Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Dogo Argentino Versus Saint Bernard: Introduction
- Dogo Argentino versus Saint Bernard: Overview
- Dogo Argentino versus Saint Bernard: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Dogo Argentino and the Saint Bernard
- The Similarities Between the Dogo Argentino and the Saint Bernard
- Size (Weight and Height) of Dogo Argentino versus Saint Bernard
- Temperament of the Dogo Argentino Versus the Saint Bernard
- Price of Dogo Argentino versus Price of Saint Bernard
- Adopting the Dogo Argentino versus Adopting the Saint Bernard
- The Popularity of Dogo Argentino versus Popularity of Saint Bernard
- Health Problems of Dogo Argentino versus Health Problems of Saint Bernard
- Do Dogo Argentinos shed more than Saint Bernards?
- Tolerates Being Alone: Dogo Argentino versus Saint Bernard
- Can Dogo Argentinos Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Saint Bernards Tolerate Cold Weather?
- How Kid-friendly are Dogo Argentinos and Saint Bernards?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Dogo Argentino or the Saint Bernard?
- Is the Dogo Argentino Easier to Train than the Saint Bernard?
- Do Dogo Argentinos Bark and Howl? What about Saint Bernards?
- Which one drools more, the Dogo Argentino or the Saint Bernard
- Can Dogo Argentinos Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Saint Bernards Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Are Dogo Argentinos good family dogs? What about Saint Bernards?
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Dogo Argentino or the Saint Bernard?
- Wanderlust Potential: Dogo Argentino vs. Saint Bernard
- Does the Dogo Argentino Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Saint Bernard?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Dogo Argentino
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Saint Bernard
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Dogo Argentino versus Saint Bernard. Which One is a Better Pet?
Dogo Argentino Versus Saint Bernard: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Dogo Argentino and the Saint Bernard? Well, you have come to the right place. In this article, we will provide you a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Dogo Argentino 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 Dogo Argentino and the Saint Bernard.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Dogo Argentino 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 Dogo Argentino 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 more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Dogo Argentino 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 Dogo Argentino or the Saint Bernard
Dogo Argentino versus Saint Bernard: Overview
A very important difference between the Dogo Argentino and the Saint Bernard is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Dogo Argentino is a large-sized dog while the Saint Bernard is a giant-sized dog.
Furthermore, the Dogo Argentino belongs to the Sporting Dogs group. Sporting Dogs were bred to help hunters catch and retrieve feathered game. Some sporting dog breeds such as Retrievers, which were built for swimming, were bred to hunt waterfowl in water. Whereas sporting dog breeds like setters, spaniels, and pointing breeds were bred to hunt quail, pheasant, and other game birds nest on grasslands. Many Sporting Group breeds have thick, water-repellent coats that protect them from harsh hunting conditions.
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.
Dogo Argentino versus Saint Bernard: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Dogo Argentino 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.
| Factor | Dogo Argentino | Saint Bernard |
|---|---|---|
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Easy To Train | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Height | 23 to 27 inches | 2 feet, 2 inches to 2 feet, 6 inches tall at the s |
| Easygoing | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| General Health | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Intelligence | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 1/5 | 5/5 |
| Weight | 80 to 100 pounds | 120 to 180 pounds |
| Life Span | 9 to 15 years | 8 to 10 years |
| Average Lifespan | 12.0 years | 9.0 years |
| Average Price | $2510 | $1320 |
| Price Range | $1500 – $2500 | $875 – $1525 |
| Temperament Score | 89.5 percent | 84.9 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
|
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 93 | 49 |
*Data from dogtime.com, OFA.org (The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals), petcalculator.com, wikipedia.org, ATTS.org (the American Temperament Test Society)
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Dogo Argentino 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 a Dogo Argentino is 67 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for a Saint Bernard is 81 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Saint Bernard is a better pet than the Dogo Argentino. 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 Dogo Argentino 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 Dogo Argentino and the Saint Bernard
Below is a list of where the Dogo Argentino and the Saint Bernard are most different:
The Similarities Between the Dogo Argentino and the Saint Bernard
The Dogo Argentino and the Saint Bernard are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Dogo Argentino and the Saint Bernard are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Dogo Argentino versus Saint Bernard
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Dogo Argentino and the Saint Bernard.
Dogo Argentinos weigh 80 to 100 pounds when fully grown. Dogo Argentinos are 23 to 27 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.
Temperament of the Dogo Argentino Versus the Saint Bernard
The Dogo Argentino has a better temperament than the Saint Bernard.
This is because the temperament score for the Dogo Argentino is 89.5 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 they 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 89.5 percent, the Dogo Argentino 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 Dogo Argentino and the Saint Bernard by measuring the temperaments of 19 Dogo Argentinos and 53 Saint Bernards.
