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The Saint Bernard is a dog that comes in a large size, known for their gentle nature, calm demeanor, and loving personality, which make it a great fit for any family. In general, Saint puppies can range in price anywhere from $1,500 to $3,500 but in some cases, they can cost even more. These values will depend on a wide range of factors such as lineage, age, and the breeder’s reputation — here, we answer, “How much are St. Bernard puppies?”
What is the Saint Bernard?
Apart from its massive size, the Saint Bernard breed is also known as one of the most popular dog breeds in the world, beloved for their gentle and amiable nature. These friendly dogs are among the most adorable and well-behaved dogs around; their good-natured temperament can make them great family pets. Because they can become so huge, Saint Bernards will often come with high costs, not just for their initial purchase, but for their needs, vet care, and living expenses too.
History of the St. Bernard
In 1050, a monk known as Bernard of Menthon built a hospice within the Swiss Alps to serve as a respite for pilgrims traveling to Rome. The road taken by these pilgrims soon came to be known as the Great St. Bernard Pass, which was 8,000 feet above sea level, making it highly perilous. Over the years, monks in this hospice developed powerful dogs to carry out rescue work for lost travelers.
The Saint Bernard dog came from these brave dogs, are were intentionally bred to be huge so they can withstand the harsh conditions of these mountains and navigate through the deep snow. Since then, the St. Bernard breed has been used in thousands of rescue operations and has helped many travelers through their journeys. They were first introduced in the United States during the late 1800s and in 1885, they were recognized as their own breed by the American Kennel Club.
St. Bernard Appearance
According to many dog lovers, the Saint Bernard is often described as “extraordinarily muscular,” “very powerful,” “massive,” and “imposing.” Males will often stand at least 27.5 inches by the shoulders, while females are smaller and built more delicate. Their heads will feature a short muzzle, dark eyes, and wrinkled brows, giving them a friendly yet intelligent expression that’s welcoming to stranded travelers.
These big dogs come with a particular coat type which is thick and dense; it will either have a rough or smooth coat. Their coat color comes in red, white, and brindle, and all three will usually be present in these dogs.
St. Bernard Temperament
These large dogs are known for their loving and friendly nature; they’re great with kids and will get along with other pets while staying extremely loyal to their fur parents. Because of their intelligence, they’re very easy to train but their size means that they will need lots of exercise and plenty of space to move around in. However, these calm dogs shouldn’t be left alone for long periods of time since they may develop separation anxiety.
Fortunately, when given the proper attention and care, St. Bernard pups can become wonderful companions for many years to come. These dogs are also protective and watchful, while many pet parents also describe them to be loyal and playful, which means they’ll be great with both seniors and kids. Overall, these dogs can be a good addition to families looking for a loving, loyal, and friendly pet.
St. Bernard Care
Unfortunately, owning a St. Bernard puppy won’t come cheap and their ongoing care expenses may quickly add up. Below are a few costs that potential dog owners need to consider before buying one of these canines.
Nutrition
When it comes to this giant dog breed, you can expect it to have a giant-sized appetite, which means that it will need a large amount of food. In general, a St. Bernard puppy can consume around 3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry dog food every day. This may cost you anywhere between $40 to $60 to feed these dogs each month, depending on the quantity and brand of food.
Grooming
Because they have such a thick double coat, these gentle giants will need regular grooming to keep them shiny and healthy. This includes weekly brushing, ear cleaning, and nail trimming; bigger dogs may come with a longer coat and may need more effort on your part. An occasional bath will also be needed, but this can be done once a month depending on how dirty or active your dog gets.
Grooming supplies for these dogs such as shampoo, brushes, and collars can cost around $50 to $100, while ongoing costs can amount to $20 each month. Alternatively, you can also work with a professional groomer if you want to give your dog the VIP treatment.
Exercise and Training
These large dogs will need lots of exercise and training to keep them happy and healthy. You can get them a mix of playtime, walks, and training sessions to give them the mental stimulation they need. The cost of training and exercise for these dogs can vary depending on whether or not you do the training sessions yourself or sign them up for obedience training with a professional.
Proper training like teaching them how to stay, sit, and come are a few essential commands they need to know for their safety and the safety of those around them. Giving them early socialization is another important aspect for these dogs; helping them socialize with different people, animals, places, and environments can help them become more friendly and well-adjusted. Another way to keep your dog healthy is by giving it regular exercise inside a fenced yard or an open area where they can play freely.
St. Bernard Health Problems
The average lifespan of a Saint Bernard is around 8 to 10 years which is pretty typical for giant breeds. However, your cute Saint Bernard puppies may be prone to certain health conditions such as bloat, heart problems, and hip dysplasia. Other common health issues include elbow dysplasia, eye problems such as cataracts, ear infections, and skin problems when their hygiene is neglected.
To ensure that these large breeds stay healthy, it’s essential to take them to your vet for regular check-ups and vaccinations. Doing this may cost approximately $200 to $400 each year, depending on their medical condition and the level of care they need. Thankfully, there are preventative measures that you can take to help your pup stay as healthy as possible.
Taking your dog to the vet regularly will help it get checkups where your puppy will be examined and given recommended preventative care such as the right exercise, a healthy diet, and helpful supplements. One of the most important things to check is your St. Bernard’s oral health; your vet will be able to prevent dental problems that may lead to infections before they arise, saving you from big vet bills.
Is the St. Bernard a Good Family Dog?
Even with their impressive strength, smart minds, and gentle spirit, the St. Bernard can be a lot to handle, especially for novice owners. However, if you’re an experienced dog owner, you’ll love the loyal, loving, and steadfast dedication these dogs offer. Because St. Bernard dogs have a calm temperament, they’re often great with young children and will get along with other pets inside the home.
When given the right training and socialization, it can be a good guard dog for families and will be the best fit for owners who can provide for its need for exercise and mental stimulation. These protective dogs can be great in bigger homes where they can move around and play freely, and if you can handle their drooling, you won’t regret having them in your family.
St. Bernard Costs
While owning Saint Bernard pups can be such a rewarding experience, new owners also need to consider the price tag that these dogs come with. Before bringing home one of these big dogs, it’s good to know the costs associated with owning them and setting up your home to accommodate them. During the first year of owning one of these dogs, you will need to spend more compared to the next years since you’ll have to pay for the initial cost of the puppy.
A St. Bernard pup can cost anywhere between $1,500 to $3,000, but this will depend on various factors, such as the location of the breeder, their reputation, and the puppy’s parents. Costs for initial setup and the supplies your puppy will need can cost around $300 to $500 which include their bed, microchip, food bowls, crate, and ID tag. One-time costs such as spaying or neutering can cost around $200 to $500, while grooming costs will depend on whether or not you get a professional to work on your pup.
But if you plan to adopt a dog instead, you’ll cut down on costs compared to buying one but you will still need to consider the adoption fee which can range from $100 to $500, and the application process that goes with it. Finally, your dog’s medical costs should also be considered but you’ll never know how much you need to pay until something happens to your pooch, which is why pet insurance can be helpful. To ensure that your puppy is in good condition, always look for reputable dog breeders who can show you health certificates and answer any questions.
Conclusion
When given early training and socialization, a Saint Bernard puppy can be a good choice for families looking for a loyal and dedicated companion. While purchase and adoption costs can be high, the good news is that St. Bernard adoption can help give a homeless dog a loving family. Make sure to do your research on commercial breeders, and ensure that they implement ethical practices in raising their puppies; this will benefit both you and your new puppy.
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