The Complete Saint bernard Guide

You didn’t land on the Saint bernard by accident. This is a breed people seek out, and for good reason. The Alpine rescue giant, patient and devoted, and a gentle giant who drools generously, they’re a natural fit for experienced large-dog owners with space and budget who want the most patient and gentle of the giant breeds who want a massive, patient, and deeply gentle giant who brings warmth and calm to any household prepared for their scale. Let’s dig in.

What are the characteristics of a Saint bernard?

Think you know what you’re getting into with a Saint bernard? These scores will either confirm your suspicions or give you something to think about. Either way, good to know now.

Training

Trait	Score	What does it mean?
Trainability	3 out of 5	Intelligent and trainable. Their size makes early training essential, as with all giants
Obedience	3 out of 5	Responds well to consistent, gentle direction. They want to please
Focus	3 out of 5	Generally attentive when engaged in training
Stubbornness	2 out of 5	Not particularly stubborn. Their gentle nature makes them cooperative

Friendliness

Trait	Score	What does it mean?
Good with family	5 out of 5	Devoted to their family. Their warmth is enormous in every sense
Good with children	5 out of 5	One of the most patient and gentle breeds with children
Good with strangers	4 out of 5	Friendly and calm with strangers
Good with other dogs	4 out of 5	Good with other dogs

Adaptability

Trait	Score	What does it mean?
Apartment living	1 out of 5	Not suited to apartment living
Cold weather	5 out of 5	Their thick coat handles Alpine cold extraordinarily well
Hot weather	1 out of 5	Their dense coat makes them very heat-sensitive. They must be kept cool
Routine flexibility	2 out of 5	Needs a cool, spacious environment
First time owner	2 out of 5	Better for owners with large-dog experience

Physical needs

Trait	Score	What does it mean?
Energy level	2 out of 5	Low to moderate energy for their size
Endurance	2 out of 5	Not built for sustained athletic effort
Exercise needs	2 out of 5	Needs 20 to 30 minutes of moderate daily exercise
Mental stimulation	3 out of 5	Intelligent and can learn well when motivated
Grooming needs	4 out of 5	Their long or short coat sheds heavily and requires significant maintenance

Personality

Trait	Score	What does it mean?
Playfulness	3 out of 5	Playful in a slow, gentle way
Affection	5 out of 5	One of the warmest, most affectionate giant breeds
Loyalty	4 out of 5	Devoted and loyal
Independence	3 out of 5	Self-sufficient. Can handle alone time reasonably
Alertness	3 out of 5	Alert and calm. Their presence is naturally reassuring

Behavior

Trait	Score	What does it mean?
Barking tendency	2 out of 5	Not prone to barking
Digging tendency	1 out of 5	Not prone to digging
Chewing tendency	2 out of 5	Low chewing in adults
Prey drive	2 out of 5	Low prey drive
Guarding instincts	3 out of 5	Their size acts as a natural deterrent

What are common health issues of a Saint bernard?

Like all breeds, Saint bernards are prone to certain health conditions. Here’s what to keep on your radar.

What are the recommended health tests for Saint bernards? 

Your Saint bernard can’t tell you when something’s off. That’s what these tests are for. Here’s what vets typically recommend for them.

• OFA hip and elbow evaluation
• Cardiac evaluation by a board-certified cardiologist
• CAER ophthalmologist eye exam
• OFA thyroid evaluation

Do Saint bernards need pet insurance?

We’ll let the numbers do the talking, but spoiler: a lot of Saint bernard owners are really glad they had coverage.

Those numbers aren’t hypotheticals. They’re real claims from real Saint bernard owners in 2025.

The right pet insurance means you’re making decisions based on what your dog needs, not what you can afford.

With Lemonade, you can build a plan around your Saint Bernard specifically. Start with accident and illness coverage as your base, then add on what makes sense for your dog, things like physical therapy, dental illness, or behavioral treatment, and skip what doesn’t. Coverage applies to conditions that aren’t pre-existing (AKA, a condition that occurs after your policy is active and your waiting periods have passed), and you’ll know exactly what’s included before you commit. No fine print ambushes, no surprises at claim time.

And when you do need to file? You can do it in the app in minutes. No paperwork, no hold music, no waiting around.

Saint bernards are worth protecting with proper coverage. Here’s how to do it right.

How much does pet insurance cost?

The cost of your premium is personal. It depends on your Saint Bernards age, your location, and what you add to your plan. That said, here’s a realistic look at what other Saint bernard owners pay with Lemonade:

Age	Average monthly premium
1 year old	$90-$95
2 years old	$80-$85
3 years old	$80-$85
4 years old	$105-$110
5 years old	$110-$115
6 years old	$110-$115
7 years old	$135-$140

Not sure if Lemonade is the right fit for your Saint Bernard?

