Breeds
Saint Bernard: Temperament, Size, Lifespan & Care
A Saint Bernard is a gentle, patient, kind-hearted giant that adores its family and is famously good with children. Saints need only moderate exercise, bark little and want to please, but they are enormous, drool constantly, shed twice a year and have a short lifespan. Training has to start while the puppy is still small enough to manage. Here is what to expect on size, lifespan, health, grooming and daily care.
By Matt GarnettUpdated November 14, 20264 min read3 sources
Saint Bernard temperament and personality
The AKC rates the Saint Bernard five out of five for affection with family, with young children and as a watchdog, and one out of five for barking. It calls Saints kind-hearted and eager to please, a genial giant and one of the world's most famous breeds.
Openness to strangers and playfulness are three out of five, so most Saints are calm and dignified with visitors rather than bouncy. Their sheer size is often enough deterrent; they rarely need to make a fuss.
How big do Saint Bernards get?
According to the AKC, males stand 28 to 30 inches at the shoulder and weigh 140 to 180 pounds, and females stand 26 to 28 inches and weigh 120 to 140 pounds. The AKC standard describes them as powerful, extraordinarily muscular and massive. Saints come in long-haired and short-haired coats.
Plan for the adult size from day one: car space, crate or resting area, a large-dog bed and food budget. Growth continues for well over a year, and a lean puppy grows more soundly than an overfed one.
Saint Bernard lifespan and common health issues
The AKC gives a Saint Bernard lifespan of 8 to 10 years. It warns that large, deep-chested breeds can develop bloat, and says owners should learn the signs. VCA lists restlessness, drooling more than usual, retching without bringing anything up and a swollen belly; that is an emergency, so call a vet immediately.
The AKC says hip dysplasia and eye disease are also sometimes seen, and recommends hip, elbow, cardiac and eye evaluations and a degenerative myelopathy DNA test. VCA explains hip dysplasia is genetic but influenced by diet and growth rate. Ask breeders for parent results, and ask your vet about limping, stiffness or red, droopy eyes.
Exercise needs
Despite their size and power, the AKC says Saints need only a moderate amount of exercise: one long walk or a half-hour play session a day is usually enough. They are happy to come on longer hikes or camping trips with their people.
Protect growing joints by avoiding long forced runs, stairs and jumping until your vet says the dog has finished growing. The AKC notes a Saint can handle hot weather with a cool place to rest and plenty of water, so plan walks for the cooler parts of the day.
Grooming, shedding and drool
Both coat types need the same care, the AKC says: weekly brushing to remove dirt and loose hair, with a slicker brush or metal comb for tangles, and daily brushing during the twice-yearly shedding season. Shedding is three out of five on the AKC scale.
Drool is five out of five, the top of the scale, so keep towels in every room. Clean around the eyes and mouth regularly, check the ears, trim nails and brush the teeth.
Training a Saint Bernard
The AKC says early socialization and puppy classes are absolutely required for a dog this big and strong. Obedience training teaches a Saint not to jump on people, knock into small children or steal food from the table.
Saints are eager to please, so reward-based training with treats and praise works well. Start leash manners and a polite sit for greetings while the puppy is still small; a 150-pound adult that pulls is hard to walk.
Are Saint Bernards good with kids and other pets?
The AKC rates the Saint Bernard five out of five with young children, and many are famously patient with them. Size is the risk: a happy Saint can knock over a toddler without meaning to, so supervise and teach calm behavior around children.
With other dogs the AKC rating is three out of five. Early, positive meetings with other dogs and cats help a Saint grow into a tolerant adult. Introduce new pets slowly.
What a Saint Bernard needs at home
Plan for giant sizes: an extra-large crate or a safe resting area, a thick orthopedic bed, heavy non-tip or raised bowls, a strong harness and leash, drool towels, a slicker brush and metal comb, and a cool spot with shade in warm weather.
A car ramp helps an older Saint into the car. Book a vet visit soon after bringing your Saint home and ask about growth, giant-breed puppy diet and bloat signs.
This page is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your pet.
Common questions
How long do Saint Bernards live?
The AKC lists a Saint Bernard lifespan of 8 to 10 years. Careful growth as a puppy, a lean adult weight, regular vet checks and knowing the signs of bloat all help.
How big does a Saint Bernard get?
Males stand 28 to 30 inches and weigh 140 to 180 pounds; females stand 26 to 28 inches and weigh 120 to 140 pounds, according to the AKC.
Are Saint Bernards good family dogs?
Often, yes. The AKC rates them top marks with children and for affection. They are gentle and calm, but their size means early training and supervision with toddlers.
Do Saint Bernards drool and shed a lot?
Yes. The AKC rates drooling five out of five and shedding three out of five, with heavy sheds twice a year that call for daily brushing.
Sources we checked
This guide is general information, not veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell or injured, contact your veterinarian.
