Breed facts
| FCI group | Group 2: Pinscher and Schnauzer, Molossoid and Swiss mountain dogs |
| Origin | Switzerland |
| Weight | 60–90 kg |
| Height | 65–90 cm |
| Life expectancy | 8–10 years |
Temperament
Calm, patient and very affectionate, great with children. A gentle giant, but stubborn.
History
Bred at the Great St Bernard Hospice in the Alps to help find travellers lost in the snow.
Fun facts
The image of the barrel around the neck was popularised by a 19th-century painting and does not reflect reality.
The Saint Bernard coat
A coat with a dense undercoat and a longer outer layer. It sheds a lot, especially during the moult.
There are short-haired and long-haired varieties; drool and loose skin around the muzzle deserve cleaning.
What we do in the salon
We bathe with a suitable shampoo, remove the dead hair from the undercoat, then dry and brush thoroughly. We do not recommend shaving this type of coat: it protects against cold and heat and may not grow back the same.
Recommended services
- Bathabout 1 h
How often?
| Bath | every 6 to 8 weeks (and during the moult) |
| Cut / upkeep | Clipping is not recommended; remove the undercoat during the moult (spring and autumn). |
Special attention
Skin folds: they are cleaned and dried well at every bath to prevent irritation and odour. At home, wipe them with a damp cloth and dry them straight away.
A large breed: when booking, tell us your dog’s size so we can prepare.
Care at home between visits
- Brush 2 to 3 times a week, and every day during the moult.
- Use a slicker or undercoat rake, always down to the skin.
- Do not shave: the undercoat helps regulate temperature.
- Dry the undercoat well after a bath to avoid damp and odour.
Frequently asked questions about the Saint Bernard
Does the Saint Bernard shed a lot?
It sheds a lot, especially during the moult (spring and autumn). Regular brushing and a bath with dead-hair removal help a great deal.
How often should I bring my Saint Bernard to the salon?
In general, a bath every 6 to 8 weeks (and during the moult). Clipping is not recommended; remove the undercoat during the moult (spring and autumn). It depends on the coat, the cut you like and the condition of the coat: we will advise you at the first visit.
How long do a bath and a clip take?
When you book online, 1 hour is reserved for a bath and 2 hours for a clip, scissor cut or hand stripping. Very dense coats or large breeds may need more time: talk to us.
Can I shave the coat in summer?
We do not recommend it: the undercoat helps regulate temperature and the coat may not grow back the same. It is better to remove dead hair with a bath and brushing.
Weight and height values are approximate and vary from dog to dog. Based on FCI standards and public breed profiles; care text: DogsClub. Last updated: October 2026.