See how we stack up. Compare pet insurance options side by side and find the coverage that fits your Saint bernard and your budget.

History of the Saint bernard

The Saint Bernard was developed in the Swiss Alps at the Great Saint Bernard Hospice, a monastery and travelers' refuge established in the 11th century on the treacherous mountain pass between Switzerland and Italy. The monks bred large, thick-coated dogs from mastiff-type ancestors for mountain rescue work beginning in the 17th century. Saint Bernards were trained to locate travelers buried in avalanches by scent, dig them out, and lie on them to share body heat while other dogs went for help. The most famous Saint Bernard, Barry, is credited with saving over 40 lives in the early 19th century. Barry's preserved body is on display in Bern, Switzerland. The Saint Bernard was brought to England in the early 19th century and to the United States shortly after. The AKC recognized the Saint Bernard in 1885. The iconic image of Saint Bernards carrying brandy barrels around their necks is a popular myth rather than historical practice.

Caring for a Saint bernard

Training

Training a Saint bernard is straightforward, but it’s worth the effort. They are gentle, willing to please, and moderately food motivated, which means training is usually smooth when sessions are kept calm and positive, though their size demands early work. Positive reinforcement with treats and calm, consistent expectations, starting socialization and obedience early tends to work best, and getting started early makes a real difference.

Whether you’re starting from scratch or leveling up, these are worth the read.

Grooming

Saint bernards have a short or long dense double coat that requires moderate grooming. Brush 2 to 3 times per week, increasing to daily during seasonal shedding, and the occasional bath keeps them looking their best. Long-coated varieties benefit from professional grooming every 8 to 10 weeks to manage the dense coat.

From nail trims to professional care, here’s everything you need to keep your Saint Bernard looking (and feeling) their best.

Exercise and mental stimulation

Saint bernards have moderate energy levels and need 45 to 60 minutes of exercise each day to stay happy and healthy. Leisurely hikes, gentle fetch, and short outdoor walks are all great ways to burn through that energy. But physical exercise is only half the picture. Saint bernards are moderately intelligent dogs, and mental stimulation is just as important as the miles you put in. Without it, they become restless and prone to destructive behavior given their considerable size. Puzzle toys, training sessions, and scent work are all solid ways to keep their brain engaged between walks.

Here’s how to build an exercise routine your Saint bernard will actually love.

Nutrition

Saint bernards are giant dogs with moderate energy, so they need a diet to match. Most adults do well on around 2,000 to 2,600 calories a day, spread across two meals. Depending on what you’re feeding them, expect to spend around $85 to $125 a month on food. Not the cheapest line item, but not the most expensive either.

What goes in the bowl is your call, and your vet’s. Kibble, raw, fresh, or a combination: there’s no single right answer. Focus on quality ingredients, the right portions for your dog’s age and activity level, and you’re most of the way there.

Get the full picture on feeding a Saint bernard here.

Saint bernard costs and adoption

What does it cost to bring home a Saint bernard?

Before your Saint bernard even sets a paw in your home, there are some one-time costs worth planning for. Here’s what to expect upfront.

Category	Cost Range	Details
Adoption (Reputable breeder)	$1,000-$$3,500	Health testing, vaccinations, early socialization, pedigree
Adoption (Rescue/shelter)	$50-$300	Basic veterinary care, spay/neuter, temperament evaluation
Initial veterinary care	$300-$700	Exam, vaccinations, spay/neuter if needed, microchip
Essential supplies	$200-$500	Crate, bed, leash, collar, food bowls, toys
Training classes	$150-$300	Basic obedience, puppy socialization

Unexpected costs have a way of showing up in year one more than any other. A starter emergency fund alongside a solid pet insurance plan is the best way to make sure they don’t catch you off guard.

What does it cost to own a Saint bernard each year?

Once you’re past year one, ownership costs settle into a more predictable rhythm. Here’s what most Saint bernard owners spend annually, though keep in mind these numbers can vary quite a bit depending on where you live, your dog’s individual health needs, and the choices you make along the way.

Category	Annual cost	Details
Food and treats	$1,100-$2,000	Based on the recommended portion for your Saint bernard
Routine Veterinary Care	$500-$1,000	Wellness exams, vaccinations, dental care
Professional Grooming	$200-$400	Every Every 6 to 8 weeks, Heavy double coat requires significant professional grooming; drool management is a daily lifestyle reality.
Toys and Supplies	$200-$400	Replacement items, mental stimulation toys

What are popular Saint bernard names?

