Saint Bernard Breed Guide: Care, Costs, and Common Traits

There’s a lot to love about the Saint Bernard dog, particularly their easygoing temperament, gentleness with children, and heroic rescue work. There are some important factors to consider though before making a lifetime commitment. Our Saint Bernard breed guide is designed to help you make an informed decision.

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Meet the Saint Bernard

Saint Bernard History and Origins

The Saint Bernard’s ancestors inhabited Switzerland during ancient times and were originally used as war dogs.

The breed’s true heritage began in the seventeenth century at the Hospice of St. Bernard, a refuge founded centuries prior by Bernard of Menthon, a Catholic monk. Situated near the border connecting Italy with Switzerland, the hospice was a source of refuge for travelers crossing the Great Bernard Pass, a treacherous path resting at 8,100 above sea level.

The monks discovered that these dogs, originally kept to guard hospice residents, were adept at rescuing stranded travelers. In fact, these pups have been credited with saving more than 2,000 travelers.

As the world began recognizing the Saint Bernard dog for its rescue prowess and sweet nature, the breed increased in popularity. The American Kennel Club (AKC) officially recognized them in 1885, a year after the organization’s founding.

These days, monks of the Hospice of St. Bernard rely on helicopters for search and rescue efforts. Remaining Saint Bernards were transferred to the Barry Foundation in 2005, where several pups are born each year.

Though the Saint Bernard doesn’t rate high in AKC registrations, they're still an iconic breed. The Beethoven movie franchise even produced eight films featuring this gentle giant.

Physical Traits and Appearance

Saint Bernard Size and Weight

The Saint Bernard dog is a giant-sized breed, weighing a whopping 140 to 180 pounds and standing between 28 to 30 inches tall (at the shoulder). Females are a bit shorter and lighter.

Other notable characteristics include a wrinkled brow, dark eye mask, floppy ears, and sagging jowls. Their droopy eyes are the result of ectropion, a hereditary condition that causes the lower eyelid to roll outward.

Coat Types and Color Patterns

Though Saint Bernards were originally short-haired, the monks bred them with Newfoundlands to produce a longer-haired variety that they believed would better withstand extreme temperatures.

Today, the Saint Bernard dog comes in long-haired and short-haired varieties, each consisting of dense double coats. The short-haired coat is smooth and slightly longer on the thighs and tail; the long-haired dogs have a medium-length coat with a slight wave and bushier tales.

The Saint Bernard dog has a white base coat with patches of varying shades of red, orange, brown, mahogany, or brindle. The AKC recognizes nine color combinations.

Drooling and Shedding: What to Expect

Saint Bernards have saggy jowls and lips that trap pools of saliva, causing them to drool more than other breeds. Since excessive drooling can indicate an underlying disease, it’s best to have a conversation with your veterinarian about appropriate amounts.

This breed sheds heavily twice yearly, typically in the spring and fall.

Temperament and Personality

People describe the Saint Bernard temperament as:

Well-trained Saint Bernards are generally a good fit for homes with cats and other dogs. They also have a reputation for being gentle with children.

Saint Bernard Training Advice

The Saint Bernard’s massive size coupled with an independent streak can make this pup tough to handle if not properly trained. Thankfully, Saint Bernards are intelligent dogs who learn quickly.

Training should ideally begin in puppyhood and continue into adulthood. The Saint Bernard Club of America recommends adopting a consistent schedule, including mealtimes and potty training. Basic obedience training that incorporates calm, but assertive and consistent positive reinforcement is also recommended. Negative-based training that relies on punishment is never acceptable with any dog.

Saint Bernard Exercise Needs

Although the Saint Bernard dog is a low-to-moderate energy level breed, regular exercise is still a must for peak health. As with any dog, Saint Bernards can develop behavioral problems like excessive chewing and barking if they don’t receive adequate stimulation.

Avoiding Overexertion in Heat

As a cold weather breed with thick fur, the Saint Bernard dog doesn’t tolerate high temperatures well; an overheated dog can develop heat stroke. Veterinarians recommend providing Saint Bernards with ample fresh water and cool places to relax and allowing them to acclimate gradually to extreme temperatures.

Best Activities for Saint Bernards

Grooming and Care

Saint Bernard Grooming Tips: Brushing and Shedding

Both short-haired and long-haired coats should be brushed weekly to remove debris and loose hair. During shedding season, expect to brush your dog daily. Untangle any mats before brushing to avoid causing your dog pain.

Bathing Tips for a Giant Dog

Bath time can be challenging for any dog, let alone for one as big as the Saint Bernard. Thankfully, this breed only needs an occasional bath, per experts.

