Breed Comparison: American Pit Bull Terrier Versus Saint Bernard

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American Pit Bull Terrier Versus Saint Bernard: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the American Pit Bull Terrier 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 American Pit Bull Terrier 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 American Pit Bull Terrier and the Saint Bernard.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the American Pit Bull Terrier 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 American Pit Bull Terrier 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 American Pit Bull Terrier 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 American Pit Bull Terrier or the Saint Bernard.

American Pit Bull Terrier versus Saint Bernard

American Pit Bull Terrier versus Saint Bernard: Overview

A very important difference between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Saint Bernard is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The American Pit Bull Terrier is a medium-sized dog while the Saint Bernard is a giant-sized dog.

Furthermore, the American Pit Bull Terrier belongs to the Terrier Dogs group. Terrier Dogs were originally bred to go underground to hunt rodents and other small wild animals (vermin). Terriers come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, but all terriers are energetic, highly intelligent, and territorial. Terries also have the tendency to escape. They require a securely fenced yard.

On the other hand, the Saint Bernard belongs to the Working Dogs group. Working Dogs 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.

American Pit Bull Terrier versus Saint Bernard: Comparison Table

The table below compares the American Pit Bull Terrier 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 American Pit Bull Terrier and the Saint Bernard

Factor American Pit Bull Terrier Saint Bernard
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 1/5
Dog Friendly 1/5 5/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 1/5
Life Span 12 to 16 years 8 to 10 years
Height 17 to 19 inches tall at the shoulder 2 feet, 2 inches to 2 feet, 6 inches tall at the s
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 2/5 5/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 1/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 2/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 5/5
Weight 30 to 85 pounds 120 to 180 pounds
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 2/5
General Health 4/5 2/5
Easy To Train 4/5 2/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 5/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 1/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 1/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Average Lifespan 14.0 years 9.0 years
Average Price $1140 $1320
Price Range $400 – $1200 $875 – $1525
Temperament Score 87.4 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 American Pit Bull Terrier 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 American Pit Bull Terrier is 75 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Saint Bernard is 81 out of 125.

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

    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 American Pit Bull Terrier and the Saint Bernard so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    American Pit Bull Terrier versus Saint Bernard

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Saint Bernard

    Below is a list of where the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Saint Bernard are most different:

  • American Pit Bull Terriers do not get along well with other dogs. However, Saint Bernards get along well with other dogs.
  • American Pit Bull Terriers do not have the tendency to drool. However, Saint Bernards have a very high tendency to drool.
  • American Pit Bull Terriers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold. However, Saint Bernards can tolerate cold weather.
  • American Pit Bull Terriers are very easy to groom. However, Saint Bernards require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • American Pit Bull Terriers do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful. However, Saint Bernards do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
  • The Similarities Between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Saint Bernard

    The American Pit Bull Terrier and the Saint Bernard are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Saint Bernard are most similar:

  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Saint Bernard do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Saint Bernard are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Saint Bernard are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Saint Bernard shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Saint Bernard are highly intelligent.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Saint Bernard have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Saint Bernard are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Saint Bernard get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Saint Bernard are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Saint Bernard are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of American Pit Bull Terrier versus Saint Bernard

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Saint Bernard.

    American Pit Bull Terriers weigh 30 to 85 pounds when fully grown. American Pit Bull Terriers are 17 to 19 inches tall at the shoulder 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 American Pit Bull Terrier versus Saint Bernard

    The lifespan of American Pit Bull Terriers is between 12 to 16 years. The average lifespan of American Pit Bull Terriers is 14.0 years.

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

    American Pit Bull Terriers live longer than Saint Bernards.

    American Pit Bull Terrier versus Saint Bernard

    Temperament of the American Pit Bull Terrier Versus the Saint Bernard

    The American Pit Bull Terrier has a better temperament than the Saint Bernard.

    This is because the temperament score for the American Pit Bull Terrier is 87.4 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 87.4 percent, the American Pit Bull Terrier 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 American Pit Bull Terrier and the Saint Bernard by measuring the temperaments of 931 American Pit Bull Terriers and 53 Saint Bernards.

    Price of American Pit Bull Terrier versus Price of Saint Bernard

    The average price of the American Pit Bull Terrier puppy is $1140. The price of the American Pit Bull Terrier typically ranges from $400 – $1200. However, the price of a American Pit Bull Terrier can be as low as $100 and as high as $15000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 877 American Pit Bull Terrier 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. However, the price of the Saint Bernard can be as low as $200 and as high as $3550. 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 American Pit Bull Terrier.

    American Pit Bull Terrier Saint Bernard
    Average Price $1140 $1320
    Price Range $400 to $1200 $875 to $1525

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

    A breakdown of the prices of American Pit Bull Terriers. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of American Pit Bull Terriers. 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 American Pit Bull Terrier 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.

