St. Bernard dog breed photo
Dog BreedPurebredWorking Dogs

St. Bernard

5.0 (9 reviews)Italy#48
Written by
Fact-checked based on scientific data
5 min read

Key Takeaways

  • Giant breed belonging to the Working Dogs group, known for typical breed characteristics.
  • Low-energy breed that adapts well to apartment living and relaxed lifestyles.
  • Can be stubborn; best suited for experienced owners with patience and consistent training.
  • Heavy shedder that requires frequent grooming and regular coat maintenance.

Quick Facts

Group

Working Dogs

Size

Giant

Life Span

8-10 years

Popularity

#48

Puppy Price

$1500-$1800

Energy Level

Low

Shedding Level

Frequent

Trainability

Stubborn

Common Names & Aliases

Alpine MastiffBernhardinerSt. BarnhardshundSt. BernardSaint
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⚖️St. Bernard Pros & Cons

Advantages

  • Lifestyle Adaptability:Highly adaptable to different environments

  • Child Compatibility:Excellent with children, patient and gentle

  • Dog Friendly:Exceptionally social, thrives in multi-dog homes

  • Activity Requirement / Exercise Need:Low exercise requirements, easy to satisfy

  • Affection Level:Exceptionally devoted and affectionate

Disadvantages

  • Allergy Friendliness:Not hypoallergenic, may trigger allergies

  • Shedding Level:Heavy shedding requires frequent grooming

  • Training Difficulty:Challenging to train, requires patience

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Price and Availability

Price Range

$1500-$1800

If you choose to purchase the St. Bernard, you should know that the mentioned amount of money is an average of the collected data from breeders' sites and puppy finder places. If you have a St. Bernard for sale, please advertise it on a reliable website to make sure the St. Bernard gets to a happy place.

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Availability

5/5

Availability

Very frequent: The St. Bernard is quite easy to get. There is a risk of overbreeding, as it is an extremely popular breed.

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History

The history of the St. Bernard can be traced back to the 11th century, high up in the Western Alps of the canton of Valais (Switzerland). This territory was mostly uninhabited due to the rough climate conditions but there lies an important merchant route; the Great St.Bernant Pass.

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Recognition

Classifications

AKC Classification
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885 as a Working breed.
FCI Classification
Not recognized by FCI.

This breed is recognized by the following organizations:

American Kennel Club
Fédération Cynologique Internationale
American Canine Registry
America's Pet Registry
Australian National Kennel Council
Canadian Kennel Club
Continental Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Kennel Club of Great Britain
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
North American Purebred Registry
United Kennel Club
American Canine Association
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Frequently Asked Questions

The St. Bernard is not hypoallergenic, so it may trigger reactions in sensitive individuals.

The St. Bernard needs moderate grooming with regular brushing and occasional professional care.

The St. Bernard sheds heavily year-round and requires frequent grooming to manage loose hair.

The St. Bernard is excellent with children, patient and gentle, making it a perfect family companion.

The St. Bernard is exceptionally social with all dogs and thrives in multi-dog environments.

The St. Bernard requires minimal exercise, content with short walks around the block.

calm and relaxed, requiring only short walks and minimal exercise, making the St. Bernard ideal for apartment living.

The St. Bernard is independent-minded and requires experienced handling with firm, consistent training from an early age.

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St. Bernard Comments, Reviews and Questions

S. Lekwa

2023-04-18

This article is the only place I've seen it said, Saints are of low to average intelligence. THIS is INCORRECT!! Saints are above average intelligence!!

luka videos

2023-03-10

GENTLE GIANT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!EVERYONE EMBRACE THE GENTLE GIANT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Stephanie Kay Lane

2023-03-06

St Bernards are the best! I rescued a 3 yr old from a farm situation where he was tied up for a couple years and not let off the chain. this dog was pretty scared at first but has come around!

De"Andrew Jones

2022-06-28

I love saint Bernard's like omg bro i would kill for one of them

John

2022-04-15

I've had 3 Saints and I think they are the greatest dogs

St Bernard

2021-01-13

Too big? More of them to love!

Someone

2020-11-23

No comment provided.

Shaun

2020-11-02

Our very first dog is our beautiful lovely docile friendly cute playful mush Saint. Blessed to have him with us and the description given is accurate.

Kiasar

2020-01-24

No comment provided.

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