Do Saint Bernards have health problems?

Known health concerns in Saint Bernards

These are the conditions most commonly seen in the breed — not guarantees, but things to be aware of:

• Hip and Elbow Dysplasia: Abnormal development of the hip or elbow joint causes pain and progressive arthritis. It's partly hereditary — which is why BVA screening of breeding dogs matters. Keeping puppies slim during growth and avoiding high-impact exercise before 12–18 months reduces severity.
• Bloat (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus): A life-threatening emergency where the stomach fills with gas and twists on itself. Giant breeds are significantly more at risk. Signs include a distended abdomen, retching without vomiting, and rapid deterioration. This is a veterinary emergency. Minutes matter.

How to reduce health risks in Saint Bernards

Most health problems are either hereditary (managed by choosing a responsible breeder) or lifestyle-related (managed by the owner). Here's what actually moves the needle:

• Choose health-tested parents: Ask breeders for relevant health test results — BVA hip and elbow scores, eye tests where relevant. A responsible breeder won't be offended.
• Maintain a healthy weight: Obesity is the most preventable health issue in dogs and it compounds everything — joints, heart, and lifespan. Weigh your Saint Bernard monthly and adjust food accordingly.
• Annual vet check-ups: Not just for vaccines. A thorough annual exam checks heart, weight, teeth, eyes, and joints. Most problems caught early are far cheaper and more treatable.
• Appropriate exercise: Don't over-exercise puppies before 12–18 months — developing joints are vulnerable. Consistent exercise throughout life maintains condition better than irregular bursts.
• Pet insurance from puppyhood: Even a generally healthy Saint Bernard can develop a condition requiring expensive treatment. Insuring before any issues arise avoids pre-existing condition exclusions. Lifetime cover is worth the premium over accident-only policies.

The lifetime vet cost of a dog depends far more on diet, weight management, and preventative care than on the breed. A well-kept Saint Bernard will nearly always outlive and outperform a neglected one from the same litter.

Pet insurance for Saint Bernards

UK insurance for a Saint Bernard typically costs £70–£150 per month. Given their health profile, lifetime comprehensive cover is worth the premium. A single BOAS surgery or orthopaedic procedure can cost £3,000–£8,000 — significantly more than years of insurance premiums.

Premiums increase with age. Insuring at puppyhood locks in lower rates and prevents exclusions for conditions that develop later.