Living
Which is the better overall pick?
If space and budget allow for a genuinely giant dog, the Saint Bernard's easier coat and lower exercise need make it surprisingly manageable; otherwise the OES is the more moderate option.
Old English Sheepdog vs Saint Bernard: Which Suits Your Home?
Old English Sheepdog or Saint Bernard? On paper they differ most on grooming 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 Old English Sheepdog and Saint Bernard and deciding between them. For this pair the decision usually turns on grooming need, so those are covered first and in most detail. Anyone choosing from a flat has a clear answer here: Old English Sheepdog rates 2/5 against 1/5. There is no origin story here — only what changes about your week.
Quick verdict
Between Old English Sheepdog and Saint Bernard, grooming need is what separates them, and Saint Bernard is the lower-effort dog of the two to keep.
Choose old english sheepdog if...
Choose Old English Sheepdog if a smaller dog suits your car, your home or your back and you want a dog that can keep up with an active routine.
Choose saint bernard if...
Choose Saint Bernard if this is your first dog, you do not want a standing grooming appointment and your walking routine is modest.
Head-to-head comparison
| Feature | old english sheepdog | saint bernard | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size class | large | giant | Equal |
| Weight | 60–100 lbs | 120–180 lbs | Equal |
| Height | 20–24 in | 26–30 in | Equal |
| Lifespan | 10–12 years | 8–10 years | old english sheepdog |
| Exercise need | Moderate (3/5) | Low (2/5) | saint bernard |
| Grooming need | Very high (5/5) | Moderate (3/5) | saint bernard |
| Shedding | High (4/5) | High (4/5) | Equal |
| Energy level | Moderate (3/5) | Low (2/5) | Equal |
| Barking | Moderate (3/5) | Low (2/5) | saint bernard |
| Apartment suitability | Low (2/5) | Very low (1/5) | old english sheepdog |
| Good for first-time owners | Low (2/5) | Moderate (3/5) | saint bernard |
| Tolerates being alone | Low (2/5) | Moderate (3/5) | saint bernard |
| Trainability | Moderate (3/5) | Moderate (3/5) | Equal |
| 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) | old english sheepdog |
| Coat | Long, shaggy double coat | Short or long double coat | Equal |
| Origin | Various | Various | Equal |
| Typical monthly cost | $110–$240 | $150–$310 | Equal |
| Typical first-year cost | $1,700–$3,200 | $2,200–$4,200 | Equal |
Deep dive
Size and build
This is a genuine size-class jump: the OES sits at large (60-100 lbs, 20-24 inches), while the Saint Bernard is classified giant, 120-180 lbs and 26-30 inches. A full-grown Saint Bernard can outweigh an OES by nearly 100 pounds. If floor space and furniture-clearance matter to you, that's not a small difference to plan around.
Energy and exercise
Despite its size, the Saint Bernard actually needs less exercise, rated a low 2 against the OES's moderate 3. Giant breeds like this one are often more sedentary by nature, content with modest daily activity rather than long runs. Don't mistake size for energy here; the smaller-statured OES is the one that wants more consistent movement.
Grooming and shedding
Grooming favors the Saint Bernard, moderate (3/5) against the OES's very high (5/5), despite the Saint Bernard coming in short or long-coat varieties that both shed. Shedding itself ties at high (4/5) for both. So expect a comparable amount of hair from either dog, just less time invested keeping the Saint Bernard's coat presentable.
Apartment living, noise and time alone
Neither dog belongs in a small apartment, but the OES scores a relatively less-bad 2 against the Saint Bernard's very low 1. Barking favors the OES too, 3 versus the Saint Bernard's 2. If you're working with limited square footage, the OES is the marginally more forgiving of two genuinely space-hungry breeds.
Training and owner experience
Trainability ties at a moderate 3 for both, but first-time-owner suitability favors the Saint Bernard, 3 versus the OES's 2, as does alone-tolerance, 3 versus 2. None of these numbers are high enough to call either breed easy, but the Saint Bernard's patient, even temperament nudges it slightly ahead for a less experienced owner.