Price of Dogo Argentino versus Price of Saint Bernard
The average price of the Dogo Argentino puppy is $2510. The price of the Dogo Argentino typically ranges from $1500 – $2500. However, the price of a Dogo Argentino can be as low as $400 and as high as $6800. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 114 Dogo Argentino 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 a 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 Dogo Argentino is more expensive than the Saint Bernard.
| Dogo Argentino | Saint Bernard | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $2510 | $1320 |
| Price Range | $1500 to $2500 | $875 to $1525 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Dogo Argentino and Saint Bernard. For different price points, the charts show how many Dogo Argentino puppies or how many Saint Bernard puppies are listed for sale at those price points.
A breakdown of the prices of Dogo Argentinos. The typical price range is shaded Green.
A breakdown of the prices of Saint Bernards
Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Dogo Argentino 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 from 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 one of those puppy mills that mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.
You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.
Adopting the Dogo Argentino versus Adopting the Saint Bernard
You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Dogo Argentinos and many Saint Bernards are currently available for adoption.
These adorable and cute dogs are waiting in dog shelters hoping that someday someone will rescue them. Furthermore, adoption costs are lesser than the cost of a new puppy. Dog adoption costs are usually around $300. In addition to your local dog shelter, a good place online to see dogs that are available for adoption is petfinder.com.
Below is an adorable Male Dogo Argentino named Max that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Dogo Argentinos like Max on pefinder.com.
Also, like Dogo Argentinos, Saint Bernards are also available for adoption. For example, Ringo is a Male Saint Bernard that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Saint Bernards like Ringo that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.
Gatsby is the name of another Dogo Argentino (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.
Also Chief, an adorable Male Saint Bernard on petfinder.com that you can adopt.
You can find more Dogo Argentinos and Saint Bernards that are available for adoption on petfinder.
The Popularity of Dogo Argentino versus Popularity of Saint Bernard
Every year, the American Kennel Club (AKC) publishes information on how popular a dog breed is in that particular year. The AKC gets the popularity information of a breed from how many dogs of that breed the owners register with the AKC every year. The AKC collects this data for about 200 dog breeds. The AKC collects this data for purebred dogs only(no mixed or hybrid dogs).
The graphs and the table below show the popularity of the Dogo Argentino and the Saint Bernard over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Saint Bernard is more popular with dog owners than the Dogo Argentino. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Saint Bernard is 49 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Dogo Argentino is 93 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of Dogo Argentino
Popularity of Saint Bernard
| Year | Dogo Argentino Popularity Rank | Saint Bernard Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 93.0 | 52 |
| 2013 | no data | 47 |
| 2014 | no data | 51 |
| 2015 | no data | 50 |
| 2016 | no data | 49 |
| 2017 | no data | 48 |
| 2018 | no data | 48 |
| 2019 | no data | 48 |
Health Problems of Dogo Argentino versus Health Problems of Saint Bernard
Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. Therefore, there is nothing like a perfect puppy.
Both the Dogo Argentino and the Saint Bernard are prone to certain genetic health conditions. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is the organization that keeps track of health problems in dogs. Based on the extensive records that the OFA keeps, the OFA knows what health problems each dog breed is naturally prone to develop. Hence, the OFA recommends which health screening that breeders should perform on a dog breed to make sure that the breeders won`t breed `defective` dog parents that can pass down defective genes to their puppy offspring.
The more health problems a dog breed is prone to develop, the more health tests the OFA will recommend for that dog breed.
Based on our review of OFA records, we found that the Saint Bernard is prone to more genetic health problems than the Dogo Argentino.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Saint Bernard than for the Dogo Argentino.
3 health tests are recommended for Dogo Argentino while 6 tests are recommended for the Saint Bernard.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Dogo Argentinos and in Saint Bernards.
Dogo Argentino Health Problems
Dogo Argentinos are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Dogo Argentino puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.
The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.
If you want a Dogo Argentino puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Dogo Argentino breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.
The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Dogo Argentinos for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Dogo Argentinos here.
Saint Bernard Health Problems
Saint Bernards are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Saint Bernard puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.
The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.
If you want a Saint Bernard puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Saint Bernard breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.
The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Saint Bernards for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Saint Bernards here.
More Discussions on Health Problems in Dogo Argentinos and Saint Bernards
Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Dogo Argentino Breed is Baer Hearing Test problems.
This is because the Dogo Argentino ranks 3 out of 21 dog breeds for Baer Hearing Test problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 105 Dogo Argentinos, 3 of them had Baer Hearing Test problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Dogo Argentinos, and how common these diseases are in Dogo Argentinos relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Saint Bernard Breed is Hips problems.
