Brussels Griffon vs Saint Bernard: Which Suits Your Home?

The Saint Bernard is listed at giant size class for a reason: 120 to 180 pounds and up to 30 inches tall, compared to the Brussels Griffon's small 8 to 12 pounds and under 10 inches. This is likely the largest size gap in any Griffon comparison on this site — a full-grown Saint Bernard can outweigh fifteen Griffons. Measure your doorways and car trunk before falling for those famous droopy-jowled photos.

Exercise need actually ties at a low 2/5 for both breeds, which surprises people expecting a giant breed to need more activity — Saint Bernards are a famously low-key, calm breed despite their size. Energy level even tips toward the Griffon as the livelier of the two, moderate (3/5) against the Saint Bernard's low (2/5). That said, a calm temperament doesn't mean zero exercise needs — both breeds still benefit from a regular daily routine.

Grooming need ties at a moderate 3/5 for both breeds, but shedding clearly favors the Griffon, low (2/5) against the Saint Bernard's high (4/5) — a predictable result of that short-or-long double coat covering a much larger dog. Expect noticeably more fur to manage with the Saint Bernard despite the grooming score being the same. Investing in a strong vacuum is worth doing before the Saint Bernard's coat becomes a daily surprise.

This is the widest apartment-suitability gap in the comparison: the Griffon rates a full 5/5, the Saint Bernard a very low 1/5. Size is the obvious reason, but so is the breed's general unsuitability for cramped space. Barking actually favors the Saint Bernard, rating low (2/5) against the Griffon's moderate (3/5), and it tolerates being alone somewhat better too, moderate (3/5) against the Griffon's low (2/5).

Trainability and first-time owner suitability both tie at a moderate 3/5 for these two breeds, despite their size difference — the Saint Bernard's famously gentle, patient temperament apparently offsets the challenges of training a 150-pound dog. Don't read that tie as 'equally easy,' though; a Saint Bernard in training still requires more physical management than a Griffon does. Physical strength during the training period is the real variable to plan for, not raw trainability.

The Saint Bernard rates very high (5/5) with kids against the Griffon's moderate (3/5), and it's also better with other dogs (4/5 vs 3/5) and friendlier to strangers (4/5 vs 3/5). The temperament words fit the reputation — gentle, patient, friendly, and watchful — a breed built around being good with people despite its intimidating size. That combination makes the Saint Bernard a common choice for larger, more chaotic households with kids underfoot.

The Griffon's 12-to-15-year lifespan runs well ahead of the Saint Bernard's 8 to 10, a steep trade for a giant breed. Hip dysplasia is the shared risk between them; the Saint Bernard's list also includes elbow dysplasia, dilated cardiomyopathy, entropion, and bloat (GDV) — the last a genuine emergency risk for large, deep-chested dogs. Discuss cardiac and joint screening with a vet familiar with giant breeds before committing to a puppy.

Cost level rates very high (5/5) for the Saint Bernard against the Griffon's moderate (3/5), and the dollar figures show why: $150 to $310 monthly against $80 to $150, and a first-year cost that can run as high as $4,200 against the Griffon's $2,300 ceiling. Feeding, medicating, and insuring a 150-plus-pound dog costs accordingly more — factor that in well before you've already fallen for one.