How Much Does It Cost to Own a Saint Bernard? Learn the Purchase Price, the Cost of Vet Bills, and More

Quick Take

• Buying from a breeder who skips genetic health screenings seems like a smart way to save money, yet it can backfire in a costly way most owners don't anticipate. See how screenings affect price →
• Saint Bernards are one of the largest dog breeds alive, yet their food bills defy what most people would expect, and there is a specific reason why. Explore the food costs →
• The coat color you choose when picking a Saint Bernard puppy can quietly inflate the purchase price, yet most buyers never think to ask about it. See coat color pricing factors →
• Pet insurance for a Saint Bernard sounds optional until you see the list of high-risk health conditions this breed is prone to developing. See the health risks covered →

Saint Bernards are widely considered to be the third largest dog breed in the world. However, despite their enormous size, they are calm dogs with big hearts and brains to match. They have an intriguing history in Alpine Mountain rescue and make the perfect family dogs. Unfortunately, they don’t come cheap. Many factors can influence the price of a Saint Bernard. Also, the costs of owning this dog include raising them and keeping them healthy. Today, we’ll 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, the average price in the United States in 2026 for a puppy from a reputable breeder is $1,000 to $2,500. A companion dog will cost less than a dog with champion bloodlines. American Kennel Club registration will also increase the price.

However, you can often adopt older dogs from shelters and rescues for much less. Depending on the organization and your location, you may be able to adopt a Saint Bernard for $100 to $500. Shelters in urban areas may charge less due to overcrowding issues, but rescues and rescues and breeders in major metropolitan areas tend to charge a premium due to higher demand for the breed.

Other Factors That Influence the Purchase Price of a Saint Bernard

Coat color can also affect the price. Most of these dogs have a white coat with patches of varying shades, some of the most common being red and white, brown and white, and brindle and white. Colors such as mahogany and white cost more due to their rarity.

Ethical breeders also run tests for genetic health issues. Screenings for elbow and hip dysplasia from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) or Pennsylvania Hip Improvement Program (PennHIP) cost more to cover these health screenings. While you could save money purchasing from a breeder who omits these tests, it could cost you more money — and heartbreak — in the long run if you end up with a puppy with hereditary health conditions.

Age is also a factor, as alluded to above. Puppies are in higher demand and cost more than adult Saint Bernards. Female puppies from champion bloodlines also tend to be priced slightly higher than males if you are purchasing a puppy with full breeding rights. This means you have the right to breed your dog and register the offspring with the American Kennel Club.

Cost of Vaccination and Other Medical Expenses for Saint Bernards

Initial vet costs will depend on what treatments and vaccinations a puppy receives from the breeder. 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. Flea, tick, and heartworm prevention also costs more due to weight-based dosing. All of this could cost $500 or more.

Experts recommend you spay or neuter your Saint Bernard as soon as possible if you are not planning on breeding your dog. Most shelters and rescues spay or neuter their dogs before allowing them to be adopted. Saint Bernards are also prone to dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), so yearly ECGs or other cardiovascular screenings are recommended. These can cost $300 to $500 more per year.

Grooming is another important part of your dog’s health. Saint Bernards have thick, dense double coats and must be brushed 2 to 3 times a week, with daily brushing when they are shedding more heavily. Grooming supplies will cost around $500 for the initial setup, which includes rakes, brushes, dematting tools, and a dog blow dryer, among other supplies. If you prefer to let the professionals groom your pup, it will cost between $140 and $170, depending on your dog’s coat type and your location.

Cost of Food and Supplies for Saint Bernards

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 two years of their lives, puppies will need higher volumes of nutrient-rich food. 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 multiple smaller meals per day. High-quality kibble is advisable for your Saint Bernard, which can cost $50 to $70 per month. Saint Bernards are also prone to allergies and sensitive stomachs, so your dog might need prescription food, which will increase the price. Large, stainless steel food and water bowls will cost between $25 and $40.

Your dog will also need an XXL-sized crate to ensure they have plenty of room to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably. A regular wire crate will cost around $100 from a big box chain store. Heavy duty plastic crates can cost $200 to $400 or more depending on materials and whether you need a crate for a high-anxiety pup. A crate pad can run from $50 to $250 depending on the size, thickness, and materials. A soft bed or mattress will cost $70 to $130 for entry-level options and up to $350 for more durable options. Luxury options or premium mattresses for the comfort of older dogs can cost up to $700. You will also need to invest in heavy-duty toys, which are more expensive.

How Much Does It Cost to Insure a Saint Bernard?

Saint Bernards are purebred and are therefore more susceptible to genetic health issues than mixed breeds. Insuring a Saint Bernard can cost between $40 and $70 per month, depending on where you live, what deductible you choose, and any pre-existing conditions. It is highly recommended to insure your Saint Bernard as soon as possible, as they can develop genetic health problems that may be very costly to treat.

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 misbehaves or has behavioral issues. These dogs are naturally eager to please, and they are very intelligent. However, they tend to have a stubborn side that can make training challenging at times. 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 teethe, grow, and learn. Unfortunately, they tend to be destructive chewers with big, strong jaws.

Enrolling them in basic manners classes or working with a professional trainer as early as possible is a good idea. Group training sessions generally cost between $150 and $300 for a 4 to 8-week course, or $30 to $80 for individual sessions. All dogs should be socialized early. While a reputable breeder will have begun the process, it is up to the owner to continue working with their dog. With this breed, a lack of socialization can cause extreme shyness. Luckily, socialization will not cost money, as you can do this at home with trusted friends and their dogs and later at dog parks.