Last Updated on February 21, 2023 by Becky Roberts
*.Comparing the Saint Bernard with the English Mastiff to find your next family pet. Both the English mastiff and Saint Bernard are large breeds. However, they each bring different skills to their families. You’re here because you don’t know which breed to choose, or just curious about what the differences are.
If you’re considering welcoming either breed into your home you will need to make sure there is enough space .. Both Saint Bernard and the Mastiff are huge, with both breeds rarely weighing below 100 pounds when fully grown. If socialized early, both breeds can be great with families. If you have the space, these pups will make a wonderful addition to your family.
From their past to their personalities and temperaments, to their training and grooming requirements, there are
. plenty of factors to consider Continue reading to learn all about the doggy details.
Breed History
Seeing a dog’s past is a great way to get a feel for what he will look like as a family pet. It is a great way to find out if he is right for you by learning about his past and the purpose of his breed.
Saint Bernard
The Saint Bernard’s history started in 1050, where a monk in the alps of Switzerland set up a monastery for wayward travelers. He created a canine out of local dogs and Molossers dogs over many years that would later specialize in human rescue .. A Saint Bernard . would be a welcome sight to those who have lost their way. Contrary to urban legend, this guy didn’t have a barrel of liquor around him.
It is believed that the Saint Bernard has saved approximately 2,000 lives in the alps. His duties included guarding the estate, pulling carts and herding the cattle. He is a popular family pet because of his dedication to people. He is a beloved nanny dog and he loves children .. He was the star in the hit series Beethoven.
English Mastiff
The Mastiff is also known as Old English Mastiff. His history is more brutal. His ancestors served to defend the British Isles from the Roman invasion. They were so impressed that they sent him back to Rome to train with gladiators and lions. He is now a much better fighter than he was before.
*) The English aristocracy preferred him to protect their estates. Families couldn’t afford to feed him due to the World Wars and food rations. He was close to extinction, but Americans with their healthy Mastiff stock saved him. In the film The Sandlot ., he was popularized. Because of the Mastiff’s guardian abilities, they are often compared to Pitbulls or other guardian breeds.
Appearance
These guys can be distinguished in a crowd. The traditional Swiss colors of the Saint Bernard are white and brown. Compared to the Mastiff, who wears a solid apricot, fawn, or brindle coat, with a black mask.
They both have the choice of short or long coats, but the long-haired Mastiff coat is the rarest of them all. Believe it or not, many people believe the Fluffy English Mastiff came from adding in a bit of Saint Bernard back in the 1900s to save the breed. Saint Bernards will always have a thick fluffy coat due to their breeding for cold weather rescue missions.
Although they both start at 120 pounds, the Saint Bernard only reaches up to 180 pounds. Compared to the Mastiff, who reaches 230 pounds. The tallest Saint Bernard male measures 30 inches, compared to the smallest Mastiff male who starts at 30 inches. If you’re looking for the most snarky giant in the world, the Mastiff is your best bet.
They look very similar if you take off their jackets. Both are big dogs with big chests and big paws. Both are giant breeds .. Both have large, droopy jaws and a lot of dog drool. Saint Bernards are often mistaken for Bernese Moutain Dogs, another fluffy swiss dog breed that looks similar.
Temperament
Their temperaments share many similarities. Both are affectionate and loving with their families. Both are gentle huges ,, and they make great family pets if you’re looking for a large breed. These guys will share your sofa, and we mean that they get the best seats in all the house.
Saint Bernard is friendly to everyone ,. His dedication to humans makes him such an affectionate dog. He would do anything to protect his family, but his large size makes it difficult for people to trust him. He is happy to allow visitors in and out of his home, unlike many large dogs. His tail wags and kisses are a welcome sign.
No one would ever mess with the Mastiff. They are a little more aloof around strangers than the Saint Bernard. The Mastiff is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a family protector or watchdog. He has a loud bark and can be very vocal. This man would prefer a quiet, peaceful life in the country where he can spend his time with his loved ones.
As long they are well socialized as puppies, they will get along with their family pets . It is enough to show them how to play with small animals. Because the Mastiff is the more protective doggo, he is more likely terrorize nearby cats. However, he will only do this if he’s in the mood to pounce on the porch. Keep the yard safe.