Kids, other dogs and visitors
Kids, other dogs, and strangers all come out tied, both rate 5, 4, and 4 respectively. This pairing genuinely doesn't separate on household compatibility; both breeds are built to be sociable, patient family dogs. Whatever tips your decision, it isn't going to be how either one treats your kids or your guests.
Health and lifespan
Giant breeds typically trade size for lifespan, and that holds here: the Saint Bernard lives 8-10 years against the OES's 10-12. Its five listed conditions, Hip Dysplasia, Elbow Dysplasia, Dilated Cardiomyopathy, Entropion, and Bloat, share Hip Dysplasia and Bloat with the OES's list. Bloat in particular deserves attention for a deep-chested giant breed like this one, ask your vet about prevention.
Cost to keep
The Saint Bernard costs more to keep, rated very high (5/5) against the OES's high (4/5). Monthly costs run $150-$310 versus $110-$240, and first-year costs run $2,200-$4,200 versus $1,700-$3,200. Feeding a 150-plus-pound dog, plus larger-format everything from crates to medication doses, adds up quickly compared to the already-substantial OES budget.
Old English Sheepdog vs Saint Bernard at a glance
Old English Sheepdog weighs 60–100 lbs and lives 10–12 years; Saint Bernard weighs 120–180 lbs and lives 8–10 years. The two diverge most on grooming need. They are level on good with other dogs, good with kids and shedding, so those cannot decide it. Where the table declares a winner it means less work for the owner, nothing more; descriptive rows are left as ties on purpose. The value here is in the differences between the two columns; treat any single score as approximate.
Frequently asked questions
How much bigger is the Saint Bernard than the OES?
Considerably, the Saint Bernard is classified giant at 120-180 lbs, while the OES is large at 60-100 lbs. That's up to a 100-pound difference at the high end.
Which needs more exercise?
The OES, somewhat surprisingly, it rates a moderate 3 against the Saint Bernard's low 2. Giant breeds like the Saint Bernard tend to be lower-energy despite their size.
Is the Saint Bernard good for a first-time owner?
It rates a 3, slightly better than the OES's 2, largely thanks to its patient, easygoing temperament. Neither is a top pick for a total beginner, but the Saint Bernard is the gentler learning curve.
How do they compare with kids?
They're tied, both rate a 5 out of 5 with kids and a 4 with other dogs and strangers. This is one of the more family-friendly matchups on the site regardless of which you choose.
What will the Saint Bernard cost me?
More than the OES across the board: $150-$310 monthly and $2,200-$4,200 in year one, versus $110-$240 and $1,700-$3,200 for the OES. Size drives most of that gap.
Do they share health risks?
Yes, Hip Dysplasia and Bloat appear on both lists. Bloat is a genuine emergency risk for both breeds given their deep chests, so it's worth learning the warning signs.
Which lives longer?
The OES, at 10-12 years versus the Saint Bernard's shorter 8-10, a common tradeoff for giant breeds carrying that much size.
Quick answers
View more answersCosts
What's the monthly cost?
The Saint Bernard runs $150-$310, noticeably more than the OES's $110-$240, its size drives food and care costs up.
Behavior
How much exercise does each need?
Less than you'd expect from the Saint Bernard, rated a low 2/5, actually below the OES's moderate 3/5.
Health
Which lives longer?
The OES, at 10-12 years, versus 8-10 for the Saint Bernard, typical for a giant breed of its size.
Related DogBreedCompass guides
- Old English Sheepdog breed guide – Readers comparing the two usually want the full profile of Old English Sheepdog before deciding.
- Saint Bernard breed guide – The same for Saint Bernard, so the comparison can be checked against the detail.
- Old English Sheepdog vs Alaskan Malamute – Alaskan Malamute is the closest breed to Old English Sheepdog 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.
- Old English Sheepdog vs Newfoundland – Newfoundland is the other breed Saint Bernard is most often weighed against.
- Saint Bernard health problems – The health pages set out what each breed is actually screened for.
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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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