Fox Terrier vs Saint Bernard

Which dog breed is right for you?

Fox Terrier

Size
15–19 lbs, 14–16 in
Lifespan
12–15 years
Exercise
High
Grooming
Moderate
Good with Kids
Yes
Good with Pets
No
Alert Lively Fearless Quick

Saint Bernard

Size
120–180 lbs, 26–30 in
Lifespan
8–10 years
Exercise
Moderate
Grooming
Moderate
Good with Kids
Yes
Good with Pets
Yes
Gentle Patient Watchful Friendly

About the Fox Terrier

The Fox Terrier — available in Smooth and Wire varieties — was originally bred in 18th-century England to bolt foxes from their dens during hunts. Standing 14–15.5 inches tall and weighing 15–18 pounds, these compact, muscular terriers are predominantly white with black, tan, or black-and-tan markings. The Wire Fox Terrier sports a dense, wiry coat with a distinctive beard and eyebrows, while the Smooth variety has a sleek, flat coat — both share the same fearless, high-energy temperament.

Temperament & Personality

Fox Terriers are bold, curious, and endlessly entertaining — true terriers through and through with a mischievous streak that keeps their owners on their toes. They are alert, quick-witted dogs that approach life with infectious enthusiasm and a surprising amount of comedic timing. While affectionate with their families, they can be scrappy with other dogs and have an irrepressible urge to chase anything that moves.

Pros

  • Energetic and entertaining companions — never a dull moment with a Fox Terrier
  • Excellent watchdogs with a sharp, alert bark that deters intruders
  • Wire variety has a hypoallergenic coat that sheds minimally when hand-stripped
  • Hardy, long-lived breed — typically 12–15 years with relatively few genetic health issues

Cons

  • Strong prey drive — will chase cats, squirrels, and small animals relentlessly
  • Tendency to bark excessively — can be problematic in apartments or close-neighbor situations
  • Can be dog-aggressive and confrontational, especially with same-sex dogs
  • Expert escape artists — will dig under or climb over fences with remarkable determination

If you love spirited, fearless dogs with boundless personality, find Fox Terriers for adoption on Puplister.

About the Saint Bernard

The Saint Bernard originated in the Swiss Alps at the Great St. Bernard Hospice, where monks bred these massive dogs for over 1,000 years to locate and rescue travelers lost in snowstorms along the treacherous mountain pass. Males typically stand 28 to 30 inches tall and weigh 140 to 180 pounds, though individuals exceeding 200 pounds are not uncommon. Their coat comes in two varieties — short-haired (smooth) and long-haired (rough) — both in white with red, mahogany, brindle, or brown markings.

Temperament & Personality

Saint Bernards are gentle, patient, and extraordinarily tolerant — their legendary devotion to humans extends to being remarkably careful and nurturing around children despite their massive size. They are friendly with strangers, other dogs, and household pets, possessing a calm, unflappable demeanor that makes them wonderful therapy dogs. While not aggressive, their sheer size and deep bark are often enough to deter unwanted visitors.

Pros

  • Exceptionally gentle and patient — one of the best giant breeds for families with children
  • Calm, low-energy indoor demeanor despite enormous size
  • Friendly and non-aggressive toward people and other animals
  • Imposing presence provides natural deterrent without guard training

Cons

  • Legendary drooling — especially the loose-lipped, heavy-jowled individuals
  • Short lifespan of 8 to 10 years, with some living even less
  • Prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, bloat, osteosarcoma, and dilated cardiomyopathy
  • Enormous food costs and substantial space requirements for comfortable living

Few breeds embody devotion quite like the Saint Bernard — find one in need of a loving home on Puplister.

Available for Adoption

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a Fox Terrier and a Saint Bernard?
The Fox Terrier is 15–19 lbs, 14–16 in sized while the Saint Bernard is 120–180 lbs, 26–30 in sized. They differ in size (15–19 lbs, 14–16 in vs 120–180 lbs, 26–30 in), lifespan (12–15 years vs 8–10 years), and care requirements.
Which breed is better with kids, Fox Terrier or Saint Bernard?
Fox Terrier is generally good with kids. Saint Bernard is generally good with kids.
Which breed lives longer, Fox Terrier or Saint Bernard?
The Fox Terrier has a lifespan of 12–15 years while the Saint Bernard has a lifespan of 8–10 years.

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