Saint Bernard

Do Saint Bernards shed?

Yes — Saint Bernards are heavy shedders. There's no polite way to say it: if you get a Saint Bernard, dog hair becomes part of your home décor. Invest in a good de-shedding brush (a Furminator is popular with Saint Bernard owners) and a strong vacuum cleaner. Shedding peaks twice a year — spring and autumn — when they fully blow their undercoat.

Are Saint Bernards good with kids?

Yes — Saint Bernards are famously gentle with children. They tend to be gentle and friendly, which makes them a natural fit for busy family life. Always supervise any dog around young children, regardless of breed. Their size means they can accidentally knock small children over, so supervision around toddlers is important.

Are Saint Bernards good with cats?

Saint Bernards can get along well with cats, especially if raised together from puppyhood. Their gentle nature means they're generally not fixated on chasing. Introduce them slowly — keep the cat's exit routes open and never force interaction. Most Saint Bernards and cats eventually settle into an easy coexistence, sometimes even becoming friends.

Are Saint Bernards easy to train?

Saint Bernards are moderately trainable — capable dogs, but they have opinions and will test boundaries. Positive reinforcement works well. Avoid harsh corrections, which can make them shut down or become anxious. Consistency is the key word with this breed. Everyone in the household needs to use the same rules and commands, or they'll find the inconsistency and exploit it.

Do Saint Bernards bark a lot?

Saint Bernards are a quiet breed — they rarely bark without a good reason. This makes them an excellent choice for flat or terraced-house living where noise is a concern. They might bark to alert you to someone at the door, but sustained, excessive barking is uncommon. Neighbours tend to be fans.

Are Saint Bernards hypoallergenic?

No — Saint Bernards are not hypoallergenic. They shed high amounts of hair and dander, which is the main allergen trigger for most people. If allergies are a dealbreaker, consider a Poodle, Bichon Frise, or a Poodle-cross (Cockapoo, Cavapoo, Labradoodle) instead — all produce much less dander.

How much exercise does a Saint Bernard need?

Saint Bernards need 30–45 min/day of exercise daily. They're a relatively low-maintenance breed in this respect — shorter walks suit them fine, and they're perfectly happy with a relaxed routine. Good for owners who can't commit to marathon exercise sessions daily.

Mental exercise matters as much as physical. A Saint Bernard with a bored brain will find its own entertainment — usually involving your sofa or your shoes. Training sessions, puzzle feeders, and nose-work games all count.

Saint Bernard health problems

Like all breeds, Saint Bernards are prone to certain conditions. Knowing about them upfront means earlier detection, better outcomes, and fewer surprise vet bills.

As a giant breed, Saint Bernards are particularly susceptible to bloat (GDV) — a life-threatening condition where the stomach twists. Learn the signs: unproductive retching, distended abdomen, restlessness. It requires emergency surgery. Feeding two smaller meals rather than one large one helps reduce risk.

• Hip dysplasia. Common in larger breeds, causes arthritis and mobility issues. Check parents have been hip-scored.
• Elbow dysplasia. Similar to hip dysplasia, affects the front legs.
• Obesity. The most preventable health problem across all dog breeds. Keep them at a healthy weight.
• Annual vet checks. Catching problems early makes all the difference.

How long do Saint Bernards live?

Saint Bernards typically live 8–10 years. Unfortunately, giant breeds have significantly shorter lifespans than smaller dogs — the toll of maintaining such a large body accelerates ageing.

Lifespan is heavily influenced by weight management, exercise, genetics, and access to regular vet care. A Saint Bernard at a healthy weight, with good genetics and regular check-ups, will typically live toward the top of that range.

How much does a Saint Bernard cost in the UK?

A Saint Bernard puppy from a reputable KC-registered UK breeder typically costs £900–£2 000.

If you see a Saint Bernard puppy advertised for significantly less than £900, be very cautious. Low prices are the most common red flag for puppy farms.

The purchase price is just the start. First-year costs typically include:

• Vaccinations: ~£80–120
• Neutering/spaying: £200–400 depending on size and vet
• Microchipping (mandatory in UK): ~£20–30
• Bed, crate, leads, collar: £100–250
• Food (per year): £400–£1,200+ depending on size and diet
• Pet insurance: £70–£150/month (see below)
• Routine vet visits: £50–200/year

Total first-year cost beyond the puppy price: typically £1,500–£3,000.

Saint Bernard pet insurance

Pet insurance for a Saint Bernard in the UK typically costs £70–£150/month for comprehensive lifetime cover.

Lifetime cover is strongly recommended over cheaper time-limited or maximum-benefit policies. Once a condition is diagnosed and treated, lifetime cover continues to pay for it every year. Time-limited policies exclude it after 12 months — exactly when chronic conditions become expensive.

Compare quotes from Petplan, ManyPets, Waggel, and Animal Friends — all have strong reputations for actually paying out claims. Always check the annual limit (aim for £7,000+ per condition) and whether hereditary conditions are covered.