St. Bernards 101

Working group

From the hero of the Swiss Alps to the star of several movies, the Saint Bernard is an easily recognizable dog. While the breed is loving and even cuddly with family members, they truly are massive dogs, and they still love the cold. Fans of the breed can be identified by the towels they carry – this is one of the heaviest droolers around.

What we love about St. Bernards

A loving lug of a dog

Energy level

50% energy level

Energy level: 50% (Moderate)

Bark level

  • Very vocal
  • Talkative

Bark level: As needed. This breed only barks when necessary

Size

26 to 30 inches tall
Extra large breed size

Size: 26 to 30 inches tall. This is a X large sized Dog.

Lifespan

8 to 10 years

Lifespan: 8 to 10 years average

Weight

120 to 180 lbs

Weight: 120 to 180 lbs typical range

Energy level
Moderate (50%)
Bark level
As needed
Height
26 to 30 inches
Lifespan
8 to 10 years
Weight
120 to 180 lbs

The Saint Bernard stands 26 to 30 inches tall and weighs 120 to 180 lbs. Saint Bernards have a lifespan of 8 to 10 years. They are known for a moderate (50%) energy level and a as needed bark.

Frequently Asked Questions

How big do Saint Bernards get?
Saint Bernards stand 26 to 30 inches tall and typically weigh between 120 and 180 pounds.
How long do Saint Bernards live?
The average lifespan of a Saint Bernard is 8 to 10 years.
Are Saint Bernards good for first-time dog owners?
Saint Bernards have moderate energy levels and can be suitable for first-time owners who are committed to regular exercise and training.
Do Saint Bernards bark a lot?
Saint Bernards typically only bark when necessary — they are not known to be excessive barkers.

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My pet’s health plannerSM

This Saint Bernard health planner outlines the most common medical conditions at each life stage — from puppy through senior — along with their relative risk levels. Understanding these risks can help owners plan preventive care and choose the right pet insurance coverage.

Mature adult St. Bernard

4 years to 5 years

Risk level for common St. Bernard conditions

Mid-life Saint Bernards should be monitored for both joint and cardiovascular health. Hip dysplasia and Gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV) are at high risk.

70% on risk scale
Hip dysplasia
High Risk
70% on risk scale
Gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV)
High Risk
60% on risk scale
Cruciate ligament tear (knee)
Moderate Risk

Senior St. Bernard

6+ years

Risk level for common St. Bernard conditions

Senior Saint Bernards face increased risk for serious age-related conditions. Gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV) and Hip dysplasia and Arthritis pose very high risk.

80% on risk scale
Gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV)
Very High Risk
80% on risk scale
Hip dysplasia
Very High Risk
80% on risk scale
Arthritis
Very High Risk

St. Bernard puppy

0 to 15 months

Risk level for common St. Bernard conditions

Saint Bernard puppies are most vulnerable during this early stage. Urinary tract infection is at high risk.

70% on risk scale
Urinary tract infection
High Risk
60% on risk scale
Ear infection
Moderate Risk
60% on risk scale
Foreign body ingestion
Moderate Risk

Young adult St. Bernard

16 months to 3 years

Risk level for common St. Bernard conditions

As Saint Bernards grow into young adults, orthopedic and injury risks become more relevant. Gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV) and Hip dysplasia pose very high risk.

80% on risk scale
Gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV)
Very High Risk
80% on risk scale
Hip dysplasia
Very High Risk
40% on risk scale
Seizures
Above Average Risk

Mature adult St. Bernard

4 years to 5 years

Risk level for common St. Bernard conditions

Mid-life Saint Bernards should be monitored for both joint and cardiovascular health. Hip dysplasia and Gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV) are at high risk.

70% on risk scale
Hip dysplasia
High Risk
70% on risk scale
Gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV)
High Risk
60% on risk scale
Cruciate ligament tear (knee)
Moderate Risk

Senior St. Bernard

6+ years

Risk level for common St. Bernard conditions

Senior Saint Bernards face increased risk for serious age-related conditions. Gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV) and Hip dysplasia and Arthritis pose very high risk.

80% on risk scale
Gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV)
Very High Risk
80% on risk scale
Hip dysplasia
Very High Risk
80% on risk scale
Arthritis
Very High Risk

St. Bernard puppy

0 to 15 months

Risk level for common St. Bernard conditions

Saint Bernard puppies are most vulnerable during this early stage. Urinary tract infection is at high risk.

70% on risk scale
Urinary tract infection
High Risk
60% on risk scale
Ear infection
Moderate Risk
60% on risk scale
Foreign body ingestion
Moderate Risk

Young adult St. Bernard

16 months to 3 years

Risk level for common St. Bernard conditions

As Saint Bernards grow into young adults, orthopedic and injury risks become more relevant. Gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV) and Hip dysplasia pose very high risk.

80% on risk scale
Gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV)
Very High Risk
80% on risk scale
Hip dysplasia
Very High Risk
40% on risk scale
Seizures
Above Average Risk
Saint Bernard standing — health planner for puppies through senior dogs

Nationwide can help you save on your Saint Bernard's health care no matter what lifestage they’re in.

Puppy (0 to 15 months)
Urinary tract infection: High Risk, Ear infection: Moderate Risk, Foreign body ingestion: Moderate Risk
Young Adult (16 months to 3 years)
Gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV): Very High Risk, Hip dysplasia: Very High Risk, Seizures: Above Average Risk
Mature Adult (4 years to 5 years)
Hip dysplasia: High Risk, Gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV): High Risk, Cruciate ligament tear (knee): Moderate Risk
Senior (6+ years)
Gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV): Very High Risk, Hip dysplasia: Very High Risk, Arthritis: Very High Risk
Saint Bernard image

Eight "Beethoven" films starring a Saint Bernard gave the breed a burst of popularity in the later part of the last century – even though the dog was presented as amusingly and lovingly out of control.

Saint Bernard coat care and colors

Saint Bernards come in both long- and short-haired coat types, but both types are double-coated, making them heavy seasonal shedders. To minimize shedding, comb and bush down to the skin to get as much loose fur as you can. Because of the breed's massive size, acclimate young dogs to nail trims early with praise and treats.

St. Bernard exercise & training

Exercise level

Exercise level

The Saint Bernard doesn't require a huge amount of exercise, but they do enjoy a good long ramble, especially in the winter.

Trainability

Trainability

As with many breeds developed to make decisions on their own, the Saint Bernard may not be especially interested in your guidance. They are, however, devoted dogs and will be willing to listen if you make it worth their while with praise and treats.

St. Bernard fun facts

Top girl names for St. Bernards

100%

of St. Bernards are female

0%

of St. Bernards are male

Top boy names for St. Bernards

Nationwide loves Saint Bernards of every name, from Aaron to Zog the Destroyer

Explore pet insurance
Saint Bernard gender distribution
GenderPercentage
Male0%
Female100%

Among Saint Bernards insured by Nationwide, 0% are male and 100% are female.

Saint Bernard statistics: Gender ratio is 0% male and 100% female.

Other breeds like St. Bernards

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