Is the Akbash Better than the Saint Bernard as a Pet? Our Answer.

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Akbash Versus Saint Bernard: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Akbash and the Saint Bernard? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Akbash and the Saint Bernard better suits you.

We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Akbash and the Saint Bernard.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Akbash and the Saint Bernard is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.

Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Akbash and for the Saint Bernard. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Akbash and the Saint Bernard.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Akbash or the Saint Bernard.

Akbash versus Saint Bernard: Overview

A very important difference between the Akbash and the Saint Bernard is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Akbash is a large-sized dog while the Saint Bernard is a giant-sized dog.

Furthermore, both the Akbash and the Saint Bernard are Working Dogs. This means both the Akbash and the Saint Bernard were developed to assist humans in some capacity – including pulling sleds and carts, guarding flocks, guarding homes, and protecting their families. Breeds in the Working Group are known for their imposing stature, strength, intelligence, and fearless. Because of their size and strength, working dogs require a structured home life and firm, fair, consistent training by someone who can provide leadership without resorting to anger or physical force.

Akbash versus Saint Bernard: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Akbash to the Saint Bernard based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.

When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets

Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.

However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.

Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Akbash and the Saint Bernard

Factor Akbash Saint Bernard
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 5/5 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 5/5 4/5
Life Span 10 to 12 years 8 to 10 years
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 2/5 1/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 5/5
Does NOT Drool 4/5 1/5
NOT Rambunctious 4/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 4/5 4/5
Height 27 to 34 inches 2 feet, 2 inches to 2 feet, 6 inches tall at the s
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Dog Friendly 3/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 2/5
Easy To Train 3/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 5/5
Potential For Playfulness 3/5 4/5
Tolerates Being Alone 4/5 1/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 5/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 2/5
General Health 4/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 2/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Weight 75 to 140 pounds 120 to 180 pounds
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 9.0 years
Average Price $610 $1320
Price Range $500 – $800 $875 – $1525
Temperament Score 87.5 percent 84.9 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation – Min Age 24 Months
  • Degenerative Myelopathy
  • Elbow Dysplasia – Min Age 24 Months
  • Eye Examination – Min Age 22 Months
  • Hip Dysplasia – Min Age 24 Months
    		•

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Akbash in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Saint Bernard. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.

    The Better-Pet score for the Akbash is 83 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Saint Bernard is 81 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Akbash is a better pet than the Saint Bernard. So, you should get the Akbash!

    Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

    Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the Akbash and the Saint Bernard so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Akbash and the Saint Bernard

    Below is a list of where the Akbash and the Saint Bernard are most different:

    • Akbashs are not very friendly towards strangers. However, Saint Bernards are very friendly towards strangers.
    • Akbashs do not have the tendency to drool. However, Saint Bernards have a very high tendency to drool.
    • Akbashs can be left alone for some time without problems. However, Saint Bernards do not like to be left alone.

    The Similarities Between the Akbash and the Saint Bernard

    The Akbash and the Saint Bernard are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Akbash and the Saint Bernard are most similar:

    • Both the Akbash and the Saint Bernard have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
    • Both the Akbash and the Saint Bernard do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
    • Both the Akbash and the Saint Bernard are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
    • Both the Akbash and the Saint Bernard cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
    • Both the Akbash and the Saint Bernard have low energy levels. They do not require a lot exercise time.
    • Both the Akbash and the Saint Bernard do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
    • Both the Akbash and the Saint Bernard have low exercise needs.
    • Both the Akbash and the Saint Bernard can tolerate cold weather.
    • Both the Akbash and the Saint Bernard get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
    • Both the Akbash and the Saint Bernard shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
    • Both the Akbash and the Saint Bernard gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
    • Both the Akbash and the Saint Bernard are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Akbash and the Saint Bernard are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Size Comparison of Akbash versus Saint Bernard

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Akbash and the Saint Bernard.

    Akbashs weigh 75 to 140 pounds when fully grown. Akbashs are 27 to 34 inches when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Saint Bernards weigh 120 to 180 pounds when fully grown. Saint Bernards are 2 feet, 2 inches to 2 feet, 6 inches tall at the s when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Akbash versus Saint Bernard

    The lifespan of Akbashs is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Akbashs is 11.0 years.

    The lifespan of Saint Bernards is between 8 to 10 years. The average lifespan of Saint Bernards is 9.0 years.

    Akbashs live longer than Saint Bernards.

    Temperament of the Akbash Versus the Saint Bernard

    The Akbash has a better temperament than the Saint Bernard.

    This is because the temperament score for the Akbash is 87.5 percent while the temperament score for the Saint Bernard is 84.9 percent, according to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).

    The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds.

    Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and are protective of their owners.

    The average temperament score across all dog breeds (over 250 breeds) is 83.7 percent.

    With its temperament score of 87.5 percent, the Akbash has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    With its temperament score of 84.9 percent, the Saint Bernard has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Akbash and the Saint Bernard by measuring the temperaments of 16 Akbashs and 53 Saint Bernards.

    Price of Akbash versus Price of Saint Bernard

    The average price of the Akbash puppy is $610. The price of the Akbash typically ranges from $500 – $800. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 12 Akbash puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Saint Bernard puppy is $1320. The price of the Saint Bernard typically ranges from $875 – $1525. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 163 Saint Bernard puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Saint Bernard is more expensive than the Akbash.

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Akbash and Saint Bernard. For different price points, the charts show how many Akbash puppies or how many Saint Bernard puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

    A breakdown of the prices of Akbashs. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Akbashs. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Saint Bernards

    A breakdown of the prices of Saint Bernards

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Akbash puppy or the Saint Bernard puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.

    Nevertheless, when looking to buy a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from a puppy mill. Puppy mills mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

    You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Akbash versus Saint Bernard

    Akbashs can be left alone for some time without problems.

    Saint Bernards do not like to be left alone.

    Do Akbashs shed more than Saint Bernards?

    Akbashs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Saint Bernards shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Akbash or the Saint Bernard

    Akbashs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Saint Bernards have a very high tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Akbash or the Saint Bernard?

    Akbashs are moderately easy to groom.

    Saint Bernards require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Does the Akbash Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Saint Bernard?

    Akbashs have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to get along well with other pets.

    Saint Bernards have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to get along well with other pets.

    Do Akbashs Bark and Howl? What about Saint Bernards?

    Akbashs bark and howl, but not very much.

    Saint Bernards are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Can Akbashs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Saint Bernards Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Akbashs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Saint Bernards can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Akbash vs. Saint Bernard

    Akbashs do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    Saint Bernards do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    Can Akbashs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Saint Bernards Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Akbashs cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

    Saint Bernards cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Akbash or the Saint Bernard?

    Akbashs get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Saint Bernards get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Akbashs good family dogs? What about Saint Bernards?

    Akbashs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Saint Bernards are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Akbashs and Saint Bernards?

    Akbashs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Saint Bernards get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Akbash Easier to Train than the Saint Bernard?

    Akbashs are fairly easy to train.

    Saint Bernards are not easy to train.

    Is the Akbash Better for Apartment Owners than the Saint Bernard?

    Akbashs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Saint Bernards adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Akbash or the Saint Bernard?

    Akbashs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Saint Bernards are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: Akbash versus Saint Bernard. Which One is a Better Pet?

    In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Akbash and the Saint Bernard better suits you and your family.