Working guardian Large size 54-82 kg
Saint Bernard
A gentle, family-loving giant that is calm indoors - its huge size, drool, joint disease and short lifespan are the heavy trade-offs.
Match with your household
See match detail → Quick overview
Large
Size
54-82 kg, 65-90 cm tall
Low
Activity
Placid; moderate daily walks are enough
Moderate
Alone-time tolerance
Bonds closely but tolerates a work day
Moderate
Handling
Willing but needs early training while manageable in size
Moderate
Coat care
Coat sheds and needs regular brushing
Good
Fit with kids
Patient and gentle; supervise around toddlers due to size
Good
Other pets
Generally tolerant of other animals
Heavy
Health burden
Joint disease, bloat, short lifespan
The Saint Bernard typically weighs 54-82 kg, stands 65-90 cm, and lives 8-10 years.
Consider this breed if…
you want a calm, deeply gentle family dog and have the space for one,
drool on walls, clothes, and ceilings genuinely doesn't bother you,
you can afford giant-breed food, medication, and surgery bills,
you accept loving a dog you will likely lose at 8-10 years.
Do not consider this breed if…
you live in a small apartment or up several flights of stairs,
a spotless home matters - the drool and shed hair are constant,
nobody can lift or physically help a 70 kg dog that goes lame,
your climate is hot; Saint Bernards suffer badly in heat.
A typical day with a Saint Bernard
- 7:00 · Morning30-40 min easy walk in the cool of the day
- 9:00 · MidmorningLong nap - a Saint sleeps a lot and sleeps big
- 12:30 · NoonPotty break and a slow amble; nothing strenuous after meals
- 16:00 · AfternoonShort training or brushing session
- 18:30 · EveningSecond walk; happiest when the whole family comes
- 21:00 · NightSprawls across the coolest floor in the house
Family and environment
Kids Good
Famously patient; a friendly lean still flattens a toddler.
Dogs Good
Typically easygoing and tolerant.
Cats Good
Low prey drive; usually peaceful cohabitation.
Apartment Not suited
Sheer size, stairs, drool, and heat make it impractical.
House with a yard Suitable
Shade and indoor access are musts; it wants to be with you.
City Manages
Calm in crowds, but pavement heat and logistics are hard work.
Countryside Ideal
Room to sprawl and cooler air suit it perfectly.
Health data provided by RealVetCost Overall health burden Heavy
Detailed health data - inheritance, prevalence, course, and typical treatment costs - lives in a separate expert database. This is general guidance, not veterinary advice - confirm any decision with your vet.
View the full health profileTop health concerns
Hip dysplasia Common in giant breeds; screen breeding stock
Elbow dysplasia Can cause front-limb lameness
Bloat (GDV) Deep-chested; feed smaller meals, avoid exercise after eating
Dilated cardiomyopathy Heart-muscle disease; screening advised
Similar breeds - by reason
Not visually similar - similar in what they mean for you.
Equally gentle giant that loves water
Newfoundland
A giant, sweet-natured water dog wonderful with children, but the drool, shedding, vet bills, and short lifespan are real trade-offs.
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Slightly smaller Alpine family dog
Bernese Mountain Dog
A gentle, family-loving giant - but a short lifespan and high cancer rate make this one of the heaviest health commitments in dogs.
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Athletic giant with a similar family focus
Leonberger
A calm, affectionate giant that makes a wonderful family companion for homes with space - the trade-off is heavy shedding, drool, and the short lifespan and joint issues of a giant breed.
View profile →Frequently asked questions
How much does a Saint Bernard cost?
Roughly $1,500-$3,000 from a health-testing US breeder. The purchase price is the cheap part: a 54-82 kg dog means giant-breed food bills, weight-based medication dosing, and orthopedic or bloat surgery that can run $3,000-$8,000+ per event. With a heavy health load packed into just 8-10 years, insurance or a serious emergency fund is close to mandatory.
How long do Saint Bernards live?
Typically 8-10 years, which is the hardest truth about the breed. Giant dogs age fast, and joint and heart problems often shape the later years. Keeping the dog lean is the single biggest thing an owner controls to protect both lifespan and mobility.
Do Saint Bernards drool a lot?
Yes, seriously and constantly - after drinking, in the heat, at the sight of food, and onto anything within head-shake radius. Many owners keep drool towels by every door. If this sounds unbearable, believe it now rather than discovering it with a 70 kg dog on the couch.
Are Saint Bernards good apartment dogs?
No. They are calm indoors, which tempts people, but the size, stairs, drool, shedding, and poor heat tolerance make apartment life hard on everyone. They do best in a house with easy ground-floor access, shade, and a family that keeps them close.