Saint Bernard
Saint Bernards are gentle giants known for their Alpine rescue legend and their steady, people-focused temperament.
If you want a calm family companion who is happy to lounge nearby, plan for a very large dog with a big heart, a messy drinking style, and daily routines that work best with space and consistency.
How the Saint Bernard ranks among other dog breeds.
About the Saint Bernard
The Saint Bernard is a giant working breed that is typically affectionate, patient, and welcoming with people it knows. Many are happiest as close-by companions, keeping an eye on the household and greeting visitors with calm curiosity.
Early socialization and gentle, consistent training help this powerful dog grow into a confident adult.
Living with a Saint Bernard means embracing the practical side of giant-dog life: sturdy leashes, wide walkways, and a home setup that can handle a sweeping tail.
They tend to shed and often drool, and they usually feel most comfortable in cooler weather rather than heat. In return, you get a devoted companion that often prefers steady walks, relaxed play, and quality time over nonstop action.
History of the Saint Bernard
Saint Bernards trace their story to the rugged mountain region between Switzerland and Italy, where travelers crossed a high Alpine route known as the Great St. Bernard Pass.
For centuries, a hospice on this pass offered shelter to people facing snow, wind, and sudden storms, and the residents relied on sturdy animals that could handle harsh terrain.
Large, mastiff-type farm dogs from the surrounding valleys were valued for guarding property and helping with heavy work, and dogs like these became part of daily life around the hospice, serving as watchful companions as well as working partners.
Over time, the hospice dogs gained a reputation for assisting in search efforts when travelers went missing in difficult conditions.
With strong bodies, thick coats, and a keen sense of smell, they could move through deep snow and help locate people who had strayed from the route.
Accounts often describe dogs ranging ahead of rescuers, alerting humans with barking or returning to signal that someone was found.
The image of a big dog providing warmth and reassurance became part of the Saint Bernard’s enduring story, even as the details differ from tale to tale.
As the legend grew, so did interest in refining the type. Historical accounts suggest the hospice dogs were occasionally crossed with other large working dogs brought through the region, which may have influenced coat length, head shape, and overall build.
The longer-coated variety became especially recognizable in art and popular storytelling, even though shorter coats were often more practical in icy conditions where snow could cling to feathering.
These shifts helped shape the breed into the imposing, friendly-looking dog that many people picture today when they hear the name Saint Bernard.
In the nineteenth century, breeders in Switzerland began selecting dogs for a more consistent look and temperament, and the name Saint Bernard became widely used.
Outside the mountains, the breed was appreciated as a farm helper, estate guardian, and family companion, prized for its calm presence and imposing appearance.
Some were also used for carting and other steady pulling tasks that matched their strength and deliberate pace. The Saint Bernard’s image shifted from purely working utility to an admired companion dog that still carried the aura of the Alps.
Today’s Saint Bernard is most often a home-loving companion, though the breed’s working roots still show in its confidence and willingness to stay close to its people.
Many enjoy activities that suit a giant build, such as easy hiking in cool weather, drafting-style games designed for safety, and gentle training challenges that build manners.
Because size magnifies both good habits and bad ones, modern owners often focus on early socialization, calm household rules, and careful growth management with veterinary guidance.
Responsible breeding and thoughtful puppy-raising remain important for preserving the Saint Bernard’s classic combination of gentleness, stability, and substance.
Physical Characteristics and General Care
The Saint Bernard is instantly recognizable: a massive, sturdy frame; a broad head with a kind expression; and a presence that fills a room even when the dog is resting.
Coats may be shorter and smooth or longer and rough, and both types are dense enough to handle cold climates and outdoor work. Their loose lips and jowls are part of the look, but they also explain why many Saint Bernards leave a little drool behind.
Because these dogs take up space and carry a lot of weight, everyday life goes more smoothly with non-slip flooring, supportive bedding, and gear that fits a giant chest and strong shoulders.
Coat care is straightforward but not optional. Regular brushing helps manage shedding, reduces tangles in longer coats, and keeps dirt from settling in, especially around the legs, tail, and belly.
An undercoat rake can be useful when the coat is blowing, while a simple wipe-down after a walk can prevent grime from building up. Many Saint Bernards drool, so wiping the mouth after meals and keeping a towel near the water bowl can save your walls and furniture.
Like any large dog, they also benefit from routine nail trims, ear checks, and calm practice with handling so grooming and routine care feel normal rather than stressful.
Exercise needs are usually moderate: think relaxed walks, gentle play, and short training sessions that work the brain without overtaxing the body. Saint Bernards often do best with steady, low-impact activity and plenty of rest, especially in warm or humid weather.
Scent games, basic obedience, and slow exploration walks can provide enrichment without turning every outing into a sprint.
Talk with your veterinarian about a routine that supports healthy body condition and joint comfort for your individual dog, and ask what activities make the most sense during growth and maturity.
Since this breed can be strong and sometimes slow to mature, polite leash skills, calm greetings, and good manners around doors and stairs are part of basic care.
Coat & Grooming: Brush a few times per week with a slicker brush and undercoat rake, add extra brushing during seasonal shedding, and bathe as needed.
Shedding: High shedding, often heavier at certain times of year, so plan on frequent vacuuming and keeping lint rollers and washable covers on hand.