We’ve crunched the numbers, and found the top 10 most popular names for Saint bernard we see at Lemonade.

More names where those came from. If none of these are clicking, we’ve done the digging for you. Go find the one that sticks.

Saint bernard puppies

Puppy veterinary needs

The first year matters a lot. What happens between 8 weeks and 12 months shapes who this dog becomes. Here’s what to focus on.

The first few months are the most important window for your puppy’s health. Core vaccines start at 6–8 weeks and continue through 16 weeks. After that, its annual boosters and routine screening as they grow into adults.

It’s a lot to keep track of. That’s why we made it easy.

Puppy socialization

Saint bernard puppies are patient, gentle, and warm in a way that makes their enormous size feel like a feature rather than a challenge. That a calm, steady presence and devotion that is unlike almost any other breed is part of what makes them space, giant-breed budget, early training, heat avoidance, bloat awareness, and a genuine love for drool, and it’s also why early socialization matters so much.

Between 8 and 16 weeks, get them in front of as much variety as possible. Different people, animals, sounds, surfaces, and locations. Keep every experience positive. Puppy classes are great for this: supervised, controlled, and full of exactly the kind of novelty a Saint bernard brain needs to learn that the world is mostly fine.

Where are Saint bernard’s most popular in the United States?

Based on Lemonade’s own policyholder data, Saint bernards are most popular in these five states. We’ve also thrown in a few things local pet owners should keep an eye on, so your pup can get out there and explore safely.

1. Texas

Texas heat is intense and sets in early. Hot pavement can burn paws from late spring through early fall, and heatstroke risk is high during midday walks in cities like Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio. Rattlesnakes, scorpions, and fire ants are also common hazards, particularly in suburban and rural areas.

2. Washington

Western Washington's wet, mild climate creates near-perfect conditions for fleas year-round, and slugs in the Pacific Northwest can carry lungworm, a parasite dogs can pick up by sniffing or eating them. Eastern Washington and the Cascades bring different risks, including rattlesnakes and wildlife encounters on trails, so knowing which side of the mountains you're on matters.

3. Colorado

Colorado's trails bring their own set of risks. Ticks are common from spring through early summer, and wildlife like coyotes and mountain lions are active across the Front Range and foothills. The rugged terrain is also hard on joints and paws, so keep an eye out after longer hikes.

4. Illinois

Chicago winters bring salted sidewalks that can irritate and crack paw pads, so wiping down your dog's paws after walks is a good habit from November through March. In warmer months, ticks become active in wooded and grassy areas, and the occasional coyote sighting in suburban neighborhoods is worth keeping in mind.

5. New Jersey

New Jersey consistently ranks among the top states for Lyme disease cases, so tick prevention is critical for any dog spending time outside, even in suburban backyards. Proximity to the Jersey Shore also means dogs can encounter jellyfish washed ashore, and saltwater ingestion during beach trips can cause stomach issues.

Breed comparison

Already leaning toward a Saint bernard? These breeds often get compared, here’s a quick snapshot of how they stack up.

Is a Saint bernard right for you?

Saint bernards reward the right owner with a patience and gentleness that makes them one of the safest giants with children and a warm, calm presence that makes every space feel more settled. They just need space, a cool living environment, early training, regular grooming, and preparation for significant drool in return. If you’re ready for that, you’re ready for a Saint bernard. Make sure they’re protected from day one.

A few quick words, because we <3 our lawyers: This post is general in nature, and any statement in it doesn’t alter the terms, conditions, exclusions, or limitations of the policies issued, which differ according to your state of residence. You’re encouraged to discuss your specific circumstances with your own professional advisors. The purpose of this post is merely to provide you with info and insights you can use to make such discussions more productive! Naturally, all comments by, or references to, third parties represent their own views, and Lemonade assumes no responsibility for them. Coverage may not be available in all states. Please note that statements about coverages, policy management, claims processes, Giveback, and customer support apply to policies underwritten by Lemonade Insurance Company or Metromile Insurance Company, a Lemonade company, sold by Lemonade Insurance Agency, LLC. The statements do not apply to policies underwritten by other carriers.

Insurance claim data is based on Lemonade pet insurance claims that were settled and paid in 2025.
Average insurance premium data is based on Lemonade’s internal data and reflects the average premium over the last 12 complete months, accurate as of June 2026.
Top pet names are sourced from Lemonade’s database of pet names associated with submitted quotes and purchased policies.
Top states for each breed are based on the number of active Lemonade pet insurance policies for that breed in each state as of June 2026.