TOP 16 Saint Bernard Lookalikes: Saint Bernard or Not?

Strong Lookalikes (Close Matches):

1. Moscow Watchdog – This video is divided into three parts: Strong Lookalikes, Moderate Lookalikes, and More Distinct but Still Related in Appearance. Let’s start with the Strong Lookalikes, and I believe there is no breed that resembles the Saint Bernard as much as the Moscow Watchdog. The reason is simple
   The Moscow Watchdog was developed by crossing the Saint Bernard with the Caucasian Shepherd in Soviet Union kennels. Unlike the Saint Bernard, which was bred as a rescue dog, the Moscow Watchdog was designed for quite the opposite purpose – as a courageous guard and patrol dog capable of withstanding extremely low temperatures.
   They share a similar body type, size, head shape, and coloration, making them look very much alike. However, their temperament sets them apart. While Saint Bernards are gentle giants, the Moscow Watchdog is instinctively protective and territorial.
   ​Bucovina Shepherd – Next on the list is the Bucovina Shepherd. The main similarities are in their large build, thick coat and lets say noble appearance. The Bucovina Shepherd is Romanian dog that has been used for centuries as a fearless livestock guardian, protecting against predators like wolves and bears. The main differences from the Saint Bernard are that the Bucovina Shepherd is slightly taller and much more protective. It is a true mountain dog and livestock guardian.
2. Newfoundland – The first well-known breed on this list is the Newfoundland. With their comparable size and gentle expression, they closely resemble the Saint Bernard. Like the Saint Bernard, the Newfoundland is an excellent rescue dog – but instead of mountains, they specialize in water rescues. A true gentle giant, the Newfoundland is also an outstanding family companion.
3. Bernese Mountain Dog – The Bernese, just like the Saint Bernard,hails from the Swiss mountains. Its large size, friendly expression, and tricolor coat make it resemble the Saint Bernard quite a bit! While slightly smaller, the Bernese shares a similar personality, especially its gentleness and affectionate nature.
4. Leonberger – The Leonberger and Saint Bernard are nearly perfect in size, build and there are big similarities in their coat type as well. The Leonberger was bred in Germany as a versatile working dog and it is known for its strength, elegance, and gentle nature. Like the Saint Bernard, it’s a true gentle giant, making it a wonderful family companion.
   Moderate Lookalikes:
5. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog – Now we will jump into the group of moderate lookalikes and i will start with the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. It is slightly leaner than the Saint Bernard but it is still a robust dog with strong build and tri-color coat. It is also a mountain dog from Switzerland and is closely related to already mentioned Bernese Mountain Dog. BTW, there are two other Swiss mountain dogs and those are Entlebucher and Appenzeller Mountain Dogs.
6. Tornjak – Once again, the Tornajk share similar size and robust build with the Saint Bernard. They also have slightly similar color. The Tornjak is a versatile Croatian dog, mainly used for protecting livestock.
7. Estrela Mountain Dog – Another livestock protector similar to Saint Bernard, this time from Portugal mountains. Unlike the Saint Bernard, the Estrela Mountain Dog is a brave, loyal and territorial protector. But it is also devoted to its family, just like the Saint Bernard.
8. Pyrenean Mastiff – The Pyrenean Mastiff shares many physical traits with the Saint Bernard, especially its large size, heavy build, and thick coat. Originally bred to guard livestock in the Pyrenees mountains, this breed is known for its calm demeanor and gentleness, much like the Saint Bernard.
9. Spanish Mastiff – Another mastiff dog breed from Spain which is similar to Saint Bernard is the Spanish Mastiff. With its massive size, strong build, and thick coat, it resembles the Saint Bernard in both stature and presence.
   
   More Distinct but Still Related in Appearance:
10. Tibetan Mastiff – And finally, I’ll mention six dog breeds that are more distinct but still related in appearance to the Saint Bernard. The first one is the Tibetan Mastiff. While it differs in some ways, the main similarities are its massive size, strong body type, and fluffy coat. However, it’s worth mentioning that Tibetan Mastiffs can have a variety of coat types, and not all of them look identical.
11. Caucasian Ovcharka – The Caucasian Ovcharka, also known as Caucasian Shepherd can also be viewed as similar to Saint Bernard, although its coat and facial structure is different. It is also very different in temperament as well as they are known for fierce protectiveness, territorial behaviour and they are very alert dogs.
12. Carpathian Shepherd – The Carpathian Shepherd is another breed that shares some visual similarities with the Saint Bernard, particularly in its size and sturdy build. With a thick, weather-resistant coat and a powerful presence, it resembles the Saint Bernard in many ways.
13. Karakachan – Karakachan is another lesser known livesctock guardian in this video and this one hails from Bulgaria. They are not so noble as Saint Bernards and they have lets say more rugged and working-dog appearance, but i still think they do resemble the Saint Bernard in some way.
14. Karadeniz Shepherd – The Karadeniz Shepherd – also known as Black Sea Shepherd – is a livestock guardian from Turkey and it is most likely the least known breed in this video. And i think that they do share some visual similarities with the Saint Bernard, especially in its large size, thick coat and robust build.
15. Greek Shepherd – And last but not least is the Greek Shepherd. Once again, it is a livestock guardian dog. Just like most dogs in this video, the main similarities are in the massive size, robust build and thick coat!