Exercise
Neither one of these dogs needs to get a lot of exercise. It’s not healthy for giant dogs to do strenuous exercise every day, and they both enjoy taking a nap .. It might be necessary to convince them that walking is a good idea. You might need to improve your persuasive skills.
The Mastiff needs around 45 minutes of exercise every day, compared to the Saint Bernard, who needs less at around 30 minutes. Although this is not a lot, it is a significant difference between the Saint Bernard and the . Mastiff. The Saint Bernard requires less exercise at around minutes. This will depend on what your lifestyle is.
Between exercise sessions, they will both enjoy a variety of indestructible dog toys to chew on. This will keep them busy while you are away, and it will keep their brains ticking so they can be stimulated.
Training
The Saint Bernard is the most obedient of both breeds. The Saint Bernard has a strong working history and is dedicated to saving humans. And then there’s the Mastiff, who is a lot more independent (read, stubborn) and less intelligent. The Saint Bernard is suitable for a first-time owner.
Both dogs need to be socialized early on if they want to become polite and well-mannered. Let’s face the facts, both dogs will be difficult to handle if they’re not polite. This is especially important for the Mastiff who is naturally more cautious in nature .. Socialization is key to making sure he doesn’t become too protective.
These giant men are both driven by lots of food (we’ll talk more about food later). Positive reinforcement training is the best way to teach them. Keep lots of Scooby snacks handy. Bring the entire family along so they understand that the children are in charge.
Health
The Saint Bernard has an expected longer lifespan compared to the Mastiff. They are giant breeds and their lifespans are shorter than most other breeds. Both suffer from hip and elbow dysplasia ,. They should be tested for eye conditions and cardiac problems. The Saint Bernard should also undergo testing for degenerative myelopathy.
Their heart problems, along with their propensity to quickly put on weight are all reasons to convince them to go on walks every day. Their joints can’t take any more weight. Both are likely to gain weight at some point in life, so it is important to keep them healthy and trim through exercise. Both need to get enough rest and provide joint support. Mastiffs need larger beds than the Saint Bernard in order to support their heavily impacted joints.
Nutrition
The average Mastiff will consume slightly more food than the Saint Bernard. The Mastiff will consume around eight cups of food every day, compared to the Saint Bernard, who will eat around six cups a day. It all depends on their age, size, and energy level. But you can expect to spend more money on the Mastiff’s food bill for sure. We recommend giving them the best nutrition you can afford.
Both dogs are giant breeds. Both dogs will require kibble specifically made for large or giant-sized breeds. This is especially important for puppies as it will control the rate at which their bones develop ,. This can help to prevent bone diseases like joint dysplasia. This is the only food that will work! To keep your giant breed puppies healthy, you need to feed them premium quality giant breed puppy food.
Grooming
This is dependent on the length of their coat. They will require multiple grooming sessions per week if they have a longer hair length. They will need a brush once per week to keep their coats shiny and smart. Both shed moderately throughout the year, but they tend to shed more during the shedding season.
The Mastiff should be bathed once every 8 to 12 weeks or so, and the Saint Bernard should be bathed every 12 to 16 weeks. Because the Saint Bernard’s oily, water-resistant coat requires less washing, You could damage his natural oils. We can’t help but notice that both breeds are just like the other ,.
Price
The average price for the Saint Bernard or Mastiff is the identical . Both breeds will cost about $1,500 and up. This is a typical cost for a large breed. However, a reliable breeder will ensure that your puppy is as healthy and happy as possible. Do not let the lower prices fool you.
If you’re thinking of welcoming one of these breeds to your family, then you already know that they will not be inexpensive to care for. Although no dog is perfect, extra-large breeds require extra-large things .. Both must be financially stable for many years.
Final Thoughts
And that’s it for our big boy comparison. You now know there are many similarities between them. Many families believe that the Mastiff is bigger and more protective. Saint Bernards are friendly with everyone and need a little more exercise.
No matter which breed you choose, you will be in love with them all. Both are equally adorable and have lots of love for their families. You’ll be fine if you invest in steel-capped boots, and a large sofa.