Exercise Needs: Moderate daily activity such as relaxed walks, short play sessions, and gentle training games, with outdoor time scheduled for cooler parts of the day.
General Health: As with many giant breeds, joint and mobility issues, digestive sensitivity, and some heart or eye concerns may occur, so regular checkups and smart conditioning matter.
Expected Lifespan: Typically shorter-lived than many smaller breeds, with longevity influenced by genetics, body condition, and attentive routine care.
First-Time Owner Tips
A Saint Bernard puppy can look like a fluffy teddy bear, but it grows into a very powerful adult, so manners are not optional.
Start early with reward-based training for loose-leash walking, polite greetings, and household skills like waiting at doors and settling on a mat.
Keep sessions short and upbeat, and practice in low-distraction areas before expecting success around guests or exciting outdoor smells.
Because this breed is often friendly, it is easy to assume social skills will come naturally, yet structured exposure to new people, surfaces, sounds, and gentle dogs helps build confident, calm behavior.
Plan your home and routines around size and strength. Measure spaces like doorways, cars, and sleeping areas, and choose sturdy equipment that protects your hands and your dog’s comfort, such as a well-fitted harness and a reliable crate or gated area.
Many Saint Bernards are sensitive to heat, so create a cool resting spot and adjust walk times as needed. It also helps to teach cooperative care, so your dog is comfortable with wiping drool, brushing, and basic handling.
If you travel or work long hours, line up help early, since boarding, walkers, and even routine lifting assistance can be more complicated with a giant breed.
- Teach leash manners and calm greetings early, since a gentle giant is still very strong.
- Practice handling paws, ears, and the mouth daily so grooming and veterinary visits feel routine.
- Use positive reinforcement and clear rules; many Saint Bernards respond best to steady, kind consistency.
- Set up for drool and shedding with towels by the water bowl, washable covers, and a vacuum that can handle heavy hair.
- Protect your dog from heat with shade, cool indoor rest, and walks during cooler parts of the day.
Monthly Costs to Expect
Required monthly costs for a Saint Bernard are usually led by food, since a giant body needs more calories than smaller breeds.
Expect to budget for a quality diet, treats and durable chews, and routine basics like poop bags, replacement bowls, and wear-and-tear items that are sized for a large dog.
Costs can swing based on food quality, your dog’s activity level, and whether you choose specialty diets for sensitive digestion.
Many owners also include ongoing parasite prevention and routine wellness budgeting as advised by their veterinarian, since pricing and local risk can vary by region.
Optional or variable costs depend heavily on your lifestyle. If you prefer professional grooming or add services like training classes, dog walking, or boarding, your monthly spend can rise quickly.
Some families choose pet insurance, while others build a dedicated savings cushion for unexpected veterinary bills and emergency care.
Costs also vary with where you live, whether you do most grooming and training at home, and the upgrades you choose for giant-breed gear, sturdy toys, and enrichment. Budgeting a little extra for seasonal shedding and cleaning supplies can also help.
Food & Treats: Required: about $120 to $250 per month, depending on food quality, appetite, and how many treats or chews you include.
Grooming: Optional/Variable: about $20 to $120 per month, depending on at-home brushing versus professional bathing or de-shedding services.
Preventatives & Routine Care: Required: about $30 to $80 per month for parasite prevention and routine care budgeting, guided by your veterinarian and local factors.
Insurance / Savings: Optional/Variable: about $40 to $150 per month for insurance premiums or a monthly savings cushion, influenced by coverage choices and your area.
Training / Enrichment: Optional/Variable: about $20 to $200 per month for group classes, occasional private help, and enrichment toys that hold up to a big dog.
Saint Bernard FAQs
Are Saint Bernards good family dogs?
Many Saint Bernards are affectionate, patient, and people-focused, which can make them wonderful family companions. Because they are so large, supervision around small children is important, and teaching calm greetings helps prevent accidental bumps.
Do Saint Bernards drool a lot?
Drooling is common, especially after drinking, eating, or when a dog is excited. Keeping towels handy, wiping the mouth after meals, and choosing easy-clean surfaces can make day-to-day life much simpler.
How much exercise does a Saint Bernard need?
Most Saint Bernards do well with moderate daily activity like relaxed walks, gentle play, and short training games. They are not typically endurance athletes, and they often need extra care in warm weather.
Ask your veterinarian what level of activity is best for your dog’s condition and life stage.
Can a Saint Bernard live in an apartment?
It can work for some households if the dog gets consistent daily walks and has enough room to turn around and rest comfortably. Practical factors matter a lot, including elevator access, stair climbing, heat control, and how tolerant neighbors are of a very large dog.
How much grooming does a Saint Bernard require?
Regular brushing is important for both smooth and rough coats, with extra effort during heavier shedding periods. You will also want routine nail trims, ear checks, and occasional baths, plus quick cleanups for drool and muddy paws.
Are Saint Bernards easy to train?
They are often willing and gentle, but they can be strong-willed and slow to mature, so consistency is key. Positive reinforcement, clear routines, and early practice with leash skills and polite greetings usually pay off.
Do Saint Bernards tolerate hot weather well?
Most Saint Bernards are more comfortable in cool conditions and may struggle in heat or humidity. Provide shade and cool indoor rest, avoid the hottest parts of the day, and contact your veterinarian if you ever see signs of heat stress.