Rat Terrier vs Saint Bernard Comparison. Which dog is better for you: RT or Bernhardiner?

Compare the Rat Terrier and Saint Bernard breeds to identify their similarities and differences. Are you trying to decide between a RT or a Bernhardiner? Read on to determine which breed is the better fit for you

Differences only

Other names

RT, Decker Giant, Rat, Ratting Terrier, American Rat Terrier, Rattie

Bernhardiner, Chien St. Hubert, Sleuth Hound, St. Bernhardshund, St. Hubert Hound

Weight

What is the average weight of Rat Terrier and Saint Bernard?

17.5 pounds ( 8 kg )

80.0 pounds ( 36 kg )

Height

What is the average height of Rat Terrier and Saint Bernard

16.0 inches ( 40.6 cm )

25.5 inches ( 64.8 cm )

Weight Gain Potential

Which breed eats more: Rat Terrier or Saint Bernard?

Rat Terrier has average risk of obesity, needs daily walks and quality diet to maintain healthy weight.

Saint Bernard has high obesity risk, needs regular exercise and food control to maintain healthy weight.

Hypoallergenic

Are Rat Terriers or Saint Bernards hypoallergenic, or neither?

Unfortunately, neither Rat Terrier nor Saint Bernard are hypoallergenic, which may not make them the best choice for dog lovers who suffer from pet allergies.

Temperament

What are the personalities of Rat Terrier and Saint Bernard dogs?

Affectionate
Inquisitive
Loving
Alert
Lively

Friendly
Independent
Going
Social
Gentle
Happy
Quiet

Shedding Level

Do Rat Terriers shed more than Saint Bernards, or which breed sheds more, Rat Terriers or Saint Bernards?

Rat Terrier or Saint Bernard dogs are heavy shedders, they will lose a significant amount of hair each year. To decrease the amount of shedding, you can regularly brush your Rat Terrier or Saint Bernard. This will remove loose hair and keep their coat growing in the same direction.

Watchdog Ability

Which dog breed makes a better watchdog, the Rat Terrier or Saint Bernard?

The Rat Terrier and Saint Bernard dogs are average watchdogs. If they sense something different, these breeds will alert their owner.

Origin

What is the origin of Rat Terrier and Saint Bernard dog breeds?

United States

Switzerland

Ancestry

What are the origins of Rat Terrier and Saint Bernard breeds?

Terrier, Whippet, Greyhound, Beagle

tibetan mastiff, great dane, greater swiss mountain dog, great pyrenees

Breed recognition

Which kennel clubs recognize/register Rat Terrier and Saint Bernard?

American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Dog Registry of America Inc.
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
United Kennel Club

American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club

Date of Birth

When were Rat Terrier and Saint Bernard breeds first developed?

1800s

980 AD

Litter Size

What is the usual litter size for Rat Terrier and Saint Bernard?

15-18 puppies per pregnancy

A Rat Terrier can have a litter of 15-18 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

8-10 puppies per pregnancy

A Saint Bernard can have a litter of 8-10 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Adaptability

Rat Terriers are highly adaptable and versatile, making them excellent companions for families and individuals of all lifestyles.

Saint Bernards are known for their adaptability and can adjust well to different environments and lifestyle changes.

Health Issues

Between Rat Terrier and Saint Bernard, which breed is more prone to health problems?

While the Rat Terrier breed is generally healthy, occasional vet check-ups are still necessary to address any health concerns.

The Saint Bernard breed is generally very healthy, requiring minimal vet visits. Still, it's important to keep an eye on their health and seek veterinary care when needed.

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns for Rat Terrier and Saint Bernard breeds?

Patellar Luxation
Elbow Dysplasia
Hip Dysplasia

Distichiasis
Gastric Torsion
Elbow Dysplasia
Hip Dysplasia
Heart Problems
Wobbler's Syndrome

Minor Concerns

What minor health issues should be kept in mind when owning Rat Terrier and Saint Bernard?

Demodectic Mange
Epilepsy
Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease
Color Dilution Alopecia
Teeth Issues

Entropion
Pyotraumatic Dermatitis
Diabetes

Occasional Tests

What occasional tests are recommended for Rat Terrier and Saint Bernard breeds?

Hip
Elbow
X-Rays
Dental Examination
Physical Examination
Skin Evaluation

Cardiac
Eye
Hip
Elbow
Blood Test
Blood And Urine Protein Screens
X-Rays
Eye Examination
Physical Examination

Energy

How do the energy levels of Rat Terriers and Saint Bernards compare?

Rat Terriers thrive on an active lifestyle due to their high-energy nature.

Saint Bernards are a good choice for a low-key lifestyle due to their low energy levels.

Social Needs

Rat Terrier vs Saint Bernard social needs comparison

Rat Terrier and Saint Bernard have very high social needs. These needs include regular mental and physical stimulation, a job or purpose, and companionship. They thrive in environments where they have a lot of interaction with humans and other dogs.

