Curly Coated Retriever vs Saint Bernard
A side-by-side comparison to help you find the right breed for your lifestyle.
Curly Coated Retriever
The Curly Coated Retriever is a versatile and intelligent dog breed known for its distinctive tight, water-resistant curls and its prowess in retrieving both on land and in water. Originally bred in England for hunting and retrieving game, this breed is also celebrated for its friendly and confident demeanor, making it a great companion for active families.
Large
High
10-12 yrs
N/A
Saint Bernard
The Saint Bernard is a large, gentle dog breed known for its impressive size, friendly demeanor, and history as a rescue dog in the Swiss Alps. Renowned for their loyalty and affectionate nature, these dogs make excellent family companions and are easily recognizable by their distinctive, expressive faces and thick, warm coats.
Extra Large
Medium
8-10 yrs
N/A
Quick Comparison
| Trait | Curly Coated Retriever | Saint Bernard |
|---|---|---|
| Energy | ||
| Trainability | ||
| Grooming Needs | ||
| Family Friendly | ||
| Independence |
Key Characteristics
| Good with Kids | ||
| Good with Dogs | ||
| Good with Cats | ||
| Hypoallergenic | ||
| Apartment Friendly | ||
| First-Time Owner OK |
| Detail | Curly Coated Retriever | Saint Bernard |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Large | Extra Large |
| Energy Level | High | Medium |
| Grooming | Low | High |
| Trainability | challenging | challenging |
| Barking Level | High | High |
| Shedding Level | Medium | High |
| Chew strength | Moderate | Hard |
| Housing | Yard | Yard |
Owner Fit & Decision Guide
Owner Match
| Trait | Curly Coated Retriever | Saint Bernard |
|---|---|---|
| Experience Level | Experienced | Experienced |
| First-Time Owner | ||
| Ideal Owner | Active individual or family who can provide adequate exercise and training for a Curly Coated Retriever. | Active individual or family who can provide adequate exercise and training for a Saint Bernard. |
Curly Coated Retriever Dealbreakers
- Cannot meet 90-120 min daily exercise
- Cannot commit to grooming needs
Saint Bernard Dealbreakers
- Cannot meet 30-60 min daily exercise
- Cannot tolerate heavy shedding
Surrender Risk
| Factor | Curly Coated Retriever | Saint Bernard |
|---|---|---|
| Risk Level | Medium | Medium |
| Primary Reasons | Underestimated exercise needs, Behavioral challenges, Cost of care | Underestimated exercise needs, Behavioral challenges, Cost of care |
Temperament & Personality
Behavior Comparison
| Trait | Curly Coated Retriever | Saint Bernard |
|---|---|---|
| Prey Drive | ||
| Watchdog Ability | ||
| Stranger Friendly | ||
| Drool Level | ||
| Wanderlust |
Vocalization
| Trait | Curly Coated Retriever | Saint Bernard |
|---|---|---|
| Barking Level | High | High |
| Howling Tendency | ||
| Whining Tendency | Low | Low |
| Separation Vocalization |
Safety & Reliability
| Trait | Curly Coated Retriever | Saint Bernard |
|---|---|---|
| Escape Artist | ||
| Dog Park Suitable | ||
| Off-Leash Reliable | ||
| Small Animal Safe | ||
| Leash Reactivity | ||
| Resource Guarding Risk | Low | Low |
Curly Coated Retriever Social Traits
Moderate
Generally friendly
Saint Bernard Social Traits
Moderate
Generally friendly
Training
Curly Coated Retriever
- Keep training sessions short and varied
Saint Bernard
- ** Positive reinforcement is mandatory. They are sensitive souls; harsh corrections will cause them to shut down or become fearful.
Curly Coated Retriever Considerations
If you want a dog that loves every stranger at the brewery, do not get a Curly. They are naturally wary of strangers and will patrol their territory. While not aggressive without cause, they are serious watchdogs who reserve their affection for their inner circle.
This breed does not obey commands simply because you asked. They assess the value of the request. They are known to open doors, gates, and cabinets. Their intelligence is manipulative; they will find the loophole in your rules.
