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Labradoodle vs Saint Bernard: Which Suits Your Home?

Labradoodle or Saint Bernard? On paper they differ most on exercise need, and on the scales Saint Bernard is the heavier at 120–180 lbs. Here is how the two compare on everything that shapes an ordinary week.

This is for someone already down to Labradoodle and Saint Bernard and deciding between them. For this pair the decision usually turns on exercise need and energy level, so those are covered first and in most detail. Anyone choosing from a flat has a clear answer here: Labradoodle rates 2/5 against 1/5. It is written for the decision rather than the breed history.

Quick verdict

Between Labradoodle and Saint Bernard, exercise need is what separates them, and Saint Bernard is the lower-effort dog of the two to keep.

Choose labradoodle if...

Choose Labradoodle if this is your first dog, shedding is a problem in your house and you want a dog that picks up training quickly.

Choose saint bernard if...

Choose Saint Bernard if you do not want a standing grooming appointment, your walking routine is modest and the dog will be alone during the working day.

Head-to-head comparison

Feature	labradoodle	saint bernard	Winner
Size class	medium	giant	Equal
Weight	15–65 lbs	120–180 lbs	Equal
Height	14–24 in	26–30 in	Equal
Lifespan	12–14 years	8–10 years	labradoodle
Exercise need	Very high (5/5)	Low (2/5)	saint bernard
Grooming need	High (4/5)	Moderate (3/5)	saint bernard
Shedding	Low (2/5)	High (4/5)	labradoodle
Energy level	Very high (5/5)	Low (2/5)	Equal
Barking	Low (2/5)	Low (2/5)	Equal
Apartment suitability	Low (2/5)	Very low (1/5)	labradoodle
Good for first-time owners	High (4/5)	Moderate (3/5)	labradoodle
Tolerates being alone	Low (2/5)	Moderate (3/5)	saint bernard
Trainability	Very high (5/5)	Moderate (3/5)	labradoodle
Good with kids	Very high (5/5)	Very high (5/5)	Equal
Good with other dogs	High (4/5)	High (4/5)	Equal
Friendly to strangers	High (4/5)	High (4/5)	Equal
Cost level	High (4/5)	Very high (5/5)	labradoodle
Coat	Wavy to curly	Short or long double coat	Equal
Origin	Australia	Various	Equal
Typical monthly cost	$120–$220	$150–$310	Equal
Typical first-year cost	$1,800–$3,200	$2,200–$4,200	Equal

Deep dive

Size and build

This is a genuine size mismatch. A Saint Bernard at its lightest (120 lbs) still nearly doubles the heaviest Labradoodle (65 lbs), and it stands up to six inches taller at the shoulder. If you want a dog whose physical presence fills a room, this comparison isn't close.

Energy and exercise

The exercise gap here is one of the largest tracked on the site: Labradoodle at 5/5, Saint Bernard at a low 2/5. Despite its size, the Saint Bernard is a fairly low-key dog physically -- it's the Labradoodle that needs the serious daily workout.

Grooming and shedding

Grooming actually favors the Saint Bernard slightly, rated moderate (3/5) against the Labradoodle's high (4/5) -- less brushing frequency, if not less surface area to cover. Shedding runs the other way and by more: Saint Bernard high (4/5) against the Labradoodle's low (2/5), meaning more hair despite the lighter grooming schedule.

Apartment living, noise and time alone

Neither dog suits an apartment, but the Saint Bernard rates even lower -- very low (1/5) against the Labradoodle's already-low 2/5, which tracks given its size alone. Barking is a non-factor for either, both tied at low (2/5).

Training and owner experience

The Labradoodle scores higher for both trainability (5/5 versus moderate 3/5) and first-time-owner suitability (high 4/5 versus moderate 3/5). One point in the Saint Bernard's favor: tolerating time alone, rated moderate (3/5) against the Labradoodle's low (2/5) -- a calmer temperament that shows up here even without matching training scores.

Kids, other dogs and visitors

Household fit is where these two are most alike -- good with kids, other dogs, and strangers all tie at 5/5, 4/5, and 4/5 respectively. Whatever separates them, it isn't how they behave around your family or your guests.

