Saint Bernard Dogs: A Complete Care, Training, and Ownership Guide
You see the pictures. A massive, fluffy dog with soulful eyes, maybe a little barrel around its neck, looking like a living teddy bear. The Saint Bernard. It's an iconic image that sparks dreams of a loyal, calm companion for the whole family. I had the same dream over a decade ago before I brought my first Saint, named Bear, home. Let me tell you, the reality is both more wonderful and more demanding than the fantasy. This isn't just a big dog; it's a lifestyle commitment. If you're considering one of these magnificent animals, you need to look past the movie myths and understand what you're signing up for.
What You'll Find in This Guide
Beyond the Barrel: The True Saint Bernard Temperament
Forget the idea of a hyper, bouncing giant. The classic Saint Bernard temperament is best described as steady, watchful, and profoundly gentle. Bred by monks at the Hospice du Grand-St-Bernard for rescue and companionship in brutal conditions, they are hardwired for calmness and situational awareness. They're not typically "velcro" dogs that follow you room-to-room, but they always want to know where you are, often positioning themselves in a central spot to keep an eye on the family.
Their patience with children is legendary, but it's a cautious legend. A well-socialized Saint is incredibly tolerant. However, their size alone is a hazard. A happy tail whip can clear a coffee table. A playful lean can knock over a toddler. Supervision isn't optional; it's critical. They don't know their own strength.
Here's a nuance most lists miss: their barking. They are not excessive barkers, but when they do, it's a deep, resonant, and profoundly serious sound. They bark to alert, not to chat. That single "woof" from the basement can make your heart stop—it commands immediate attention. It's a guardian's bark, not a yappy one.
The Daily Reality: Care, Costs, and Drool Management
Let's talk brass tacks. Owning a Saint Bernard is expensive, messy, and requires space. If you're not prepared for these three pillars, you'll struggle.
The Cost Breakdown (Annual Estimate): Food: $1,200-$1,800 (premium large-breed formula). Veterinary Care (basics + preventatives): $800-$1,200. Grooming Supplies/Professional Help: $200-$500. Medications & Supplements (glucosamine, etc.): $400-$600. Pet Insurance (highly recommended): $900-$1,500. Miscellaneous (toys, beds, cleaning supplies): $300-$500. Total: ~$3,800-$6,100+ per year. Emergency surgery for bloat or hip issues can cost $5,000-$10,000 in one go.
Grooming: It's a Part-Time Job
That beautiful coat is a magnet for dirt, leaves, and moisture. Weekly brushing is a minimum to prevent mats, especially behind the ears and in the feathering on their legs. During shedding seasons (yes, seasons—spring and fall), it's a daily avalanche of fur. You'll need a heavy-duty undercoat rake, a slicker brush, and a good vacuum. Bathing a 150-pound dog is a two-person, all-afternoon event that leaves your bathroom looking like a wet fur bomb went off. Many owners opt for professional groomers every 8-12 weeks for a thorough deshedding and sanitary trim.
The Drool: A Force of Nature
This is the great equalizer. You will have drool on your walls, your ceiling (somehow), your clothes, and in your hair. It happens when they drink, eat, get hot, or get excited. The key isn't prevention—it's management. Keep hand towels ("slobber rags") in every room. Wipe their jowls after drinking. Get a waterproof cover for your couch. Use a mat under their water bowl. Embrace it, or this will be your biggest point of resentment.
Navigating Saint Bernard Health: A Proactive Owner's Guide
Giant breeds have giant health concerns. Being proactive is the only way to ensure a long, comfortable life. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) and breeder health testing are your best friends here.
| Common Health Issue | What It Is | Proactive Steps for Owners |
|---|---|---|
| Hip & Elbow Dysplasia | Malformation of the joints leading to arthritis and pain. | Buy from breeders with OFA Excellent/Good ratings. Keep puppy lean (no excess weight!). Provide joint supplements (glucosamine/chondroitin) from adulthood. Use ramps for cars/furniture. |
| Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (Bloat) | Life-threatening stomach twisting. A true emergency. | Feed 2-3 smaller meals a day, not one large one. Use a slow-feeder bowl. Restrict vigorous exercise for 1-2 hours after eating. Know the nearest 24-hour emergency vet. |
| Cardiac Issues | Dilated cardiomyopathy and other heart conditions. | Request a cardiac screening from your vet during annual exams, especially from middle age (5-6 years). Listen for coughing or labored breathing. |
| Ectropion/Entropion | Droopy or inward-rolling eyelids, causing irritation. | Regular eye cleaning. Watch for excessive tearing, redness, or squinting. Corrective surgery is common and effective. |
The single biggest factor you control is weight management. An extra 10 pounds on a human is one thing. On a Saint Bernard, it's crushing pressure on already-stressed joints. It shortens their lifespan and diminishes their quality of life. Measure their food. Limit treats. Keep them lean.