A Curly may remain a "puppy" mentally for 3+ years. Owners expecting a settled adult dog by age 2 will be frustrated by the prolonged adolescence and testing of boundaries.
Saint Bernard Considerations
Despite their size, Saints are profoundly needy. They do not tolerate isolation well and can develop destructive separation anxiety. A 160lb dog with anxiety can destroy drywall, doors, and furniture in minutes.
While benevolent, they are not blindly obedient like a Golden Retriever. They possess a slow-burning stubbornness; if a Saint Bernard decides not to move, you cannot physically force them. This requires patience and psychological motivation rather than physical correction.
Between 8 and 24 months, they are essentially giant, clumsy puppies. They can unintentionally knock over children, grandparents, and furniture. Leash manners must be solidified before they reach full weight, or they will become dangerous to walk.
Multi-Species Compatibility
| Species | Curly Coated Retriever | Saint Bernard |
|---|---|---|
| With Cats | Generally safe with proper introduction | Generally safe with proper introduction |
| Small Mammals | Supervision required | Supervision required |
| Birds / Reptiles | Caution advised | Caution advised |
Advanced Behavior
| Trait | Curly Coated Retriever | Saint Bernard |
|---|---|---|
| Predatory Sequence Risk | Medium | Medium |
| Biddability | Low | Low |
| Noise Sensitivity | Low | Low |
| Territorial Barking | ||
| Same-Sex Aggression Onset | 18 months | 18 months |
First Year & Life Stages
First Year Challenges
| Challenge | Curly Coated Retriever | Saint Bernard |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy Difficulty | ||
| Destructive Phase | 6-24 | 6-18 |
| House Training | Moderate | Challenging |
| Crate Training | Medium | Medium |
| Adolescent Regression |
Curly Coated Retriever: Curly Coated Retriever puppies require consistent training and patience.
Saint Bernard: Saint Bernard puppies require consistent training and patience.
Life Stages Timeline
| Stage | Curly Coated Retriever | Saint Bernard |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy Phase | 12 months | 12 months |
| Adolescence | 6-18 | 6-18 |
| Adult Years | 2-8 | 2-8 |
| Senior Onset | ~8 years | ~8 years |
| Peak Energy Age | 1-3 years | 1-3 years |
Size & Physical Characteristics
Physical Stats
| Measurement | Curly Coated Retriever | Saint Bernard |
|---|---|---|
| Height | N/A | N/A |
| Weight | Not enough data yet | Not enough data yet |
| Size Category | Large | Extra Large |
| Lifespan | 10–12 years | 8–10 years |
| Litter Size | 4-8 | 4-8 |
Curly Coated Retriever Coat
Saint Bernard Coat
Lineage & Origin
| Detail | Curly Coated Retriever | Saint Bernard |
|---|---|---|
| Original Purpose | The Curly Coated Retriever is likely the oldest of the retriever breeds, established in England as e | The Saint Bernard was developed by monks at the Great St |
| Origin | N/A | N/A |
Breeding Details
| Detail | Curly Coated Retriever | Saint Bernard |
|---|---|---|
| C-Section Rate | Varies | Varies |
| Whelping Difficulty | Medium | Medium |
| Puppy Mortality Rate | Low | Low |
Physical Risks
| Risk | Curly Coated Retriever | Saint Bernard |
|---|---|---|
| Bloat / GDV Risk | Low | Low |
| Slippery Floor Risk | Low | Low |
| Min Fence Height | 1.5m | 1.5m |
| Dig / Escape Risk | Low | Low |
Health & Common Conditions
Curly Coated Retriever Health Issues
Saint Bernard Health Issues
Curly Coated Retriever Suggested Tests
- DNA testing for GSD IIIa
