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Switzerland•working
Saint Bernard
moderateGood with KidsGood with Pets
Powerful, imposing, but gentle giant famous for Alpine rescues. Patient and watchful with children. Originated in the Swiss Alps at the Saint Bernard Hospice.
Weight54-82 kg119-181 lbs
Height66-76 cm26-30"
Lifespan8-10 yrs
Overview
Personality and care at a glance
GentleWatchfulPatientFriendlyCalm
Height
66-76 cm26-30"
Weight
54-82 kg119-181 lbs
Lifespan
8-10 yrs
Breed Traits
Size
Giant - Size category based on typical adult weight
Energy Level
Couch potato - content with short walks and lounging
Trainability
Moderately trainable - learns with consistent effort
Grooming
Regular grooming - weekly brushing
Barking
Barks when necessary
Attachment Style
How much this breed typically wants to be near their people versus enjoying time on their own.
IndependentHighly Dependent
Balanced companionship
Size Comparison
🧍
Human~6ft / 183cm🐕
Saint66-76 cm26-30"Compatibility
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Good Fit
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Things to Consider
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Exercise
Activity requirements for Saint Bernard
low energy20-40 min/day
Saint Bernards have modest exercise needs. Short walks and light play sessions are typically sufficient to keep them happy and healthy.
30-60 minutes daily of moderate exercise, avoid heat
Recommended Activities
Low intensity
Short Walks
Gentle strolls around the neighborhood at a relaxed pace.
15-20 min
Low intensity
Indoor Play
Light play sessions with toys indoors.
10-15 min
Low intensity
Sniff Walks
Leisurely walks focused on mental stimulation through sniffing.
15-20 min
Keep in Mind
- Avoid overexertion, especially in hot weather
- Watch for signs of fatigue during exercise
Grooming
Coat care and maintenance for Saint Bernard
Moderate Carefur coat
Saint Bernards need regular grooming attention to maintain a healthy coat and prevent matting. Establish a consistent routine.
Regular Brushing
Brush 2-3 times per week to prevent tangles, remove dead hair, and keep the coat shiny and healthy. Increase to daily during seasonal shedding.
2-3 times per week
Bathing as Needed
Bathe every 1-2 months or as needed. Over-bathing can strip natural protective oils from the coat.
Every 1-2 months
Optional Professional Grooming
Professional grooming is optional for nail trimming, ear cleaning, and deshedding treatments. Many owners handle grooming at home.
As needed
Ear Cleaning
Check and clean ears weekly to prevent infections, especially in breeds with floppy ears.
Weekly
Nail Trimming
Keep nails trimmed to a comfortable length. Long nails can cause pain and affect gait.
Every 2-3 weeks
Training
Training approach for Saint Bernard
Moderately Trainable
The Saint Bernard is reasonably trainable with consistent effort. They learn well but may need more repetition than eager learners.
Best Approach
Be patient and consistent. Use high-value rewards and keep training sessions short but frequent. Consistency in commands and expectations is key.
Training Tips
Essential
Stay Consistent
Use the same commands and expectations every time. Consistency helps them understand what you want.
Essential
Short Training Sessions
Keep sessions to 10-15 minutes to maintain focus and prevent frustration for both of you.
Recommended
High-Value Rewards
Use especially enticing treats for training to maintain motivation and attention.
Recommended
Practice Patience
Some commands may take longer to learn. Stay patient and celebrate small victories.
Common Challenges
- May lose focus during longer sessions
- Can be distracted by environment
- May test boundaries occasionally
Nutrition
Feeding guidelines for Saint Bernard
Giant Breed2-3 smaller meals$85-212/month
Giant breeds have unique nutritional needs. Careful diet management from puppyhood through adulthood is essential for their health and longevity.
Feeding Tips
Giant Breed Formula
Essential for puppies - giant breed formulas have carefully balanced calcium and phosphorus for proper bone development.
Bloat Prevention
Feed smaller meals 2-3 times daily rather than one large meal. Avoid exercise 1 hour before and after eating.
Slow Feeder Bowl
Use a slow feeder bowl to prevent gulping food, which can contribute to bloat risk.
Joint-Focused Nutrition
Joint supplements or foods with added joint support are especially important for giant breeds.
Maintain Healthy Weight
Extra weight is extremely hard on giant breed joints. Keep them lean throughout life.
Important Considerations
- High risk of bloat (GDV) - a life-threatening emergency
- Shorter lifespans make nutrition quality crucial
- Overfeeding puppies leads to serious joint problems
- Higher food costs - budget accordingly
Health
Common health conditions to watch for in Saint Bernard
4
High Risk
0
Common Issues
Understanding breed-specific health risks helps you provide better preventive care. Regular vet checkups and health screenings can catch many issues early.
High Risk Conditions
This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional veterinary advice. Always consult with your veterinarian about your pet's specific health needs.
Ownership costs
Estimated expenses for Saint Bernard
Monthly costs
Food
$85-212
Insurance
$59-137
Supplies
$20-39
Monthly total
$164-388
Annual costs
Veterinary care
$564-936/yr
Parasite prevention
$504/yr
Annual total
$1,068-1,440/yr
Estimates based on 2024-2025 research, adjusted for Saint Bernard's size. Actual costs vary by location and provider.
Regional insights
Local factors affecting pet ownership costs in United States
- •Pet industry expenditure reached $152B in 2024, projected $157B for 2025
- •66% of households own pets (86.9 million homes)
- •Pet CPI continues to outpace general inflation
What's not included
- •Initial adoption/purchase fees
- •One-time equipment purchases (beds, bowls, leashes)
- •Emergency veterinary surgeries
- •Boarding/daycare services
Sources
5 references for Saint Bernard
American Kennel Club Breed Information
Registry·American Kennel Club
Hip Dysplasia in Dogs
Veterinary·Orthopedic Foundation for Animals
Elbow Dysplasia in Dogs
Veterinary·Orthopedic Foundation for Animals
Canine Health Information Center - Saint Bernard
Health·OFA-CHIC
Bloat in Dogs
Veterinary·American Kennel Club
Information sourced from breed registries, veterinary organizations, and peer-reviewed research