To simplify the process, have your bath supplies (shampoo, towel, treats) ready and recruit help from a second person. If you can’t get your Saint Bernard dog in the bathtub or shower, consider setting up a bath outside when the weather is optimal.

Nail Trimming

As with all breeds, a Saint Bernard’s nails should be trimmed every three to four weeks to prevent pain, arthritis, and nerve damage.

Ear Cleaning

While any dog can develop ear infections, floppy-eared dogs are at higher risk, especially if they’re swimmers. Talk to your veterinarian if you notice signs like redness, excessive scratching, and discharge, as your dog may require treatment.

Dental Care

A good oral hygiene regimen is essential to maintaining your dog’s health. It consists of brushing regularly (always using toothpaste formulated for dogs), providing dental treats to remove plaque, and professional cleanings.

Health and Lifespan

As with any breed, Saint Bernard dogs are at higher risk for certain diseases. These are the most common.

Common Saint Bernard Health Issues

Saint Bernard Lifespan

Large dog breeds tend to have shorter lifespans than smaller dogs. In the Saint Bernard’s case, the average is between eight and ten years. With great care encompassing a good diet and proper veterinary care, these pups can live longer.

Vet Care Costs

Veterinary bills for larger dogs are typically higher. Saint Bernard dogs are also prone to diseases that can require extensive care. Hip dysplasia surgery, for example, ranges anywhere from $800 to $10,000 per hip.

In addition to any specialty care required, your Saint Bernard will need to be seen regularly by a veterinarian, which runs between $50 to $250. Treating a broken leg or other emergency can cost from $1,500 to $10,000.

Importance of Diet and Weight Management

Obesity can stress the heart and joints, so keeping your Saint Bernard dog at an ideal weight is crucial. The AKC recommends placing Saint Bernards on a high-quality dog diet formulated for large breeds and appropriate to the dog's age, whether puppy, adult, or senior. Studies show that large-breed puppies should eat a diet designed to promote steady bone growth to reduce the risk of joint problems.

Look for diets that conform to guidelines set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO).

Treats should be given in moderation and with recommendations from your veterinarian. One thing that should be provided in abundance is clean, fresh drinking water.

Pet Insurance Considerations

Veterinary care can be pricey, which is why we recommend pet insurance. Plans vary in cost depending on factors like the dog’s breed, age, and health history. Some insurance providers and animal hospitals offer pet wellness plans that may reimburse for things like routine exams, vaccinations, and flea protection.

Saint Bernard Puppy Care and Adoption

Saint Bernard puppies are playful and energetic just like any other puppy. And like most puppies, they enjoy chewing. Saint Bernard puppies, however, have powerful jaws, even when they’re young, so toys that can be easily destroyed aren’t suitable. Swallowing pieces of any object can cause intestinal blockage and ultimately lead to death if not treated immediately.

Saint Bernard Breeder vs. Rescue

Adopting a dog from a rescue means you’re saving a life and supporting shelter operations. It’s also usually cheaper to adopt than to purchase through a breeder, and fees often include services like spay or neuter, vaccinations, and microchipping. Potential downsides are that the shelter may not have the dog’s health history available or be aware of past traumas.

Though reputable dog breeders usually charge more than rescues, fees include benefits like medical and genetic screenings, a health guarantee, and in-depth knowledge of the breed. Their puppies have likely been well socialized, which translates to a more predictable temperament. If you choose to adopt via a dog breeder, know which questions to ask.

Cost Breakdown

Saint Bernard Adoption Tips

In addition to checking local animal shelters and breed-specific rescues, try searching our network of rescue organizations for available Saint Bernard dogs in your area.

Though each rescue or shelter will have its own adoption process, it typically involves completing paperwork, providing proof of residence and identity, and references. You’ll also have an opportunity to spend time with the dog you’re considering and asking questions to determine if they’re a good fit.

Is the Saint Bernard Right for You?

If you’re still uncertain after reading our Saint Bernard breed guide, start by looking at your lifestyle. Given that the Saint Bernard dog is a giant breed that takes up a lot of space, an apartment or tiny home won't be ideal, especially if you keep a lot of treasured mementos.

That said, the Saint Bernard is a lower energy dog, so they don’t require acres of land for running. This also means that if you’re a runner or athlete looking for a partner, the Saint Bernard is probably not a good match.

Although living with a Saint Bernard dog is fulfilling, this breed is not for everyone. Examining your lifestyle and home environment, networking with other Saint Bernard pet parents, and fostering a Saint Bernard can help you determine if you’re ready to make that lifetime commitment.