This is because the Saint Bernard ranks 7 out of 198 dog breeds for Hips problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 2618 Saint Bernards, 1295 of them had Hips problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Saint Bernards, and how common these diseases are in Saint Bernards relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
The table below lists the common health problems in Dogo Argentino and in Saint Bernard and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Dogo Argentino and the Saint Bernard:
| Disease | Dogo Argentino Rank | Saint Bernard Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Baer Hearing Test problems | 3 out of 21 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Hips problems | 16 out of 198 dog breeds | 7 out of 198 dog breeds |
| Elbow problems | 85 out of 144 dog breeds | 33 out of 144 dog breeds |
| Eyes problems | Not Common | 23 out of 182 dog breeds |
| Degenerative Myelopathy problems | Not Common | 45 out of 70 dog breeds |
| Patella problems | Not Common | 99 out of 145 dog breeds |
*To learn more about each of these diseases, go to OFA.org and search for the disease.
Again, most of these health problems can be prevented through health screening. Responsible breeders screen male and female dog parents for genetic problems. These breeders will only breed dogs that are free of genetic defects. That way, there is little or no chance that their puppies will grow up to have genetic health problems. Always ask a breeder for the list of health tests the breeder screens their dogs for before buying a puppy from such a breeder.
Is the Dogo Argentino Better for Apartment Owners than the Saint Bernard?
Dogo Argentinos do not adapt well to apartment living.
Saint Bernards adapt moderately well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Dogo Argentino or the Saint Bernard?
Dogo Argentinos are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Saint Bernards are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Do Dogo Argentinos shed more than Saint Bernards?
Dogo Argentinos do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Saint Bernards shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Tolerates Being Alone: Dogo Argentino versus Saint Bernard
Dogo Argentinos do not like to be left alone.
Saint Bernards do not like to be left alone.
Can Dogo Argentinos Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Saint Bernards Tolerate Cold Weather?
Dogo Argentinos cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
Saint Bernards can very well tolerate cold weather.
How Kid-friendly are Dogo Argentinos and Saint Bernards?
Dogo Argentinos do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.
Saint Bernards get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Dogo Argentino or the Saint Bernard?
Dogo Argentinos do not get along well with other dogs.
Saint Bernards get along very well with other dogs.
Is the Dogo Argentino Easier to Train than the Saint Bernard?
Dogo Argentinos are not easy to train.
Saint Bernards are not easy to train.
Do Dogo Argentinos Bark and Howl? What about Saint Bernards?
Dogo Argentinos are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Saint Bernards are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Which one drools more, the Dogo Argentino or the Saint Bernard
Dogo Argentinos drool moderately.
Saint Bernards have a very high tendency to drool.
Can Dogo Argentinos Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Saint Bernards Tolerate Hot Weather?
Dogo Argentinos can tolerate hot weather.
Saint Bernards cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
Are Dogo Argentinos good family dogs? What about Saint Bernards?
Dogo Argentinos are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Saint Bernards are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Dogo Argentino or the Saint Bernard?
Dogo Argentinos are very easy to groom.
Saint Bernards require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Wanderlust Potential: Dogo Argentino vs. Saint Bernard
Dogo Argentinos 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.
Does the Dogo Argentino Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Saint Bernard?
Dogo Argentinos have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not 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.
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Dogo Argentino
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Dogo Argentino 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 Dogo Argentino:
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:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Dogo Argentino and how the Saint Bernard compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Dogo Argentino and of the Saint Bernard to other breeds:
Dogo Argentino Versus Other Dog Breeds
Dogo Argentino versus Welsh Terrier Dogo Argentino versus Lagotto Romagnolo Dogo Argentino versus Boston Terrier Dogo Argentino versus Golden Cocker Retriever Dogo Argentino versus Neapolitan Mastiff Dogo Argentino versus Shichon Dogo Argentino versus Portuguese Pointer Dogo Argentino versus Kerry Blue Terrier Dogo Argentino versus Peek A Poo Dogo Argentino versus Great Dane
Saint Bernard Versus Other Dog Breeds
Saint Bernard versus Gordon Setter Saint Bernard versus Doberman Pinscher Saint Bernard versus Swedish Vallhund Saint Bernard versus Leonberger Saint Bernard versus Brittany Saint Bernard versus Australian Terrier Saint Bernard versus Japanese Spitz Saint Bernard versus Chow Chow Saint Bernard versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Saint Bernard versus Chorkie
Conclusion: Dogo Argentino 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 Dogo Argentino and the Saint Bernard better suits you and your family.