Cost of Owning a Saint Bernard
Saint Bernards are gentle, patient, and famously drool-prone gentle giants. Their enormous size means feeding, medication, and equipment costs are among the highest of any breed. Here is the complete breakdown.
Estimated First Year Cost
$5,520–$10,850
Monthly Ongoing Cost
$335–$615
Purchase Price
$1,500-$4,000
About the purchase price: AKC-registered from health-tested parents (hips, elbows, eyes, heart, thyroid). Both rough (long) and smooth coat varieties exist.
Monthly Costs
| Category | Low Est. | High Est. | |
|---|---|---|---|
Food Massive breed - 8-14 cups of quality large/giant breed kibble daily. Buy 40-50 lb bags in bulk. | $150 | $250 | |
Vet Routine Annual exam and preventive care. Orthopedic and cardiac monitoring important | $50 | $80 | |
Grooming Smooth coat: easier. Rough coat: brush 2-3x/week, professional grooming every 8-10 weeks ($80-$130) | $30 | $80 | |
Drool Management Supplies Drool rags, floor cleaning supplies, and bandanas are a real ongoing cost for Saint owners | $15 | $30 | |
Pet Insurance Essential - bloat, hip dysplasia, dilated cardiomyopathy, and eye conditions are significant risks | $90 | $175 | |
| Monthly Total | $335 | $615 | |
One-Time Setup Costs
| Item | Low Est. | High Est. |
|---|---|---|
| Crate (XXL) | $150 | $300 |
| Extra-Large Orthopedic Dog Bed | $100 | $250 |
| Extra-Large Collar, Harness & Leash | $50 | $120 |
| Spay / Neuter | $350 | $700 |
| Prophylactic Gastropexy (strongly recommended) | $400 | $1,200 |
| Puppy & Obedience Classes (essential for giant breeds) | $250 | $500 |
| Initial Vet Visit & Vaccines | $200 | $400 |
| One-Time Total | $1,500 | $3,470 |
Average Lifespan: 8-10 years
Based on typical monthly costs and lifespan, expect to spend:
$28,000-$60,000
over the lifetime of your Saint Bernard
* Estimate includes food, routine vet care, grooming, insurance, and supplies. Does not include purchase price or major health events.
Save on vet bills with pet insurance
Unexpected vet bills are the biggest wildcard in Saint Bernard ownership. Pet insurance can cap your out-of-pocket costs and give you peace of mind.
Get Insurance Quotes →Tips to Reduce Your Saint Bernard Costs
✓Buy pet insurance as a puppy — premiums are lower and no pre-existing conditions are excluded.
✓Buy food in bulk or subscribe-and-save — save 10–20% on your biggest monthly expense.
✓Learn basic grooming at home — even one home trim per quarter between professional visits saves money.
✓Stay current on preventive care — annual vaccines and parasite prevention prevent far more expensive conditions.
✓Consider adopting an adult dog — adoption fees ($100–$400) are far lower than breeder prices.
✓Set up a dedicated pet health savings account — $50–$100/month builds a buffer for unexpected bills.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Saint Bernard eat per month?
A fully grown Saint Bernard eats 8-14 cups of food per day. A 50-lb bag of quality large-breed kibble ($80-$120) typically lasts 2-3 weeks. Monthly food costs range from $150-$250. Buying in bulk from warehouse stores can save significantly.
Are Saint Bernards expensive to own?
Yes - Saint Bernards are among the most expensive dog breeds to own on a monthly basis. Food alone costs $150-$250/month, insurance runs $90-$175/month, and their large size means every medication, procedure, and supply costs more. Budget $400-$700 per month, more in health-challenged years.
What are the main health problems in Saint Bernards?
Saint Bernards are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia ($3,500-$7,000/joint for surgery), bloat/GDV ($3,000-$7,000 emergency), dilated cardiomyopathy, entropion (eye condition), and various orthopedic issues related to their extreme size and rapid growth. Prophylactic gastropexy is strongly recommended.
Do Saint Bernards really drool that much?
Yes - Saint Bernards are one of the heaviest-drooling breeds in the world. Drool strings, flying drool during head-shaking, and drool-coated walls are a reality of Saint Bernard ownership. Many owners keep "drool rags" (damp towels) strategically placed around the home. This is simply a lifestyle consideration, not a medical issue.
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