- Regular veterinary screenings for cancer
- Gastropexy (stomach tacking) for Bloat
- DNA testing for EIC
- Annual ophthalmologist evaluations (CAER) for PRA
- Hip and Elbow Dysplasia screening (BVA scoring)
Saint Bernard Suggested Tests
- OFA/PennHIP certifications for hips and elbows
- Ophthalmologist clearances for eyes
- Cardiac exams for heart health
Health Risk Overview
| Risk Factor | Curly Coated Retriever | Saint Bernard |
|---|---|---|
| Cancer Risk | Medium | Medium |
| Cardiac Risk | Low | Low |
| Neurological Risk | Low | Low |
| CCL/ACL Tear Risk | Low | Low |
| Vet Burden Tier | Medium | Medium |
Sensitivities & Allergies
| Sensitivity | Curly Coated Retriever | Saint Bernard |
|---|---|---|
| Skin Allergies | ||
| Environmental Allergies | ||
| Stomach Sensitivity | Low | Low |
| Food Allergies |
Health Maintenance
| Care Item | Curly Coated Retriever | Saint Bernard |
|---|---|---|
| Nail Growth Rate | Normal | Normal |
| Eye Care Needs | Low | Low |
| Anal Gland Issues | Occasional | Occasional |
Senior Care & Aging
Curly Coated Retriever Senior Care
Common Senior Issues
- Arthritis
- Vision decline
- Cognitive changes
Senior care varies by individual health.
Saint Bernard Senior Care
Common Senior Issues
- Arthritis
- Vision decline
- Cognitive changes
Senior care varies by individual health.
Grooming & Care
Curly Coated Retriever
low maintenanceSaint Bernard
high maintenanceLifestyle Compatibility
Curly Coated Retriever Daily Life
Saint Bernard Daily Life
Housing & Legal Restrictions
| Restriction | Curly Coated Retriever | Saint Bernard |
|---|---|---|
| BSL Restricted | ||
| Common Rental Ban | ||
| Insurance Blacklist | ||
| Weight Category | Under 50lbs | Under 50lbs |
Climate Tolerance
| Climate | Curly Coated Retriever | Saint Bernard |
|---|---|---|
| Heat Tolerance | ||
| Cold Tolerance | ||
| Water Affinity | Medium | Medium |
Travel Compatibility
| Activity | Curly Coated Retriever | Saint Bernard |
|---|---|---|
| Car Travel | Good | Good |
| Camping | ||
| Beach Friendly | ||
| Hiking Rating | ||
| Cabin Flight Eligible | ||
| Hotel Friendly Size |
Niche Suitability
| Role | Curly Coated Retriever | Saint Bernard |
|---|---|---|
| Service Dog | Low | Low |
| Therapy Dog | Low | Low |
| Deep Pressure Therapy | ||
| Canicross / Bikejoring | ||
| Apartment Adaptable | ||
| Tactile / Sensory Friendly | ||
| Livestock Guardian | ||
| Medical Alert | Low | Low |
Costs & Expenses
Upfront Costs
| Cost | Curly Coated Retriever | Saint Bernard |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase Price | N/A | N/A |
| Initial Cost Range | $1,000–$2,500 | $1,000–$2,500 |
| Cost Tier |
Ongoing Costs
| Cost | Curly Coated Retriever | Saint Bernard |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Range | $120–$190 | $180–$330 |
| Yearly Range | $1,440–$2,280 | $2,160–$3,960 |
| Food / Month | $70-100 | $100-180 |
| Insurance / Month | $50-90 | $80-150 |
| Grooming / Session | $0-50 | N/A |
| Vet Routine / Year | N/A | $500-800 |
| Monthly Cost Tier |
Curly Coated Retriever Lifetime Cost
N/A
Saint Bernard Lifetime Cost
N/A
Quirks & Fun Facts
Daily Quirks
| Quirk | Curly Coated Retriever | Saint Bernard |
|---|---|---|
| Snoring | ||
| Flatulence | Occasional | Occasional |
| Slobber Level | Low | Low |
| Smell When Wet | Moderate | Moderate |
| Zoomies Frequency | Occasional | Occasional |
| Counter Surfing | ||
| Digging Tendency | Low | Low |
Frequently Asked Questions
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