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

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Patterdale Terrier Versus Saint Bernard: Introduction

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

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

Patterdale Terrier versus Saint Bernard

Patterdale Terrier versus Saint Bernard: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Patterdale 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.

Patterdale Terrier versus Saint Bernard: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Patterdale 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 Patterdale Terrier and the Saint Bernard

Factor Patterdale Terrier Saint Bernard
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 3/5
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 1/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 1/5
Weight 11 to 13 pounds 120 to 180 pounds
Life Span 11 to 14 years 8 to 10 years
Height 12 to 15 inches 2 feet, 2 inches to 2 feet, 6 inches tall at the s
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 4/5 2/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 2/5
Easy To Train 3/5 2/5
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 5/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 1/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 2/5
General Health 4/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 2/5 3/5
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
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 4/5
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 5/5
Average Lifespan 12.5 years 9.0 years
Average Price $680 $1320
Price Range $550 – $950 $875 – $1525
Temperament Score 80.0 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 Patterdale 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 Patterdale Terrier is 77 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 Patterdale 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 Patterdale Terrier 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 Patterdale Terrier and the Saint Bernard

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

  • Patterdale Terriers do not have the tendency to drool. However, Saint Bernards have a very high tendency to drool.
  • Patterdale Terriers can tolerate hot weather. However, Saint Bernards cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
  • Patterdale Terriers have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets. However, Saint Bernards have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • The Similarities Between the Patterdale Terrier and the Saint Bernard

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

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

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

    Patterdale Terriers weigh 11 to 13 pounds when fully grown. Patterdale Terriers are 12 to 15 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 Patterdale Terrier versus Saint Bernard

    The lifespan of Patterdale Terriers is between 11 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Patterdale Terriers is 12.5 years.

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

    Patterdale Terriers live longer than Saint Bernards.

    Temperament of the Saint Bernard Versus the Patterdale Terrier

    The Saint Bernard has a better temperament than the Patterdale Terrier.

    This is because the temperament score for the Saint Bernard is 84.9 percent while the temperament score for the Patterdale Terrier is 80.0 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 80.0 percent, the Patterdale Terrier has a below-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 Patterdale Terrier and the Saint Bernard by measuring the temperaments of 5 Patterdale Terriers and 53 Saint Bernards.

    Price of Patterdale Terrier versus Price of Saint Bernard

    The average price of the Patterdale Terrier puppy is $680. The price of the Patterdale Terrier typically ranges from $550 – $950. However, the price of a Patterdale Terrier can be as low as $300 and as high as $1200. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 14 Patterdale 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 Patterdale Terrier.

    Patterdale Terrier Saint Bernard
    Average Price $680 $1320
    Price Range $550 to $950 $875 to $1525

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Patterdale 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 Patterdale 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.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Patterdale Terrier versus Saint Bernard

    Patterdale Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Saint Bernards do not like to be left alone.

    Do Patterdale Terriers shed more than Saint Bernards?

    Patterdale Terriers 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.

    Which one drools more, the Patterdale Terrier or the Saint Bernard

    Patterdale Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Saint Bernards have a very high tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Patterdale Terrier or the Saint Bernard?

    Patterdale Terriers are very easy to groom.

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

    Does the Patterdale Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Saint Bernard?

    Patterdale Terriers 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.

    Do Patterdale Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Saint Bernards?

    Patterdale Terriers 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 Patterdale Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Saint Bernards Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Patterdale Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Saint Bernards can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Patterdale Terrier vs. Saint Bernard

    Patterdale 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 Patterdale Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Saint Bernards Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Patterdale Terriers can tolerate hot weather.

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

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

    Patterdale Terriers get along very well with other dogs.

    Saint Bernards get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Patterdale Terriers good family dogs? What about Saint Bernards?

    Patterdale 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 Patterdale Terriers and Saint Bernards?

    Patterdale Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Patterdale Terrier Easier to Train than the Saint Bernard?

    Patterdale Terriers are fairly easy to train.

    Saint Bernards are not easy to train.

    Is the Patterdale Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Saint Bernard?

    Patterdale Terriers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Saint Bernards adapt moderately well to apartment living.

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

    Patterdale 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 Patterdale Terrier

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

  • Field Spaniel (79 percent match with Patterdale Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Saint Bernard vs Field Spaniel.
  • Portuguese Pointer (78 percent match with Patterdale Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Saint Bernard vs Portuguese Pointer.
  • 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 Patterdale Terrier vs Newfoundland.
  • King Shepherd (71 percent match with Saint Bernard). Here is our comparison of the Patterdale Terrier vs King Shepherd.
  • Spinone Italiano (68 percent match with Saint Bernard). Here is our comparison of the Patterdale Terrier vs Spinone Italiano.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Patterdale Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Patterdale Terrier versus Bernese Mountain Dog     Patterdale Terrier versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog     Patterdale Terrier versus Leonberger     Patterdale Terrier versus Shih Tzu     Patterdale Terrier versus American Hairless Terrier     Patterdale Terrier versus English Cocker Spaniel     Patterdale Terrier versus Australian Shepherd     Patterdale Terrier versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle     Patterdale Terrier versus Braque du Bourbonnais     Patterdale Terrier versus Catahoula Bulldog     Patterdale Terrier versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde     Patterdale Terrier versus Sheepadoodle     Patterdale Terrier versus Keeshond     Patterdale Terrier versus Giant Schnauzer     Patterdale Terrier versus Doberman Pinscher     Patterdale Terrier versus Boxerdoodle     Patterdale Terrier versus Japanese Spitz     Patterdale Terrier versus Briard     Patterdale Terrier versus Bedlington Terrier     Patterdale Terrier versus Belgian Tervuren     Patterdale Terrier versus Bracco Italiano     Patterdale Terrier versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier     Patterdale Terrier versus Bernedoodle     Patterdale Terrier versus Chinese Crested     Patterdale Terrier versus Cairn Terrier     

    Saint Bernard Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Saint Bernard versus Pharaoh Hound     Saint Bernard versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi     Saint Bernard versus Rottweiler     Saint Bernard versus Cavachon     Saint Bernard versus Catahoula Bulldog     Saint Bernard versus Maremma Sheepdog     Saint Bernard versus Lhasapoo     Saint Bernard versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever     Saint Bernard versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog     Saint Bernard versus Bich Poo     Saint Bernard versus Bouvier des Flandres     Saint Bernard versus Shih Tzu     Saint Bernard versus Vizsla     Saint Bernard versus Mudi     Saint Bernard versus Chinook     Saint Bernard versus Welsh Terrier     Saint Bernard versus Shiranian     Saint Bernard versus Catahoula Leopard Dog     Saint Bernard versus Tibetan Spaniel     Saint Bernard versus Beaglier     Saint Bernard versus American Water Spaniel     Saint Bernard versus Mal Shi     Saint Bernard versus Spanish Mastiff     Saint Bernard versus Cairn Terrier     Saint Bernard versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier     

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