: Which is better a Saint Bernard or a Newfoundland and what are their pros and cons?
I am having trouble deciding which is better to get.
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Answers and Views:
Answer by Kendra~ *Aka Skipper*
No breed is more "better" than the other, other than which fits your lifestyle more. Google the Breed and visit their parent club for the most useful info, contact them for more. Avoid DBI & Wiki.
Answer by Soquel G
Ok I am going to tell you from my experience..
I would pick a St. Bernard HANDS DOWN!
I am a groomer and I have a St. Bernard. though I don't have a Newfie I have groomed a few.
they seem aloof and though they are all friendly, They just don't seem to care about you.. again I am only their groomer. But my St. Bernard loves everyone! ( but everyone seems kind of surprised at how friendly she is, so maybe this is not normal.At both houses I have lived at with her even our mail ladies have loved her.. each brings her and my other 2 dogs bones everyday.I caught her jumping into the mail truck the other day and I ran out to help the mail lady and she was just laughing in delight, hugging my dog..lol..nice to meet you new mail lady! apparently her and charlie are already old friends..)
But that is not even the deal breaker for me.. because for all I know they are super sweet dogs at home.. It is all the hair! OMG! It takes me hours to groom these dogs and that's not even shaving them. ( I wish I was shaving them, though it would probably be hard for my clippers to get through all that) They often have mats and I can never get them to smell really good. And these are house dogs.. not outside dogs. I think a well groomed one is a beautiful sight.. but to get from point A to point B is HARD ( I actually had to come in on a Saturday to finish a dog I had started on Thursday because I had so much more to do on it!)and not to mention cost the owner about $ 65. Plus the few I have done drool a whole lot more than my St Bernard. I just shave my St. Bernard in the summer and even though she is a rough coat her hair is nothing like a newfies.. and even better is that you can get a SHORT HAIRED St. Bernard..
Again all my opinion, I am not one for high maintenance breeds.. My St. Bernard is hard enough.. and she's pretty easy(for a giant breed )..Super loyal and loving.. I love her to death!
Know better? Give your own answer to this question!
Emma says
The Saint Bernard can even be kept in an apartment if walked often. They are better suited to a fenced in enclosure for exercise. They are said to be easy to train. It might be a good idea to obedience train early as this breed becomes very large and can be hard to handle even for the strongest person. They can get along well with other pets, especially if well socialized with them early on. They generally love children. As a reminder, never leave a child unsupervised with a puppy or dog.
*Approximate Adult Size. The approximate adult size (two years old or older) of the Saint Bernard is 24 to 28 inches to the withers (highest point of the shoulder) and 110 to 200 pounds.
About St Bernards – http://www.dog-pound.net/st-bernard/st-bernard-do…
The Newfoundland is a large, hairy dog with a great temperament. They are calm and do not require a great deal of exercise so they may even be kept in an apartment. Of course, a properly fenced in yard for exercise is preferable.
The Newfoundland was bred for cold temperatures and icy water so hot climates will stress them. There are numerous cases where they have actually saved drowning people. They are generally good with children. As a reminder, never leave a child unsupervised with a puppy or dog. They are protective of their family but still mild mannered and generally not dangerous. Males may fight males but they are usually good with other pets.
About Newfoundlands – http://www.dog-pound.net/newfoundland/facts-about…
Odie says
I have never owned a st bernard but i do have a newfie … i have owned so many breeds of dogs in the past and i have never ever come across such a loyal and loving dog. yes they do come with cost so you need to check into a very good breeder. (mine has issues due to a crappy breeder) they require a high quality food and lots of love. they love to be in the same room with you so don't be surprised if you get up and he follows you. my boy is 16 months old and has never tried to leave the yard on his own. i fell one evening while taking him out (gate wide open) i hurt my ankle sooo bad and as soon as he saw me on the ground moaning he ran over to me and stayed by me until i was able to get up and stumble back into the house. he was a young pup maybe 7 months old but made sure i got back in the house. they need some brushing and walk and some play a day, lots of water and love. oh ya and some very tough toys, kongs and extreme chewer toys.
hope this helps somewhat on this breed.
once you have owned a newfie you will never want another breed !
i know that st bernards are beautiful too.
good luck with your decision !
TheTimeIsNow says
I have always wanted a Saint bernard. Here are the info's about each.
St. Bernard- http://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/saintber…
Nefoundland- http://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/newfound…
ilovemystbernardpup says
They are both great dogs. Personally I like the Saint Bernard, always have. I do like the smooth coat Saint better due to it is easier grooming maintenance. Look to see if you have a breeder close by for each breed, that you can talk to , and visit so you can interact with the dogs. Do your research and enjoy!
emily says
it depends what you're looking for in a dog.
saint bernard
pros:
* low energy level
* low exercise requirements (2 medium sized walks a day)
* fairly playfull but very affectionate dogs
* pretty good with other dogs (but make sure to socialize as a puppy)
* excellent with other pets (such as cats)
* ok with strangers and visitors (but again, make sure to socialize as a puppy)
* fairly easy to train, but can be somewhat stubborn
* not very barky dogs
* comes in two coat types
* smooth coat type requires very little maintenance (1-2 times a week)
* they do great in cold weater
* live an average of 8 to 10 years
cons:
* it's not a guard dog, and wont allert you of any danger
* long coat type requires 3-4 grooming sessions a week
* they have many serious health problems in the breed to look out for (CHD, gastric torsion, entropion, ectropion, elbow dysplasia, and osteosarcoma.
* don't do well in hot weather
newfoundland
pros:
* low energy level
* low exercise requirements (2 medium sized walks a day)
* they are a playful and extreamly affectionate breed
* they do great with other dogs (as with all dogs, still make sure to socialize as a puppy)
* they are excellent with cats
* very freindly with strangers and visitors
* pretty easy breed to train, but can still take a bit of work
* they are a good watch dog and if they feel the family is being threatened they can act accordingly
* do great in cool temperatures
* live an average of 8 to 10 years
cons:
* they don't do well in hot temperatures
* require about 2-3 grooming sessions a week
* may be protective at an inappropriate time
* they may bark at false alarms (dogs walking by the window)
* have a few major health concerns to look out for (SAS, cystinuria, elbow dysplaisa, CHD, and gastric torsion
SaveMB42Late says
I've been close to both breeds (some friends owned them). Suzie and Arthur were two very different St. Bernard's, but still nice dogs. St. Bernards are land rescue dogs.Then there was the Newfie my other friend had, and he was a goofy dog. A lot like a Lab (of course Labs come from Newfie's, so go figure). Newfs are water rescue dogs… so whoever said they don't care about their people is totally unfamiliar with these dogs! I would have to say I much preferred the Newf, but it's personal choice!