    American Pit Bull Terrier versus Saint Bernard

    Tolerates Being Alone: American Pit Bull Terrier versus Saint Bernard

    American Pit Bull Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Saint Bernards do not like to be left alone.

    Do American Pit Bull Terriers shed more than Saint Bernards?

    American Pit Bull Terriers 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 American Pit Bull Terrier or the Saint Bernard

    American Pit Bull Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Saint Bernards have a very high tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the American Pit Bull Terrier or the Saint Bernard?

    American Pit Bull Terriers are very easy to groom.

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

    Does the American Pit Bull Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Saint Bernard?

    American Pit Bull Terriers have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and 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 American Pit Bull Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Saint Bernards?

    American Pit Bull Terriers bark and howl, but not very much.

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

    Can American Pit Bull Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Saint Bernards Tolerate Cold Weather?

    American Pit Bull Terriers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Saint Bernards can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: American Pit Bull Terrier vs. Saint Bernard

    American Pit Bull Terriers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    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 American Pit Bull Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Saint Bernards Tolerate Hot Weather?

    American Pit Bull Terriers can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

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

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the American Pit Bull Terrier or the Saint Bernard?

    American Pit Bull Terriers do not get along well with other dogs.

    Saint Bernards get along very well with other dogs.

    Are American Pit Bull Terriers good family dogs? What about Saint Bernards?

    American Pit Bull Terriers 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 American Pit Bull Terriers and Saint Bernards?

    American Pit Bull Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the American Pit Bull Terrier Easier to Train than the Saint Bernard?

    American Pit Bull Terriers are very easy to train.

    Saint Bernards are not easy to train.

    Is the American Pit Bull Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Saint Bernard?

    American Pit Bull Terriers adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Saint Bernards adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the American Pit Bull Terrier or the Saint Bernard?

    American Pit Bull Terriers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

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

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the American Pit Bull Terrier

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the American Pit Bull Terrier that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the American Pit Bull Terrier:

  • American Staffordshire Terrier (76 percent match with American Pit Bull Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Saint Bernard vs American Staffordshire Terrier.
  • American Water Spaniel (74 percent match with American Pit Bull Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Saint Bernard vs American Water Spaniel.
  • German Shepherd Dog (77 percent match with American Pit Bull Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Saint Bernard vs German Shepherd Dog.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Saint Bernard

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Saint Bernard that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Saint Bernard:

  • Newfoundland (68 percent match with Saint Bernard). Here is our comparison of the American Pit Bull Terrier vs Newfoundland.
  • King Shepherd (71 percent match with Saint Bernard). Here is our comparison of the American Pit Bull Terrier vs King Shepherd.
  • Spinone Italiano (68 percent match with Saint Bernard). Here is our comparison of the American Pit Bull Terrier vs Spinone Italiano.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

    You may also be interested in how the American Pit Bull Terrier and how the Saint Bernard compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the American Pit Bull Terrier and of the Saint Bernard to other breeds:

    American Pit Bull Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    American Pit Bull Terrier versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Tibetan Spaniel     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Clumber Spaniel     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Redbone Coonhound     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Carolina Dog     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Basset Hound     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Carolina Dog     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Irish Wolfhound     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Golden Cocker Retriever     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Irish Setter     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Belgian Sheepdog     American Pit Bull Terrier versus English Setter     American Pit Bull Terrier versus English Cocker Spaniel     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Cairn Terrier     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Azawakh     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Affenhuahua     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Australian Kelpie     American Pit Bull Terrier versus German Shepherd Dog     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Miniature Pinscher     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Lhasa Apso     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Clumber Spaniel     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Pug     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Newfoundland     American Pit Bull Terrier versus Bearded Collie     

    Saint Bernard Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Saint Bernard versus American Hairless Terrier     Saint Bernard versus Lagotto Romagnolo     Saint Bernard versus Chorkie     Saint Bernard versus Braque du Bourbonnais     Saint Bernard versus Akbash     Saint Bernard versus Chinese Crested     Saint Bernard versus Patterdale Terrier     Saint Bernard versus Shetland Sheepdog          Saint Bernard versus Boxerdoodle     Saint Bernard versus Doberman Pinscher     Saint Bernard versus Norwich Terrier     Saint Bernard versus Skye Terrier     Saint Bernard versus Stabyhoun     Saint Bernard versus Black and Tan Coonhound     Saint Bernard versus Pyrenean Shepherd     Saint Bernard versus Pekingese     Saint Bernard versus Samoyed     Saint Bernard versus Cane Corso     Saint Bernard versus Bouvier des Flandres     Saint Bernard versus Akita     Saint Bernard versus Irish Water Spaniel     Saint Bernard versus Newfoundland     Saint Bernard versus Bolognese     Saint Bernard versus German Wirehaired Pointer     

    Conclusion: American Pit Bull Terrier 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 American Pit Bull Terrier and the Saint Bernard better suits you and your family.