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Saint Bernard
Saint Bernard
Origin
Switzerland
Size
Giant Breed
Ideal Space
House with backyard
Ideal Weather
5º-25ºC
Life Expectancy
8-10Â years
Cost of buying
₹ 25,000 - ₹ 50,000
Top 5 Traits
Loyal
Protective
Intelligent
Fearless
Energetic
Avg Monthly Expenses
₹ 5,700 - ₹ 8,550
by Happy Pet TeamUpdated on 8 May 2025
Saint Bernard Origin and Quick Introduction
The Saint Bernard has an amazing backstory. They were trained by monks in the Swiss Alps in the 1600s. Their main job was to search and rescue those buried in avalanches.
Characteristics
Barking
Quiet
Loud
Temperament with Kids
Aggressive
Friendly
Playfulness
Silent
Very Playful
Friendliness
Not Friendly
Super Friendly
Compatibility with other dogs
Aggressive
Friendly
Need for attention
Independent
Very Needy
Monthly Expenses
Saint Bernard Dog Breed Price In India
Cost of buying
₹ 25,000 - ₹ 50,000
If You Want a Saint Bernard for Your Home, You Have Two Basic Options: Buying or Adopting
Prerequisites to pet a Saint Bernard
Access to Groomer
Space and Environment
Financial Capability
Access to Veterinary
Appropriate Climate
Lifestyle Compatibility
Now that you know what it takes to raise a Saint Bernard, are you ready to take the next step to pet one?
Research: Do thorough research about the Saint Bernard breed, including its size, exercise needs, temperament, health concerns, and compatibility with your lifestyle. Ensure a Saint Bernard is the right fit for your home considering their large size and care requirements.
Nutritional Guide for Saint Bernards
Monthly Food Expenses
₹ 3,000 - ₹ 4,500
Calories per day
Puppies:Â 2200 kcal
Adults:Â 2000 kcal
Essential Nutrients
Carbohydrates
Fats
Protein
Minerals
Vitamins
Fibre
List of foods
Chicken
Home made meals
Dry Dog Food
Fresh Meat
Fresh Fish
Fruits
Mutton
Vegetables
An AAFCO-approved diet is the best for a Saint Bernard. Given their large size and moderate energy levels, their food should include high-quality proteins like chicken, beef, or lamb to support muscle health.
Breakdown of Macro-nutrients
Choosing the right Food for Saint Bernard Dogs
- Choose a premium dry food curated for large breeds. Keep in mind that chicken, beef or lamb has to be the primary ingredient.
- Keep in mind that Saint Bernards require high-quality protein-heavy foods to support their muscle mass and overall health.
- Incorporate healthy fats like fish oil to maintain their dense coat and support joint health.
- Add small portions of dog-safe vegetables and fruits as they provide nutrients and antioxidants. Since Saint Bernards are prone to joint issues, look for food that includes glucosamine and chondroitin.
- Opt for kibble to promote dental health and reduce tartar buildup.
Foods that can cause serious damage to Saint Bernards
Avoid anything with these ingredients
Almonds
Alcohol
Dairy
Avocados
Salt
Onions
Mushrooms
Cherries
Cinnamon
Coffee / Tea
Garlic
Grapes
Certain foods with artificial additives like soy, corn, and preservatives can be harmful to Saint Bernards. Don't feed them products with artificial sweeteners, flavors and colors as the breed is prone to obesity. Some of those can also trigger allergies and digestive issues.
Health Guide for Saint Bernards
Avg Monthly Expenses
₹ 1,500 - ₹ 2,250
Common Health Issues
Bloat
Kennel Cough
Hip Dysplasia
Parasites
Heartworm
Well being
Exercise
Bonding
Games
Socialization
Hiking
Energy Level
Medium
Exercise routine
30 - 60 minutes
Recognising Stress
Changes in appetite
Excessive Barking
Pacing
Excessive Panting
Reluctance to move
Increased laziness
Common illness found in Saint Bernard dogs
Some common health issues found in Saint Bernards, recognized by PetMD and breed experts, are:
Vaccination details
Growth Stage
Core Vaccines
6 - 8 weeks
DHLPP, Bordetella
10 - 12 weeks
DHLPP, Bordetella, Rabies
14 - 16 weeks
DHLPP, Bordetella, Rabies
18-20 weeks
DHLPP, Bordetella, Rabies
1 year
DHLPP, Bordetella, Rabies
Senior Saint Bernard’s Care Guide
A Saint Bernard is considered a senior around 7 years of age. Routine veterinary checkups like blood tests and mobility assessments are needed to monitor health issues.
Saint Bernard Grooming Guide
Avg Monthly Expenses
₹ 1,200 - ₹ 1,800
Shedding Level
High Shedding
Hygienic Checklist
Bathing
Brushing
Ear Cleaning
Eye Care
Teeth Care
Nail Trimming
Benefits of Grooming
Cleanliness
Prevents infections
Odourless
Quality of life
Low Shedding
Prevents Bad Breath
- Saint Bernards have a thick, double coat that requires regular brushing 3–4 times a week to minimize shedding and prevent matting. More frequent grooming is needed during shedding seasons, according to the Saint Bernard Club of America.
- Bathing every 6–8 weeks helps keep their coat clean but don’t over-bathe as it can strip natural oils. Use mild, breed-appropriate shampoos to protect their skin.
- Due to their floppy ears, Saint Bernards are prone to ear infections. Regular ear cleaning with a vet-approved solution is a must.
- Nail trimming every 2–3 weeks is essential to maintain proper paw health and prevent discomfort while walking.
- They are often affectionately called drool machines as they drool a lot. Keeping the area around their mouth clean is a must.
Written by
Happy Pet TeamAuthor
Team Happy Pet is a passionate collective of pet experts, enthusiasts, and advocates dedicated to sharing trusted and insightful content.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the place of origin of the Saint Bernard breed?
The Saint Bernard breed originates in the Swiss Alps, where they were historically utilized as rescue dogs to find stranded tourists in the snow.
How do I deal with their drooling?
Due to their jowly nature, Saint Bernards are infamous for drooling. Drool can be controlled by keeping a towel nearby and regularly cleaning their mouth. Make sure they have access to clean water in order to stay hydrated.
Can Saint Bernards be left alone for extended periods of time?
Saint Bernards rely on interaction with humans and might develop separation anxiety when left alone for extended periods of time. Avoid leaving them alone for long periods of time, and provide interactive toys to keep their minds engaged.
