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    Working Group

    Saint Bernard

    The gentle giant of Alpine rescue lore — Saint Bernards are calm, patient, and famously good with children. They drool, shed heavily, and have short lifespans (8–10 years), but their devotion and stability make them beloved family companions for homes that can accommodate a 150-pound puppy-at-heart.

    Saint Bernard with white-and-red-brown coat sitting on a stone path in an Alpine village

    Quick Facts

    Origin
    Swiss Alps (Great St. Bernard Hospice), 1700s
    Height (M / F)
    28–30 / 26–28 in
    Weight (M / F)
    140–180 / 120–140 lb
    Lifespan
    8–10 years
    Coat
    Short or long-haired double coat
    Shedding
    high
    Hypoallergenic
    No
    Energy
    ●●○○○ (2/5)
    Trainability
    ●●●○○ (3/5)
    Kid-friendly
    ●●●●● (5/5)
    Apartment OK
    Better with space
    Daily exercise
    45–60 min

    History & Origin

    Bred by monks at the Great St. Bernard Hospice in the Swiss Alps from the 17th century to rescue lost travelers. The famous 'Barry' saved 40+ lives in the early 1800s. AKC recognition in 1885.

    Temperament & Personality

    Calm, patient, gentle. Excellent with children. Tolerant and affectionate but stubborn. Drools constantly.

    Health Watchouts

    Top conditions reported by AKC parent clubs, OFA, and the Merck Veterinary Manual. Discuss screening with your vet — especially before breeding or insuring.

    Hip & elbow dysplasia

    ~25% (OFA)

    Joint malformation.

    Screening: OFA hips and elbows

    Bloat

    High-risk giant breed

    Stomach twisting requiring emergency surgery.

    Screening: Prophylactic gastropexy strongly recommended

    Dilated cardiomyopathy

    Notable

    Enlarged failing heart.

    Screening: Annual cardiac exam after age 4

    Bone cancer (osteosarcoma)

    Elevated giant-breed risk

    Aggressive bone tumor.

    Screening: Watch for limb pain; X-ray promptly

    Entropion/ectropion

    Common

    Eyelid abnormalities.

    Screening: Vet eye exam

    Exercise Needs

    45–60 minutes of moderate daily activity — walks, gentle play. Avoid heat.

    • Brisk walks (cool weather)
    • Cart-pulling
    • Swimming
    • Therapy work
    • Yard play
    Puppies: Very slow growth — no forced jogging or jumping until 24 months.
    Seniors: Reduce intensity; arthritis common by age 5.

    Nutrition

    Daily calories: Adult: 2,200–3,000 kcal.

    Two meals daily; bloat-aware feeding. Large-breed puppy formula until 18 months.

    Common allergens to watch: Chicken, Wheat.

    ⚠ Lean BCS critical — every pound stresses joints.

    Entertainment & Enrichment

    Mental work is gentler on joints than running.

    • Trick training
    • Puzzle feeders
    • Tracking
    • Therapy visits
    • Cart-pulling

    Grooming & Coat Care

    Brush 2–3× weekly; daily during shedding seasons. Wipe drool from face and neck folds daily. Bathe every 6–8 weeks.

    Training

    Start early — a 150-lb dog must be controllable. Positive reinforcement with consistency. Saints are sensitive but stubborn.

    Cost of Ownership

    Lifetime cost depends on size, lifespan, and health risks. Try our Lifetime Cost Calculator →

    Cost band for Saint Bernard: high.

    How insurance, vet care & grooming connect for the Saint Bernard

    These three costs move together. The Saint Bernard’s coat, energy, and breed-specific health watchouts shape each one — here’s how they line up.

    Insurance band

    High

    Brachycephalic or giant-breed risk profile

    Vet service load

    High

    Heavy shedding correlates with skin/derm visits

    Grooming demand

    High

    Double coat sheds seasonally — frequent brushing

    Triple-cost breed: budget for premium insurance, frequent vet visits, and professional grooming.

    Estimated monthly spend (typical adult)

    Insurance

    $85

    Routine vet

    $60

    Grooming

    $75

    Combined estimate

    ~$220/mo(±20%, US averages)

    * Estimates derived from breed traits (coat, energy, health watchouts, lifespan). Actual costs vary by location, age, and provider.

    Living Situation Fit

    House with yard; not for apartments or hot climates. Plan for high food, vet and grooming costs.

    Choosing a Puppy

    OFA hips and elbows, cardiac echo, eye CERF. Discuss prophylactic gastropexy at spay/neuter. Meet both parents.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How long do Saint Bernards live?

    Sadly only 8–10 years on average. Giant breeds age faster; lean body weight, joint care and twice-yearly senior exams help.

    Do Saint Bernards drool a lot?

    Yes — heavy drooling is normal, especially after eating, drinking or in heat. Drool 'flings' on walls. Keep face towels handy.

    Are Saint Bernards good with kids?

    Famously yes — they're patient, gentle and protective. Their size means toddlers should be supervised to avoid being knocked over.

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    Reviewed by PetHelpAnswers Editorial Team

    This profile is shared for informational and educational purposes only. Individual dogs vary — always consult a licensed veterinarian for medical guidance.