQs
Which is bigger, Saint Bernard or English Mastiff?
The English Mastiff is generally bigger and heavier than the Saint Bernard. Mastiffs can weigh over 200 pounds, making them one of the largest dog breeds in the world.
Is a Saint Bernard more friendly than an English Mastiff?
Yes, Saint Bernards are typically more social and friendly with strangers. English Mastiffs are more reserved and protective, making them better guard dogs.
Which breed is better for families with children?
Both breeds are good family dogs, but Saint Bernards are often considered better for young children due to their gentle and patient nature.
Do Saint Bernards or English Mastiffs shed more?
Saint Bernards shed more because they have a thick double coat. English Mastiffs have shorter coats and require less grooming.
Are English Mastiffs good guard dogs?
Yes, English Mastiffs are excellent guard dogs. They have strong protective instincts and act as natural watchdogs without being overly aggressive.
What are common health problems in Saint Bernards and English Mastiffs?
Both breeds can suffer from hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus). Mastiffs may also face cystinuria, while Saint Bernards can develop entropion.
Which dog is easier to train: Saint Bernard or English Mastiff?
Both breeds are intelligent but can be stubborn. With consistent training and positive reinforcement, they can learn well, though early training is important.
Do these breeds require a lot of exercise?
No, both breeds have low to moderate exercise needs. Daily walks and light activity are usually enough to keep them healthy.
Which breed has a longer lifespan?
Saint Bernards typically live slightly longer, around 8–10 years, while English Mastiffs usually live 6–10 years.
Are Saint Bernards or English Mastiffs better for hot climates?
Neither breed handles heat well. However, Saint Bernards are more sensitive due to their thick double coat and require cooler environments.
Final Thoughts
Both the Saint Bernard and English Mastiff bring something special to the table. One offers warmth, friendliness, and a playful spirit. The other delivers loyalty, protection, and quiet strength.
Neither breed is “better”—they simply suit different homes.
If you want a loving, gentle giant that behaves like a fluffy babysitter, the Saint Bernard is your match. If you prefer a calm protector that quietly watches over your home, the English Mastiff stands tall.
Just remember—whichever you choose, you’re not just getting a dog. You’re getting a massive, loyal companion who will take up space… in your home and your heart.
