St. Bernards are instantly recognizable thanks to their unique color pattern and large size. While there isn’t any dog quite like them in the world, there are some breeds that are fairly similar. Many of these breeds are large and also Swiss, which is why they are thought of as being similar to the St. Bernard.
Here are some breeds that look (and act) like St. Bernards.
The 12 Dogs Similar to St. Bernards
1. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is extremely similar to the St. Bernard, but they are much less common. They’re far more muscular than a St. Bernard. They also have a shorter coat (usually, it can vary). They don’t droll nearly as much.
These dogs are a working breed and made to move. Therefore, they have quite a high exercise need and do best when they have a job to do. However, they’re typically pretty sweet and friendly.
2. Bernese Mountain Dog
The Bernese Mountain dog is another canine that looks rather similar to the St. Bernard. They’re big and hairy, though they are a bit smaller than the St. Bernard. They also aren’t as droopy and tend to be more “fit” than a St. Bernard. However, they are also a mountain breed, hence their name.
These dogs also act similarly to the St. Bernard. They’re good-natured and relatively calm, especially when well-socialized.
3. Appenzeller Sennenhund
The Appenzeller Sennenhund may look like a St. Bernard, but they act very differently. These dogs are much more active and playful. They’re very agile and not quite as “lumpy” as a St. Bernard.
These dogs are very good watchdogs, though. They’re very intelligent, but this also means they can be a bit intense and needy at times.
4. Entlebucher Mountain Dog
The Entelbucher Mountain Dog is also known as the “laughing dog” of the Swiss Alps, as they’re extremely noisy and talkative. They’re one of the noisiest dogs around and tend to “talk” similarly to a Siberian Husky. While they are from the Alps (and, therefore, pretty similar to the St. Bernard), they are the smallest and fastest of the Swiss breeds, weighing only 65 pounds.
They were made to herd cattle, so they have extremely strong herding instincts. They’re very hard to find, as well.
5. Caucasian Ovcharka
Most commonly called the “Caucasian Shepherd Dog,” the Caucasian Ovcharka canine is quite large. They can weigh up to 170 pounds and are very fluffy—two traits very similar to the St. Bernard. They shed a lot, and their massive amount of hair can get everywhere. Therefore, they don’t work well for those that don’t like a lot of dog hair.
They are very friendly and kind, though, which makes up for their hairiness a little bit.
6. Tornjak Dog
The Tornjak is a large mountain dog that originated near Bosnia. They have a thick double coat that resembles the St. Bernard. They also have white markings on their chest, legs, and tail. They’re extremely loyal and protective, so they require a lot of socialization. Otherwise, they can be a bit too protective.
These canines can come in many different colors. However, they often have white markings on their legs, chest, and tail.
7. Great Pyrenees Dogs
The Great Pyrenees is a huge white dog that was originally bred to guard sheep. They’re from the Pyrenees Mountains between France and Spain, hence their name. They’re extremely protective, though they can be gentle and affectionate, too. They’re one of the easier guard dogs to care for, which is one reason why they are somewhat popular.
This canine has a weather-resistant coat, as they were made to spend all their time in the field with their flock. They’re extremely devoted to their family and tend to be good with children.
8. Tibetan Mastiff Dog
The Tibetan Mastiff is also massive. They originate from Tibet, where they were used as guard dogs in monasteries. They take their job very seriously and still have significant guarding instincts today. Therefore, they require a lot of socialization to keep them from thinking everyone is a threat.
These dogs have thick coats that can come in brown, black, red-gold, and blue-grey. They can also have tan markings in many cases, though not all of them do.
9. Leonberger Dog
The giant Leonberger was created by crossing St. Bernards with a few other canines, such as Newfoundlands and Pyrenean Mountain Dogs. They have a range of coat color possibilities, ranging from lion-yellow to red-brown.
Leonberger dogs tend to be very friendly and eager to please and they work well for families. They also tend to be playful, especially as puppies. Therefore, they work best for more active families.
10. Spanish Mastiff
Spanish Mastiffs are huge guard dogs that were utilized to protect livestock from very large predators like wolves and bears. They originate from Spain, hence their name. They can come in many different colors with white patches. They often look pretty similar to a St. Bernard in this way.
As protection dogs, these canines tend to be very courageous and loyal. They’re protective of their families and require training to ensure their owners stay in control of them.
11. Newfoundland Dog
The Newfoundland was developed in Newfoundland, where it was used largely as a fisherman’s helper. The dog historically played all sorts of water-based roles. Today, these dogs are still used as water rescue dogs.
Their dense coat is water-resistant and can shed quite a bit. Therefore, they work best for those that don’t mind some amount of dog hair.
Newfoundlands are very good with children in most cases. Therefore, they’re great family dogs that tend to be described as patient and gentle.
12. Estrela Mountain Dog
The Estrela Mountain Dog came from the Estrela Mountains of Portugal, where they were utilized to guard sheep. They have a thick coat that can be either fawn or wolf-grey. In many cases, they have white markings.
These dogs are rarer than most. They’re often described as alert and affectionate. They are not aggressive like many dogs on this list, and they are usually pretty easy to train.
Conclusion
There are several breeds of dogs that are similar to the St. Bernard. Most of these dogs are rather big and furry, which is why they have so many similarities. Larger dogs were typically bred to be shepherds and protective dogs, hence their larger size. Therefore, they tend to have similar personalities, too.
However, these dogs do vary quite a bit. Some are gentle giants, like the Newfoundland. Others are more protective, like the Spanish Mastiff.
Therefore, it’s always important to consider which dog works best for you and your situation. Don’t consider all the dogs the same just because they’re similar. It’s their differences that make them suitable for you (or not).
See Also:
- 12 Dog Breeds Similar to Newfoundland Dogs (With Pictures)
- 9 St Bernard Colors & Patterns (With Pictures)
Featured Image Credit: Artush, Shutterstock
The 12 Dogs Similar to St. Bernards
