ForTheBreed
Yes. noticeable drooling

Do Saint Bernards drool?

Yes, and there's no diplomatic way to put this: Saint Bernards drool. It comes with the breed. Owners learn to live with it — damp patches, drool strings, the occasional decorative ceiling splatter from a well-timed head shake.

Drool level: Yes. noticeable drooling
Keep towels handy — this is a lifestyle choice
About the Saint Bernard

The Swiss rescue dog turned house pet. Impossibly large, impossibly gentle, and a drool machine of epic proportions.

Size
Giant
Weight
64–120 kg
Energy
Low
Trainability
Moderate
Lifespan
8–10 yrs

When do Saint Bernards drool most?

Saint Bernards drool throughout the day, but certain situations make it significantly worse:

  • After drinking water. The classic trigger. Water collects in the jowls and drips freely for a minute or two after a big drink.
  • During and after exercise. Increased body temperature and panting both amplify drool production.
  • Food anticipation. Even before food is served, the sight or smell of it triggers heavy salivation. Pavlov had a point.
  • Hot weather. Heat increases panting and saliva production. Summer is generally the worst season for drool.
  • Excitement or stress. Emotional arousal of any kind tends to increase drooling in heavy-drool breeds.

The head shake is the event that gets drool furthest from the dog — experienced owners learn to anticipate it and take evasive action.

Is the drool level manageable?

That depends entirely on what you're prepared to accept as part of daily life. Dedicated Saint Bernard owners describe drool as something you stop noticing after a while — it becomes background noise. But if the thought of damp patches on your sofa, saliva on your jeans before work, or wet patches on guests' trousers concerns you, be honest with yourself before getting one.

This is one of those breed characteristics that's easy to underestimate from photos. Visit a home with a Saint Bernard before committing. An hour in that environment will tell you exactly what you're signing up for.

Practical tips for high droolers

If you're committed to owning a Saint Bernard, these practical measures make the drool far more manageable:

  • Drool towels everywhere. Keep them by the water bowl, at the back door, and anywhere the dog regularly sits. Microfibre cloths work best.
  • Raised water bowl. Reduces the amount of water trapped in jowls after drinking. A simple, effective upgrade.
  • Wipe jowls daily. Particularly the lip folds. Accumulated moisture in skin folds leads to irritation and infection if left unchecked.
  • Easy-clean flooring. If you're renovating, choose hard flooring over carpet in high-drool zones. Infinitely easier to maintain.
  • Bibs during meals. Some owners of heavy droolers use an absorbent bib during feeding. Works well, particularly for messy eaters.

How Saint Bernards compare to other breeds

Are Saint Bernards among the drooliest breeds?
Yes — Saint Bernards are in the top tier of drooling breeds. Other notable heavy droolers include Saint Bernards, Bloodhounds, Mastiffs, and Newfoundlands. If you love the jowly look that characterises these breeds, some degree of drool comes with the territory.

Want the full picture on Saint Bernards?

Read the complete Saint Bernard breed guide →

Common questions about Saint Bernard drooling

Is sudden excessive drooling in Saint Bernards a health concern?
Sudden onset of heavy drooling (in a breed not normally prone to it) can signal nausea, dental pain, a mouth injury, or something lodged in the mouth. If your Saint Bernard starts drooling heavily and unusually, check the mouth first and consult a vet if it persists. For breeds like Saint Bernard that already drool a lot, watch for a change from their normal baseline rather than an absolute amount.
Does drooling mean my Saint Bernard is hot or stressed?
Drooling can increase with heat, anxiety, car sickness, or nausea. If you notice more drooling than usual in specific situations — car journeys, thunderstorms, vet visits — these are likely stress-related. Managing the underlying trigger is more effective than trying to address the drooling itself.
Do Saint Bernard puppies drool more than adults?
Teething puppies (typically 3–6 months) often drool more as new teeth come through. This phase passes. After teething, adult drooling settles to the level typical for the breed.
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More questions about Saint Bernards

Do they shed?Do they bark a lot?Are they good with kids?Are they good with cats?Are they easy to train?Are they aggressive?