Longevity
Life expectancy
The life expectancy of the Saint Bernard is generally between 8 and 10 years, which is consistent with the size of a giant dog. The quality of the diet, growth management, maintaining a proper weight and preventing joint disorders strongly influence its aging.
Constitution
Is this a robust breed?
The Saint Bernard tolerates cold conditions well thanks to its mountain-dog build and its protective coat. On the other hand, its robustness must be qualified by its sensitivity to high heat, the load placed on its joints and the need for careful monitoring during growth.
Things to watch for
What to look out for
Health vigilance mainly focuses on locomotion, the eyes and the risk of gastric dilatation-volvulus. In this very large dog, prevention matters as much as treatment, with a measured lifestyle, well-managed meals and veterinary check-ups adapted to age.
Hip dysplasia: This orthopedic condition can affect the Saint Bernard like many giant dogs and permanently impair its mobility.
Elbow dysplasia: It can appear during growth or become apparent with age and requires careful monitoring of locomotion.
Entropion and ectropion: The eyelids can turn inward or outward, with irritation, tearing, and ocular discomfort.
Gastric dilatation-volvulus: The digestive risk exists in this large breed and justifies prudent management of meals and exercise.
Climate
Tolerance to cold and heat
The Saint Bernard is very comfortable in cold weather, but tolerates heat poorly. In summer, it must have shade, fresh water and activities limited to the mildest hours. Intense exertion during heat peaks should be avoided.
Weight
Prone to weight gain
Weight control is crucial in the Saint Bernard, because any excess weight increases the load on the joints and reduces ease of movement. An appropriate ration, regular weigh-ins and moderate but consistent activity help to limit complications related to its body mass.
Everyday care
Good habits to keep your pet healthy
- Maintain a stable weight and monitor gait.
- Keep up with vaccinations, deworming and identification.
- Consult promptly in case of lameness, vomiting or lethargy.
Vaccination
Saint Bernard vaccinations: schedule
Which vaccines does a Saint Bernard need? Like all dogs, Saint Bernards should receive their core vaccines from 8 weeks of age: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. Puppies receive their initial Saint Bernard vaccinations in several shots spaced 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year. Depending on their lifestyle (hunting, hiking, boarding, travel, region), your veterinarian may add vaccines against Rabies, Kennel cough, Piroplasmosis, Lyme disease and Leishmaniasis.
| Vaccine | Primary vaccination | First booster | Then | For whom? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
CHPPi (core vaccine)Core Distemper, Rubarth hepatitis, parvovirosis and parainfluenza | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All animals |
LeptospirosisCore Leptospirosis (bacterium transmitted by rodent urine and stagnant water) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | All animals |
RabiesDepending on lifestyle Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, categorized dogs, most boarding kennels and shows |
Kennel coughDepending on lifestyle Bordetella bronchiseptica and parainfluenza | 8 weeks | 1 year | every year | Dogs attending boarding kennels, daycares, dog clubs and shows |
PiroplasmosisDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne babesiosis | 5 months · 6 months | 1 year | every year | Hunting dogs, dogs living in rural or wooded areas, dogs highly exposed to ticks |
Lyme diseaseDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne borreliosis | 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | Hiking dogs, hunting dogs, forest areas of the East and the Center |
LeishmaniasisDepending on lifestyle Leishmaniasis transmitted by sandflies | 6 months | 1 year and 6 months | every year | Dogs living or staying in the South of France, Corsica and the Mediterranean basin |
Adult Saint Bernard booster shots are given annually for leptospirosis and rabies. For distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus, a booster every three years is often enough after the first booster. Your veterinarian will tailor the schedule to your dog's actual risk.
Which boosters does your Saint Bernard need?
Enter your companion's age to see which vaccines are due now and when the next boosters are needed.
Choosing well
Adopting a healthy Saint Bernard
Careful veterinary follow-up is recommended with orthopedic monitoring during growth, an eye examination in case of tearing or irritation and particular attention to abnormal digestive signs. In a serious breeding program, screening for dysplasia is one of the important points to check.
This information is for guidance only and doesn't replace advice from a veterinarian. If you have any concerns about your pet's health, consult a professional.