Exercise Needed

Rat Terrier vs Saint Bernard exercise need comparison.

Rat Terriers need moderate physical activity and are great for families and active individuals.

Saint Bernards need only a small amount of physical activity, ideal for busy or elderly people or those with limited space.

Sleeping Need

Which of the two sleeps the most/least: Rat Terrier or Saint Bernard?

Rat Terriers are active and require sufficient sleep to stay healthy.

Saint Bernards are known for their relaxed and calm nature and enjoy long periods of sleep.

Drooling Tendency

Which drools more/less, Rat Terrier or Saint Bernard?

Rat Terrier minimally drools, ideal for those who dislike drool marks on clothing.

Saint Bernard excessively drools, consider a different breed if not appealing.

Tendency to Bark

Do Rat Terriers or Saint Bernards bark more/less frequently?

Rat Terriers bark moderately when necessary and may also bark due to certain triggers like fear, alarm, boredom, greeting, separation anxiety and compulsive barking.

Saint Bernards are typically quiet and only bark when needed, such as to alert their owner or when in distress.

Territorial

Is the Rat Terrier or Saint Bernard a better guard dog?

Rat Terrier dogs are highly protective and make excellent guard dogs due to their strong instinct to defend their territory and owners, and their high level of vigilance.

Saint Bernard dogs have a strong protective nature and territorial instinct. They are highly vigilant and will fiercely defend their home and family.

Mouthiness

Mouthiness Comparison: Rat Terrier vs Saint Bernard?

Roaming urge

Rat Terrier vs Labrador: Running away tendency?

Prey Drive

Rat Terrier or Saint Bernard - which breed has a higher level of prey drive?

Past times

What are some enjoyable activities and ways to keep Rat Terrier and Saint Bernard entertained?

Chase, Sniff, Bark, Trot, Fetch, Tug-of-war, Run, Playing, Chasing, Jumping, Running, Walking, Play, Walk, Play keep away

Walk, Walking, Calm, Run, Chase, Fetch, Sniffing, Dog Parks, Cuddling, Napping, Zoomies, Fech

Tolerance of being left alone

Grooming

Which breed is easier to maintain in terms of grooming, Rat Terriers or Saint Bernards?

The Rat Terrier is a low-maintenance breed that doesn't require much grooming.

The Saint Bernard requires an average amount of grooming compared to other breeds.

Intelligence

Comparing Intelligence: Rat Terriers vs Saint Bernards

Rat Terrier is a very intelligent and trainable breed.

Saint Bernard has below average obedience intelligence, but they excel in understanding human emotions.

Sensitivity Level

How do Rat Terrier and Saint Bernard compare in sensitivity?

This breed is sensitive and requires gentle handling and a calm home environment.

This breed is sensitive to its environment and best suited for patient and understanding families with a consistent routine.

Affection Dependance

Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Rat Terrier vs Saint Bernard?

Apartment Friendly

Which breed is more apartment-friendly: Rat Terrier or Saint Bernard?

Rat Terriers make excellent apartment dogs, being fairly active indoors and not requiring a yard.

Saint Bernards are good apartment dogs as long as they get enough exercise and stimulation outside of the apartment.

Child Friendly

Do Rat Terriers or Saint Bernards have a friendlier temperament towards children?

Rat Terriers make excellent family pets for kids due to their gentle, protective nature and calm temperament.

Saint Bernards are good with kids if socialized and trained from a young age.

Senior-friendly

Which dog is more suitable as a pet for the elderly - Rat Terrier or Saint Bernard?

Cat Friendly

Do Rat Terrier or Saint Bernard breeds have a better compatibility with cats?

Rat Terriers are good with cats, but early training is needed to prevent chasing behavior.

Saint Bernards are very friendly with cats and make great companions for them.

Dog Friendly

Which breed is more sociable with other dogs: Rat Terrier or Saint Bernard?

Rat Terriers are friendly and active companions, and can be good family pets, though their friendliness towards other dogs may vary.

Saint Bernards are generally very friendly towards other dogs, with a happy and affectionate temperament.

Pet friendly

How do Rat Terrier or Saint Bernard dogs interact with other pets?

Stranger Friendly

Which breed is more friendly with strangers: Rat Terrier or Saint Bernard?

Rat Terriers are friendly but may bark at strangers, and training is easy due to their intelligence.

Saint Bernards are averagely friendly around strangers but benefit from early socialisation.

Playfulness

Which breed is more playful between Rat Terrier and Saint Bernard?

Rat Terriers have an average level of playfulness, enjoying playtime like most dogs but not excessively so.

Saint Bernards are not known for being a highly playful breed.

Trainability

How do the trainability levels of Rat Terriers and Saint Bernards compare?

Rat Terriers are usually easy to train but require consistency to fully obey commands.

Saint Bernards may require more time and patience to learn commands, but with consistency, they can be trained.