Saint Bernard
Giant dog (over 45 kg), typically living 8–10 years.
Typical adult weight
Males: 64–82 kg
Females: 54–64 kg
Individual pets vary. Body condition matters more than the number on the scales.
At a glance
Typical lifespan
Median lifespan for a Saint Bernard is around 9.3 years, based on a 2024 UK study of over half a million dogs. Try our dog lifespan calculator for a figure adjusted to your own dog.
Life with a Saint Bernard
The Saint Bernard does well with a modest, regular walking routine. As a giant dog (over 45 kg as an adult), it is reasonably easy to train with positive, reward-based methods, which matters most in the first year while good habits are being formed. It also is fairly quiet, with occasional barking.
Coat care is a big part of day-to-day life with this breed: its coat needs frequent brushing, and many owners also book professional grooming, and it is a heavy shedder all year round, especially during seasonal coat blows. Around the home, the Saint Bernard is usually good with children and tends to be patient and tolerant and usually settles in fine alongside other pets with proper introductions, though every individual dog is different and early, positive socialisation makes a real difference.
Weather is worth planning for too – this breed copes very poorly with warm weather and needs extra care in summer. Whatever your plans for exercise, feeding or budgeting, the tools below are pre-loaded with typical figures for the Saint Bernard so you can get a quick, personalised estimate.
Puppy growth chart
Estimated weight by age, based on an adult weight of around 66 kg (the midpoint of typical males and females) and a standard giant-breed growth curve. Real puppies vary by ±15% or more.
| Age | % of adult weight | Expected weight |
|---|---|---|
| 12 weeks | 25% | 16.5 kg |
| 16 weeks | 33% | 21.8 kg |
| 26 weeks | 50% | 33 kg |
| 39 weeks | 70% | 46.2 kg |
| 52 weeks | 80% | 52.8 kg |
| 78 weeks | 95% | 62.7 kg |
| 104 weeks | 100% | 66 kg |
Feeding guide by weight
Rough daily amounts for a neutered adult Saint Bernard of average activity, using the standard 70 × weight0.75 formula and a typical dry food energy density of 3600 kcal/kg. Always check the exact figure on your own food's packaging.
| Body weight | Daily calories | Roughly dry food |
|---|---|---|
| 54 kg | 2231 kcal | 620 g |
| 66 kg | 2593 kcal | 720 g |
| 82 kg | 3052 kcal | 848 g |
For a figure tailored to your dog's age, activity and neuter status, use the dog food calculator.
Daily exercise needs
As a hound-type dog, the Saint Bernard typically needs about 60–90 minutes of exercise a day, split across one or two walks plus some off-lead time or play where possible.
Puppies, seniors and dogs recovering from illness need much less – see how much exercise does my dog need for a plan by age and health.
Estimated UK costs
Ongoing costs (food, insurance, routine vet care, flea/worm treatment, grooming and extras) for a Saint Bernard typically run to around £277–£375 a month, or roughly £41,550–£56,250 over an average 12.5-year lifetime, not including one-off costs like purchase price, neutering or equipment.
Insurers price on breed. Flat-faced breeds (breathing and eye surgery) and large or giant breeds (joint surgery) usually cost more to insure and to treat.
These figures are UK averages and will vary by region and lifestyle. See our cost-of-ownership guide for a full breakdown you can adjust yourself.
Health conditions to be aware of
Like all breeds, the Saint Bernard has its own set of conditions vets keep an eye out for. Knowing about them ahead of time means you can ask the right questions, consider health screening, and choose insurance cover that suits.
- Hip dysplasia
- Bloat
- Entropion
A breed being prone to a condition does not mean your pet will get it. Ask your vet about screening and insurance.
Calculators for your Saint Bernard
Guides to read next
Estimates only – not a substitute for advice from your vet.
Last reviewed: 22 September 2026