Pembroke Welsh Corgi vs Saint Bernard
A side-by-side breakdown of size, cost, grooming load and lifestyle fit — with a straight answer on which suits which household.
Short answer
Pembroke Welsh Corgi is the easier breed to live with for most first-time owners — it scores higher on apartment fit (3/5 vs 1/5); it is easier to train (4/5 vs 3/5); it needs less grooming (3/5 vs 4/5). Saint Bernard makes more sense only if you specifically want what it offers more of.
Comparison table
| Attribute | Pembroke Welsh Corgi | Saint Bernard |
|---|---|---|
| Species | dog | dog |
| Origin | United Kingdom | Switzerland / Italy |
| Weight (kg) | 10–14 | 54–82 |
| Height (cm) | 25–30 | 65–90 |
| Lifespan (years) | 12–15 | 8–10 |
| Monthly cost (USD) | $87 | $143 |
| Yearly cost (USD) | $1044 | $1716 |
| Purchase price (USD) | $1750 | $2900 |
| Grooming need (1–5) | 3 | 4 |
| Shedding (1–5) | 5 | 5 |
| Energy (1–5) | 4 | 2 |
| Trainability (1–5) | 4 | 3 |
| Apartment fit (1–5) | 3 | 1 |
| Good with kids (1–5) | 4 | 4 |
| Vocal (1–5) | 4 | 2 |
What the numbers mean
- Pembroke Welsh Corgi weighs 10–14 kg and lives 12–15 years; Saint Bernard weighs 54–82 kg and lives 8–10 years.
- On estimated monthly cost, Pembroke Welsh Corgi runs about $87/month versus $143/month for Saint Bernard — a difference of roughly $56 a month, or $672 a year.
- Pembroke Welsh Corgi has the higher apartment suitability score (3/5 vs 1/5) — this matters most if you rent or live in a flat.
- Both have the same shedding score (5/5).
- Saint Bernard has the higher grooming requirement (4/5 vs 3/5) — higher means more brushing and professional trimming.
- Pembroke Welsh Corgi has the higher energy level (4/5 vs 2/5) — higher means more daily exercise.
- Pembroke Welsh Corgi has the higher trainability score (4/5 vs 3/5).
- Both have the same kid-friendliness score (4/5).
- Pembroke Welsh Corgi has the higher vocalisation score (4/5 vs 2/5) — higher means more barking or meowing.
Cost over ten years
At the estimated monthly rates above, ten years of routine care (food, treats, grooming, medication, vet visits and supplies — excluding insurance, emergency treatment and purchase price) works out to roughly $10,440 for Pembroke Welsh Corgi and $17,160 for Saint Bernard. The gap is $6,720 — usually larger than the difference in purchase price.
Health profile
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Saint Bernard
Which one should you pick?
- Choose Pembroke Welsh Corgi if you want a more substantial dog to work with, can commit to serious daily exercise, and your budget covers about $87 a month.
- Choose Saint Bernard if you want a more substantial dog to work with, prefer a calmer daily routine, and your budget covers about $143 a month.
- Neither, if you cannot tolerate heavy shedding — both score 4 or higher and will coat your furniture.