Which is Better between the Hovawart and the Saint Bernard? A Very Detailed Review.

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Hovawart Versus Saint Bernard: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Hovawart 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 Hovawart 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 Hovawart 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 Hovawart or the Saint Bernard.

Hovawart versus Saint Bernard

Hovawart versus Saint Bernard: Overview

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

Furthermore, both the Hovawart and the Saint Bernard are Working Dogs. This means both the Hovawart 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.

Hovawart versus Saint Bernard: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Hovawart 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 Hovawart and the Saint Bernard

Factor Hovawart Saint Bernard
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 1/5
Life Span 10 to 14 years 8 to 10 years
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 1/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 5/5
Easy To Train 2/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 4/5
Height 23 to 29 inches 2 feet, 2 inches to 2 feet, 6 inches tall at the s
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 1/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 5/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 2/5
General Health 4/5 2/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 4/5
Weight 55 to 110 pounds 120 to 180 pounds
Average Lifespan 12.0 years 9.0 years
Price Range No Data $875 – $1525
Average Price No Data $1320
Temperament Score 91.7 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 Hovawart 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 Hovawart is 78 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 Hovawart. 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 Hovawart and the Saint Bernard so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    Hovawart versus Saint Bernard

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Hovawart and the Saint Bernard

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

  • Hovawarts do not have the tendency to drool. However, Saint Bernards have a very high tendency to drool.
  • Hovawarts do not get along well with other dogs. However, Saint Bernards get along well with other dogs.
  • Hovawarts are not very friendly towards strangers. However, Saint Bernards are very friendly towards strangers.
  • The Similarities Between the Hovawart and the Saint Bernard

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

  • Both the Hovawart and the Saint Bernard are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Saint Bernard do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Saint Bernard are not easy to train.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Saint Bernard are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Saint Bernard have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Saint Bernard are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Hovawart 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 Hovawart and the Saint Bernard can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Saint Bernard are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Saint Bernard get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Saint Bernard are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Saint Bernard have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Saint Bernard are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Hovawart versus Saint Bernard

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

    Hovawarts weigh 55 to 110 pounds when fully grown. Hovawarts are 23 to 29 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 Hovawart versus Saint Bernard

    The lifespan of Hovawarts is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Hovawarts is 12.0 years.

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

    Hovawarts live longer than Saint Bernards.

    Hovawart versus Saint Bernard

    Temperament of the Saint Bernard Versus the Hovawart

    The Hovawart has a better temperament than the Saint Bernard.

    This is because the temperament score for the Hovawart is 91.7 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 91.7 percent, the Hovawart 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 Hovawart and the Saint Bernard by measuring the temperaments of 24 Hovawarts and 53 Saint Bernards.

    Hovawart versus Saint Bernard

    Tolerates Being Alone: Hovawart versus Saint Bernard

    Hovawarts do not like to be left alone.

    Saint Bernards do not like to be left alone.

    Do Hovawarts shed more than Saint Bernards?

    Hovawarts shed moderately.

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

    Which one drools more, the Hovawart or the Saint Bernard

    Hovawarts do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Saint Bernards have a very high tendency to drool.

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

    Hovawarts are very easy to groom.

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

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

    Hovawarts 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 Hovawarts Bark and Howl? What about Saint Bernards?

    Hovawarts 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.

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

    Hovawarts can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Saint Bernards can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Hovawart vs. Saint Bernard

    Hovawarts 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 Hovawarts Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Saint Bernards Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Hovawarts 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 Hovawart or the Saint Bernard?

    Hovawarts do not get along well with other dogs.

    Saint Bernards get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Hovawarts good family dogs? What about Saint Bernards?

    Hovawarts 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 Hovawarts and Saint Bernards?

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

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

    Is the Hovawart Easier to Train than the Saint Bernard?

    Hovawarts are not easy to train.

    Saint Bernards are not easy to train.

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

    Hovawarts do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Saint Bernards adapt moderately well to apartment living.

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

    Hovawarts 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 Hovawart

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Hovawart 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 Hovawart:

  • Catahoula Leopard Dog (78 percent match with Hovawart). Here is our comparison of the Saint Bernard vs Catahoula Leopard Dog.
  • Spanish Mastiff (81 percent match with Hovawart). Here is our comparison of the Saint Bernard vs Spanish Mastiff.
  • 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 Hovawart vs Newfoundland.
  • King Shepherd (71 percent match with Saint Bernard). Here is our comparison of the Hovawart vs King Shepherd.
  • Spinone Italiano (68 percent match with Saint Bernard). Here is our comparison of the Hovawart vs Spinone Italiano.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Hovawart Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Hovawart versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog     Hovawart versus Scottish Deerhound     Hovawart versus Keeshond     Hovawart versus German Longhaired Pointer     Hovawart versus Biewer Terrier     Hovawart versus Belgian Sheepdog     Hovawart versus German Shorthaired Pointer     Hovawart versus Cavachon     Hovawart versus Westiepoo     Hovawart versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog     Hovawart versus Pyrenean Mastiff     Hovawart versus Kishu Ken     Hovawart versus Kuvasz     Hovawart versus Spinone Italiano     Hovawart versus Cocker Spaniel     Hovawart versus Portuguese Pointer     Hovawart versus Toy Poodle     Hovawart versus Maremma Sheepdog     Hovawart versus Tibetan Spaniel     Hovawart versus Great Dane     Hovawart versus King Shepherd     Hovawart versus Dachshund     Hovawart versus Valley Bulldog     Hovawart versus Chow Chow     

    Saint Bernard Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Saint Bernard versus Plott     Saint Bernard versus Puli     Saint Bernard versus Estrela Mountain Dog     Saint Bernard versus American Pit Bull Terrier     Saint Bernard versus Treeing Walker Coonhound     Saint Bernard versus Welsh Springer Spaniel     Saint Bernard versus Lowchen     Saint Bernard versus American Hairless Terrier     Saint Bernard versus Karelian Bear Dog     Saint Bernard versus Pyrenean Shepherd     Saint Bernard versus German Pinscher     Saint Bernard versus Chinese Crested     Saint Bernard versus Afghan Hound     Saint Bernard versus Briard     Saint Bernard versus Swedish Vallhund     Saint Bernard versus Golden Cocker Retriever     Saint Bernard versus Frenchton     Saint Bernard versus Havanese     Saint Bernard versus Bull Terrier     Saint Bernard versus Cocker Spaniel     Saint Bernard versus Pomapoo     Saint Bernard versus Chorkie     Saint Bernard versus Gordon Setter     Saint Bernard versus Puli     Saint Bernard versus Shiranian     

    Conclusion: Hovawart 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 Hovawart and the Saint Bernard better suits you and your family.