Saint Bernard vs Yorkshire Terrier

Which dog breed is right for you?

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

Yorkshire Terrier

Size
4–7 lbs, 7–8 in
Lifespan
11–15 years
Exercise
Moderate
Grooming
High
Good with Kids
No
Good with Pets
Yes
Bold Confident Spirited Affectionate

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.

About the Yorkshire Terrier

The Yorkshire Terrier was developed in the mid-19th century in the English counties of Yorkshire and Lancashire by working-class weavers who bred small terriers to catch rats in textile mills and coal mines. Despite their current status as a glamorous toy breed, these feisty dogs retain every bit of their terrier courage in a tiny 7-pound, 7-to-8-inch frame. Their signature floor-length, silky coat is steel blue on the body and rich golden tan on the head and legs — a single-layer coat that grows continuously and is remarkably similar to human hair in texture.

Temperament & Personality

Yorkshire Terriers are bold, confident, and fiercely loyal — they carry themselves with a self-importance that far exceeds their diminutive stature, never hesitating to challenge dogs ten times their size. They are deeply attached to their owners and can be wonderful companions for adults and older children, though their small size and feisty temperament make them a poor fit for rough play with toddlers. Yorkies are intelligent, curious, and entertaining, bringing big-dog energy and attitude to the smallest package in the terrier world.

Pros

  • Minimal shedding — silky coat is more similar to hair than fur
  • Tiny size ideal for apartments, travel, and urban living
  • Bold watchdog temperament — always alert to unusual activity
  • Long lifespan of 11 to 15 years with proper care

Cons

  • Fragile — easily injured by falls, being sat on, or rough handling
  • Long coat demands daily brushing or regular professional grooming
  • Prone to tracheal collapse, patellar luxation, portosystemic shunt, and dental disease
  • Can be difficult to housetrain and may develop snappish behavior if overindulged

Yorkshire Terriers prove that the best things truly come in small packages — find your Yorkie on Puplister.

Available for Adoption

14

Saint Bernards

Browse

90

Yorkshire Terriers

Browse

Related Articles

All Articles →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a Saint Bernard and a Yorkshire Terrier?
The Saint Bernard is 120–180 lbs, 26–30 in sized while the Yorkshire Terrier is 4–7 lbs, 7–8 in sized. They differ in size (120–180 lbs, 26–30 in vs 4–7 lbs, 7–8 in), lifespan (8–10 years vs 11–15 years), and care requirements.
Which breed is better with kids, Saint Bernard or Yorkshire Terrier?
Saint Bernard is generally good with kids. Yorkshire Terrier is not typically good with kids.
Which breed lives longer, Saint Bernard or Yorkshire Terrier?
The Saint Bernard has a lifespan of 8–10 years while the Yorkshire Terrier has a lifespan of 11–15 years.

Find Your Perfect Pet

Browse thousands of adoptable pets from shelters near you.

Browse Dogs