| Height | 28-30 inches (males), 26-28 inches (female) [1] |
|---|---|
| Weight | 140-180 pounds (male), 120-140 pounds (female) [1] |
| Life expectancy | 8–10+ years [1] |
| Temperament | Playful / Charming / Inquisitive [1] |
| AKC group | Working Group [1] |
| Origin | Switzerland [1] |
| AKC popularity (2025) | No. 63 of 202 [2] |
Traits at a glance
Scores are the AKC's 1–5 breed trait ratings. [1]
Exercise needs
Despite being a large and powerful breed, the St. Bernard only requires a moderate amount of exercise. One long walk or half-hour play session per day should be enough to keep him healthy and happy. [1]
Grooming
Saint Bernards come in long-haired and short-haired varieties, but both types of coats require the same care. Weekly brushing will help to remove dirt and loose hair and keep the dog looking his best. Any tangles can be worked out with a slicker brush or metal comb. [1]
Health issues to budget for
Large and deep-chested breeds can develop bloat, a sudden, life-threatening stomach condition. Saint Bernard owners should learn what signs to look out for, and what actions to take should they occur. Other conditions sometimes seen in the breed include hip dysplasia and eye disease. A Saint can handle hot weather as long as he has a cool place to rest and lots of water, but going from air conditioning to high heat can cause serious distress. [1]
AKC-recommended health tests for breeding dogs: Hip Evaluation, Elbow Evaluation, Cardiac Exam, Ophthalmologist Evaluation, Degenerative Myelopathy (Common Variant) (DM) - DNA Test. [1]
Estimated costs
| Item | Estimate | Src |
|---|---|---|
| Typical vet bill for a giant dog (median $607) | $350 – $1,373 | [3] |
| Yearly cost of a dog, any breed (ASPCA 2021) | $1,391 | [4] |
| Average accident & illness insurance, dog (US 2025) | $836/year | [5] |
Breed-specific price data is rare. These figures are for dogs of this size or for the conditions above, not a quote for your pet.
Did you know?
- The AKC first recognized the Saint Bernard in 1885. [1]
- It ranked No. 63 on the AKC's 2025 most-popular list, compared with No. 50 in 2015. [2]
- Its nickname is the “Saint, Hospice Dog.” [1]
- The AKC lists Switzerland as the breed's country of origin. [1]
- The AKC breed page lists 5 recommended health screenings for breeding dogs, such as Hip Evaluation, Elbow Evaluation. [1]
Good fit for
- ✅ Families with young children (AKC good-with-kids rating 5/5)
- ⚠️ Think twice: Neat freaks: AKC rates drooling 5/5
Common questions
How long do Saint Bernards live?
The AKC lists a life expectancy of 8-10 years.
How big does a Saint Bernard get?
AKC breed information lists height 28-30 inches (males), 26-28 inches (female) and weight 140-180 pounds (male), 120-140 pounds (female).
How much are vet bills for a Saint Bernard?
Breed-specific bills are rare, so VetReceipt groups dogs by size. For giant dogs like the Saint Bernard, a typical vet bill runs $350 – $1,373 (median $607). The AKC notes health screening for this breed; see the cost guides linked on this page.