Health and lifespan

Giant breeds tend to run shorter lifespans, and the Saint Bernard fits that pattern -- 8-10 years against the Labradoodle's 12-14, a gap of up to six years. Three of its five flagged conditions overlap with the Labradoodle's ten: hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and bloat. The two that don't overlap, dilated cardiomyopathy and entropion, are both size- and structure-related risks specific to a giant breed's frame.

Cost to keep

The Saint Bernard is the most expensive breed in this comparison set, rated a very high (5/5) cost level against the Labradoodle's high (4/5). The numbers back it up -- $150-$310 a month against $120-$220, and up to $4,200 in the first year against $3,200. A bigger dog simply costs more to feed, medicate, and house.

Labradoodle vs Saint Bernard at a glance

Labradoodle weighs 15–65 lbs and lives 12–14 years; Saint Bernard weighs 120–180 lbs and lives 8–10 years. The two diverge most on exercise need, energy level and shedding and 1 other rated axes. They are level on barking, good with other dogs and good with kids, so those cannot decide it. In the table, a "winner" means easier for an ordinary household — not better. Size, coat and origin are recorded without a verdict. Because both breeds are scored the same way, the gaps are reliable even where the absolute numbers are rough.

Frequently asked questions

How big is the size difference?

Dramatic -- the lightest Saint Bernard (120 lbs) outweighs the heaviest Labradoodle (65 lbs) by nearly two to one, and stands several inches taller too.

Which needs more exercise?

The Labradoodle, by a wide margin -- rated 5/5 against the Saint Bernard's low 2/5. Size doesn't equal energy here.

Good with kids?

Both are excellent, tying at 5/5 -- this is one of the few metrics where these two are identical.

Which fits an apartment better?

Neither works well, but the Saint Bernard rates even lower -- very low (1/5) against the Labradoodle's low (2/5), largely a function of its sheer size.

What's the cost comparison?

The Saint Bernard costs more across the board -- $150-$310 monthly against the Labradoodle's $120-$220, and it's the only breed in this comparison rated a very high (5/5) cost level.

Do they share health risks?

Yes, partially -- three of the Saint Bernard's five flagged conditions overlap with the Labradoodle's ten, including hip dysplasia and bloat. Dilated cardiomyopathy and entropion are unique to the Saint Bernard's list.

Which lives longer?

The Labradoodle, by up to six years -- 12-14 versus the Saint Bernard's 8-10, a pattern common among giant breeds.

Quick answers

View more answers

Living

Which fits your household better?

Kids, other dogs, and strangers all tie between them -- the real differences are size, exercise need, and cost, not household temperament.

Costs

What's the monthly cost?

Saint Bernard is the pricier of the two -- $150-$310 monthly and the only very high (5/5) cost rating in this comparison.

Behavior

How much exercise do they need?

One of the widest gaps on this site: Labradoodle at 5/5 exercise need, Saint Bernard at 2/5.

Health

How long do they live?

Labradoodle's lifespan (12-14 years) beats the Saint Bernard's (8-10) by up to six years, typical of the difference between a medium and a giant breed.

Related DogBreedCompass guides

Labradoodle breed guide – Readers comparing the two usually want the full profile of Labradoodle before deciding.
Saint Bernard breed guide – The same for Saint Bernard, so the comparison can be checked against the detail.
Labradoodle vs Bernedoodle – Bernedoodle is the closest breed to Labradoodle on the measured axes, so it is the natural next comparison.
Saint Bernard vs Newfoundland – Newfoundland sits closest to Saint Bernard, which makes it the alternative worth ruling out.
What Labradoodle costs to keep – Anyone weighing these two is usually also pricing them, and the cost pages carry city-level figures.
Saint Bernard health problems – The health pages set out what each breed is actually screened for.

Related guides

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Important reminder

Health information here is general and is not veterinary advice. If your dog shows pain, sudden behaviour change, or worsening symptoms, consult a licensed veterinarian.

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