Training a Thinker, Not a Soldier
Saint Bernards are intelligent, but they were bred for independent decision-making in the mountains. This means they can be stubborn. They ask, "Why should I?" Traditional, repetitive, or harsh training methods will fail. They shut down.
Success comes from motivation-based training. High-value treats (cheese, boiled chicken), enthusiastic praise, and short, fun sessions. Socialization is non-negotiable—expose them gently to all sorts of people, surfaces, sounds, and other animals during their first year. The most critical commands aren't cute tricks; they are life-saving ones: a solid "leave it," a reliable recall (even if slow), and especially "wait" at doors and curbs. You must be able to stop 150 pounds of momentum on a dime.
Leash training is paramount. Letting a puppy pull seems harmless at 30 pounds, but it's a disaster at 130. Use a front-clip harness from day one to discourage pulling without strain on their neck.
Is a Saint Bernard the Right Dog for You?
Let's be brutally honest. A Saint Bernard is NOT the right dog if:
- You live in an apartment or a home with narrow stairs/tight spaces.
- You are fastidious about cleanliness (hair, drool, muddy paws).
- You have a limited budget for food, vet care, and potential emergencies.
- You want a high-energy jogging or agility partner.
- You are not physically strong enough to handle their basic care (lifting food bags, guiding them if they pull).
A Saint Bernard IS a magnificent fit if:
- You have a spacious home with easy outdoor access and sturdy floors.
- You value a calm, steady presence over constant activity.
- You understand and are prepared for the financial and physical responsibilities.
- You have a patient, consistent, and positive approach to training.
- You want a deeply loyal, affectionate, and quietly noble companion who will leave paw prints on your heart—and your floors.
Your Saint Bernard Questions Answered
Are Saint Bernards good apartment dogs despite their size?
This is a common misconception. While Saint Bernards are famously calm indoors, their sheer size makes most apartments impractical. The real challenge isn't just floor space, but turning radiuses in hallways, fitting through doorways, and the risk of them accidentally knocking over furniture or small children in tight quarters. They need easy access to a secure outdoor space for bathroom breaks, which is often limited in apartment living. A house with a fenced yard is strongly recommended for their comfort and safety.
What's the biggest mistake new Saint Bernard owners make with feeding?
Overfeeding and rapid growth. It's tempting to keep that adorable puppy chunk, but excess weight is catastrophic for their developing joints. You must follow a strict, measured diet for large-breed puppies and switch to adult food later than smaller breeds (around 18-24 months) to control growth speed. Free-feeding is a recipe for hip dysplasia and arthritis. Use a slow-feeder bowl to prevent bloat, and consult your vet for precise portion sizes, not the bag's guidelines, which are often too generous.
How do you manage Saint Bernard drool effectively on a daily basis?
Proactive management is key. Keep 'slobber rags' (old hand towels work perfectly) stationed at drool hotspots: by the water bowl, near their food mat, and by common resting spots. Wipe their jowls gently after they drink, eat, or get excited. Invest in a waterproof, washable cover for their favorite couch or bed. Placing their water bowl on a large, easy-to-clean mat saves your floors. It's not about eliminating drool—that's impossible—but about creating a simple, consistent cleanup system that becomes part of your routine.
Is the Saint Bernard's rescue history relevant to modern training methods?
Absolutely, and ignoring it leads to frustration. They were bred for independent decision-making in the Alps, not for blind obedience. This means they can be stubborn and less responsive to repetitive, forceful commands. Modern training succeeds with motivation-based techniques. Use high-value treats, enthusiastic praise, and short, engaging sessions. They aim to please, but only if they see the point. Their intelligence is problem-solving intelligence, so channel it with puzzle toys and tasks rather than endless 'sit-stay' drills.
Bringing a Saint Bernard into your life is one of the most rewarding decisions you can make, but it must be an informed one. They give boundless love and a unique, peaceful presence. In return, they demand your space, your budget, and your commitment to their well-being. Do your homework, find a reputable breeder who prioritizes health, and get ready for a life that will be larger, messier, and more full of heart than you ever imagined.