| Breed |  Saint Bernard |  Coton de Tulear |
|---|
| Origin | Switzerland | Madagascar |
|---|
| Group | Working | Toy |
|---|
| Size | Giant | Small |
|---|
| Coat | Short or rough double coat, white with mahogany, red or brindle markings | Long, soft, cotton-textured white coat |
|---|
| Weight | 55 to 85 kg | 3.5 to 6 kg |
|---|
| Height | 65 to 85 cm | 23 to 30 cm |
|---|
| Lifespan | 7 to 10 yrs | 14 to 16 yrs |
|---|
| Exercise need | 4/10 | 5/10 |
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| Affection | 9/10 | 9/10 |
|---|
| Grooming needs | 6/10 | 7/10 |
|---|
| Barking | 5/10 | 4/10 |
|---|
| Good with children | 8/10 | 8/10 |
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| Good with other dogs | 7/10 | 8/10 |
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| Trainability | 5/10 | 7/10 |
|---|
| Prey drive | 4/10 | 3/10 |
|---|
| Copes alone | 5/10 | 2/10 |
|---|
| Drool | 9/10 | 1/10 |
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| Shedding | 7/10 | 2/10 |
|---|
| Flat fit | 3/10 | 9/10 |
|---|
| Running cost | €139 / month | €94 / month |
|---|
Saint Bernard verdict
A gentle Swiss giant bred for Alpine rescue, calm with family but demanding in size, drool and veterinary care.
Get one if
- · Owners with a large house and secure garden
- · Families wanting a calm, patient giant breed companion
- · People prepared to start training and socialisation from puppyhood
Think again if
- · Owners in flats or homes without easy outdoor access
- · People wanting a low cost or low maintenance dog
- · Households unable to keep the dog cool in warm weather
Coton de Tulear verdict
The cotton-coated clown of Madagascar
Get one if
- · First-time owners wanting an easy-tempered small dog
- · Families with gentle children
- · Flats and smaller homes
Think again if
- · People out at work all day
- · Owners who dislike daily brushing
- · Anyone wanting a totally hands-off coat
