Saint Bernard Prices in 2024: Purchase Cost, Vet Bills, and More!

These gentle giants are the third biggest dog in the world. However, despite their enormous size, they are soft, calm dogs with big hearts and brains to match. Also, they have an intriguing history in Alpine Mountain rescue and are the sweethearts of the dog world. Saint Bernards makes the perfect family dog and are very sought after. Unfortunately, they don’t come cheap. Saint Bernard prices range between $1000 to $1500, but on the other hand, adoption fees can range from $50 to a few hundred dollars.

A few factors can influence the price of a Saint Bernard. Also, the costs of owning this dog include raising and keeping them healthy. We will examine the costs involved if you decide to make one of these beautiful dogs part of your family. 

Saint Bernard Cost

When looking for a Saint Bernard, prices depend largely on the breeder. Therefore, buying one from a commercial breeder will be much costlier than buying from a small-time or hobby breeder. The average price in the United States is between $1000 to $1500. However, they can cost anywhere from $550 to $2000. However, buyers should be careful. Just because a puppy is more expensive does not mean it is superior. Smaller, cheaper breeders often give their puppies and dogs more personal care.

Sadly, in America, puppies are twice as likely to come from inhumane puppy mills and illegal breeders. In these puppy mills, breeders keep dogs locked up in cages and only use them for breeding. These poor dogs are often kept in unsanitary enclosures and receive little to no care or quality of life. Therefore, these breeders should be avoided at all costs and reported if met. Potential buyers should always do their homework before buying a puppy, and a breeder should provide proper health checks and documentation.  

Some of the other factors that affect Saint Bernard prices include the dog’s coat color and lineage. An example of this is dogs that are bred from show dogs, as opposed to those born from companion dogs. Those bred from show dogs will obviously come with a higher price tag.

Coat color can also affect the price. Most of these dogs have a white coat with patches of varying shades, including brownish-yellow red or a bright or dark-brown red. Countries have different opinions of what colors are more desirable, and prices will correlate with which colors are more popular.

Other Factors That Influence the Purchase Price of a Saint Bernard

When buying from a breeder, owners should request health checks. These documents state that the puppy has been checked by a veterinarian and declared healthy, their vaccinations were received, and they have been cleared of any breed-specific genetic conditions. All these checks should cost a few hundred dollars. Also, The American Kennel Club suggests that all Saint Bernard’s are genetically tested for hip and elbow dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy. Additionally, because these dogs are prone to heart and eye problems, the AKC suggests a cardiac examination and an ophthalmologist evaluation by a vet.

Cost of Vaccination and Other Medical Expenses for Saint Bernard’s

Initial vet costs will depend on what treatment and vaccinations a puppy receives from the breeder. Unfortunately, dogs from a puppy farm or unethical breeder are over 40% more likely to develop health issues than those from ethical breeders.

Some of these unscrupulous breeders will even forge documents that say that the puppy has been vet-checked and vaccinated. Therefore, having your puppy checked out by a vet as soon as possible is always a good idea. Also, if the puppy has not received vet care, it will need microchipping, vaccinations, and parasite preventatives. All of this could cost up to $500.

Furthermore, it is advisable to spay or neuter your Saint Bernard if you are not planning on breeding with it. It is estimated that vet costs for a Saint Bernard are about $500 annually if no severe health conditions surface.

Cost of Food and Supplies for Saint Bernard’s

Food will be one of the costliest aspects of owning a Saint Bernard. However, they surprisingly don’t eat as much as other dog breeds their size as they are relatively low-energy dogs.

During the first year of their lives, their food needs will be higher as they are still growing. However, when they mature, they will need about 4 to 8 cups of food daily, depending on their size, age, and activity level. These meals should be divided into two meals a day. These dogs should eat a healthy diet; therefore, high-quality kibble is advisable. Also, they should get lean, natural proteins such as fish and chicken. They should also get nutrient-rich vegetables and fruit to support strong bones and a healthy heart. In addition, Saint Bernards are prone to obesity and skin sensitivity and might need special foods.

How Much Does It Cost to Insure a Saint Bernard?

Saint Bernards are purebred and, therefore, more susceptible to genetic health issues than mixed breeds. Insuring a Saint Bernard can cost between $40 and $70, depending on where you live and what deductible you choose. It is an excellent option to insure your Saint Bernard as they can have genetic health problems that can cost a lot of money.

Common health issues: can include:

How Much Does It Cost to Train a Saint Bernard?

With Saint Bernard prices so high, you will not want a beautiful dog that can’t behave or has behavioral issues. These dogs are naturally keen to please and intelligent. However, they tend to have a stubborn side that can make training challenging. Forming a strong bond with your dog is the first step, and then you can enlist the help of a trainer.

Saint Bernards are known as calm, well-behaved dogs, but as with all puppies, they can be destructive and hyperactive as they teeth, grow, and learn. Unfortunately, they tend to be destructive chewers with big, strong jaws.

Getting them to a professional trainer as early as possible is a good idea. Group training sessions generally cost about $500 for a few classes. One-on-one private lessons will be more expensive and cost up to $175 an hour. These dogs, like most others, need to be socialized early. With this breed, a lack of socialization can cause extreme shyness. Luckily, this will not cost money as you can do this at home with trusted friends and their dogs and later at dog parks. 

Conclusion

Saint Bernard prices can vary but are believed to be around $1,500 on average. In the first year, a Saint Bernard will grow very big, relatively quickly. Therefore, they will go through a few beds, collars, toys, and other living expenses, including vet visits and possibly training costs. Additionally, owning a fully grown Saint Bernard will cost an average of about $185 a month or $2,225 a year. This can be separated into $485 for medical expenses, $535 for grooming supplies, accessories, and toys, and $485 for medical expenses.

Furthermore, as dogs age, there might be more medical expenses if they have health issues. On average, a Saint Bernard will live 8 to 10 years; in that time, the estimated cost of owning one will be around $21,455. Therefore, they are one of the most expensive dog breeds to own. 

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