Saint Bernard
About the Saint Bernard
Temperament
Physical Characteristics
| Size Category | Giant (100+ lbs) |
|---|---|
| Height | 26-30" |
| Weight | 120-180 lbs |
| Coat Type | Double |
| Coat Length | Medium |
| Colors | |
| Hypoallergenic | No |
Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Moderate (30-60 min/day)
30 minutes per day recommended
Grooming
Regular - 2-3x/week
Mental Stimulation
★★★★★Low mental stimulation needs
Drooling
★★★★★Living Conditions
Cost of Ownership
| Purchase Price | $1,000-$2,500 |
|---|---|
| Annual Cost | $2,100/year |
Costs vary based on location, breeder, and individual needs. Annual costs include food, veterinary care, grooming, and supplies.
Health Considerations
Like all breeds, Saint Bernards may be prone to certain health conditions:
Regular veterinary check-ups and proper care can help prevent or manage many health issues.
Best For
- Families with Children
- Seniors
May Not Be Ideal For
- Apartment Living
Guides for your Saint Bernard
The story behind the Saint Bernard
The Saint Bernard takes its name from the hospice founded on the Great St. Bernard Pass in the Swiss Alps, where monks kept large dogs from around the seventeenth century, initially as guardians and companions. The dogs proved invaluable at finding travelers lost in snow, and over generations of rescue work they were credited with saving many lives; the celebrated dog Barry, active in the early nineteenth century, became a national icon. After avalanches and harsh winters depleted the hospice dogs, breeders introduced Newfoundland blood, producing the longhaired variety. The Swiss standardized the breed in the late nineteenth century, and it spread worldwide as a symbol of rescue, settling into life as a family companion.
Originally bred for: Alpine rescue, Draft work, Guarding. You can trace how working roles shaped today’s breeds across our dog guides.
Feeding a Saint Bernard
Giant-breed puppy food with restrained mineral levels and unhurried growth is essential for a dog whose frame outpaces its joints. Adults need modest divided portions and lifelong weight control, since every surplus pound rides on already heavily loaded hips.
Watch for: This is one of the classic deep-chested breeds, so unhurried meals, low excitement and no exercise straight afterward are usual precautions. Heavy drooling can also make wet food messy. Diet planning should involve your veterinarian.
Start with the Saint Bernard feeding guide, then compare our picks for the best dog food for large breeds.
Mealtime extras: training treats worth keeping in your pocket, and a slow feeder bowl if your dog inhales dinner. Everything else lives in our dog nutrition and feeding hub.
Living with a Saint Bernard
Day to day, the basics matter most: how much exercise your dog needs, how often to get out for a walk, and how much sleep is normal.
For play and enrichment, browse chew toys built for strong jaws and interactive toys for rainy days.
Gear that fits the breed makes life easier: a well-sized dog bed, a properly sized crate.
Raising a puppy? Work through crate training and the teething timeline — or see how old your dog is in human years with our dog age calculator.