Saint Bernard characteristics
| Trait | Rating | How common |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Giant | 6% of breeds |
| Energy level | Low | — |
| Trainability | Medium | 48% of breeds |
| Friendliness | Very High | 22% of breeds |
| Good with children | Very High | — |
| Grooming needs | High | 20% of breeds |
| Shedding | Very High | 12% of breeds |
| Barking | Low | 32% of breeds |
| Protectiveness | Medium | 38% of breeds |
| Adaptability | Low | 17% of breeds |
| Typical lifespan | 8 years | — |
| Hypoallergenic | No | — |
“How common” is the share of the 321 breeds we score that sit in the same band. Ratings describe the breed, not any individual dog.
Is the Saint Bernard right for you?
The Saint Bernard is a giant breed that requires real space: bigger rooms, a bigger car and a bigger food budget. In terms of temperament, it is renowned for its patience and gentleness with children and announces visitors but stops short of guarding. Day to day, the Saint Bernard needs light but regular activity to stay content, which is the single biggest factor in whether it will suit your routine.
Exercise and daily routine
The Saint Bernard needs light but regular activity to stay content. With low energy and low athleticism, a consistent daily routine keeps this breed physically and mentally satisfied. Skipping exercise is the most common cause of problem behaviour, so match the Saint Bernard to a lifestyle you can realistically maintain.
Grooming, shedding and upkeep
The Saint Bernard requires frequent brushing and regular professional trims and sheds heavily year-round and needs frequent vacuuming to keep up. It is not considered hypoallergenic, so allergy sufferers should spend time around the breed first. Be aware this is also a breed that drools noticeably.
Temperament and training
The Saint Bernard picks things up at a fair pace with steady practice and is generally quiet, barking only occasionally. It prefers not to be left and handles short absences only, so plan for company or gradual alone-time training if you work away from home. Early socialization and positive, reward-based training bring out the best in this breed.
What stands out about the Saint Bernard
Most breed descriptions call everything “loyal and intelligent”. These are the ratings where the Saint Bernard genuinely differs from the rest of the catalogue — the things worth knowing before you commit.
- Drooling: Very high — the Saint Bernard drools more than almost any breed we score — expect cloth on hand and marks on your walls. Only 3% of breeds we score share this rating.
- Prey drive: Very low — the Saint Bernard has unusually little prey drive. Only 3% of breeds we score share this rating.
- Size: Giant — the Saint Bernard is a giant breed, which changes the car, the vet bill and the space a dog needs. Only 6% of breeds we score share this rating.
- Athleticism: Low — the Saint Bernard is less athletic than most breeds. Only 10% of breeds we score share this rating.
What a week with a Saint Bernard actually costs you
| Exercise | Short daily walks are enough; it will not push you for more. |
|---|---|
| Coat | Brushing several times a week, with professional grooming at intervals. |
| Time alone | Wants company. Long days alone are where the problems start. |
| Noise | Quieter than most breeds. |
Where the Saint Bernard fits — and where it does not
Each verdict below comes from the ratings in the table above, so you can check the reasoning rather than take it on trust.
| Household | Verdict | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Apartment living | Depends | Size alone rules out small flats, though the temperament can suit one. |
| Families with young children | Good fit | Very high child tolerance, and sociable with people generally. |
| First-time owners | Good fit | Medium trainability without an unusually strong will makes the learning curve forgiving. |
| Homes with cats | Good fit | Very low prey drive makes cohabitation straightforward in most cases. |
| Long working days | Depends | Low independence — this breed wants company and shows it when it does not get any. |
| Allergy households | Poor fit | Very high shedding and no low-allergen coat recorded. |
Guides the Saint Bernard is ranked in
The Saint Bernard earns a place on 6 of our lifestyle shortlists:
Perfect for
- Experienced giant breed owners
- Cold climates
- Gentle families
- Large properties
Things to consider
- Extreme drooling
- Heavy shedding
- Short lifespan
Not sure which breed is right for you?
Take the free DoggyQ quiz and get a personalized match from 321 breeds based on your lifestyle, home and preferences — plus a full report on what living with that breed actually costs.
Find your perfect matchFrequently asked questions
- Is the Saint Bernard good with children?
- Yes — the Saint Bernard is known for being very good with children and makes an excellent family dog.
- Does the Saint Bernard shed a lot?
- The Saint Bernard has very high shedding.
- How much exercise does the Saint Bernard need?
- With low energy, the Saint Bernard needs relatively little exercise — short daily walks are usually enough.
- How long does the Saint Bernard live?
- The Saint Bernard typically lives around 8 years.
- Can the Saint Bernard live in an apartment?
- The Saint Bernard is a larger breed and does better in a home with more space, though it can adapt with enough daily exercise.
- Is the Saint Bernard easy to train?
- The Saint Bernard picks things up at a fair pace with steady practice. Consistency, early socialization and reward-based methods work best.
- Can the Saint Bernard be left alone during the day?
- The Saint Bernard prefers not to be left and handles short absences only. Build up alone time gradually and provide enrichment to prevent boredom.