Switzerland
Working
Giant 120-180 lbs
Standard: 26-30 in
Standard: 120-180 lbs
8 - 10 years
Meet the Saint Bernard
Saint Bernards are known for their massive size and even bigger hearts. They are calm, patient, and incredibly gentle, making them wonderful family companions. Despite their size, they are affectionate lap dogs who love to be around their people.
Where It All Began
Saint Bernards were developed in the Swiss Alps by monks in the 1600s to rescue travelers lost in the mountains. They were named after the Great St. Bernard Pass and became legendary for their bravery and ability to save lives in harsh conditions.
Personality
🏃 An Active Lifestyle
Saint Bernards have moderate energy and enjoy daily walks and playtime.
- ✓ 30—60 min Of exercise daily
- ✓ Enjoys liésurely
- ✓ Loves outdoor adventures
- ✓ Best in homes with space
✂ Grooming Needs
Their thick double coat requires regular grooming.
- ✓ Brush times per week
- ✓ More often during shedding season
- ✓ Bath every 4—6 weeks
- ✓ Nail trimming estery 2—3 weeks
❤ Keeping Healthy
Generally healthy but prone to certain conditions. Regular vet checkups, a balanced diet, and exercise are essential.
- • Hip & Elbow Dysplasia
- • Heart Conditions
- • Bloat (Gastric Dilatation)
- • Issues
- • Obesity
$ Cost of Ownership
Owning a Saint Bernard is a moderate to high investment.
Purchase Price: $1,000 - $3,500+
Monthly Cost: $100 — $200
First Year Cost: $1,500 - $2,800
Lifetime Cost: $8,000 — $14,000
👍 Pros
- Patient, gentle temperament around children
- Generally quiet, not prone to excessive barking
- Loyal and devoted companion for the right owner
👎 Cons
- Not ideally suited to small apartments without a yard
- Sheds noticeably — more cleaning required at home
- Larger size means higher food, medication and vet costs
💡 Did You Know?
The Saint Bernard originally comes from Switzerland and belongs to the Working Group — a fitting background for a breed so often described as patient.
Compare Saint Bernard
See how the Saint Bernard stacks up against other breeds to find your perfect match.
