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Saint Bernards were bred to work in the snowy passes of the Swiss Alps, and their coat, drool and sheer size all make grooming a bigger job than with most breeds. Saints come in two coat varieties, shorthaired and longhaired, and both shed heavily. Add loose jowls, droopy eyes and a body weight that can top 140 pounds, and you need a routine built around the whole dog. This guide lays it out.
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Shorthaired vs Longhaired Saints
| Feature | Shorthaired (smooth) | Longhaired (rough) |
|---|---|---|
| Coat | Dense, tough, close-lying; bushy thighs and tail | Medium-long, flat to slightly wavy; feathering on legs and tail |
| Shedding | Heavy, seasonal blows | Heavy, seasonal blows |
| Brushing | 2x per week; daily in blow | 3x per week; daily in blow |
| Mat risk | Low | Behind ears, feathering, britches |
| Typical US groom cost | $90-$150 | $110-$180+ |
Shedding
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Both varieties have a thick double coat with a dense undercoat. Saints shed moderately year-round and blow their undercoat heavily, typically in spring and autumn. Given their size, the volume of hair during a blow is enormous.
Brushing Routine
- Slicker brush over the body to lift loose hair.
- Undercoat rake through the thick areas: neck, back, thighs and tail.
- Long-tooth metal comb through feathering, behind the ears and the britches on longhaired dogs.
Shorthaired Saints need two sessions a week, longhaired Saints three, and both need daily brushing during coat blows. Work in sections and consider brushing outdoors.
Drool Management
Saints are among the heaviest droolers of any breed, especially after drinking, eating or when excited. Drool dries into the fur around the mouth, chest and front legs and can irritate the skin in the lip folds. Keep towels by the water bowl and front door, wipe the jowls several times a day, and clean the lip folds regularly to prevent odor and infection.
Eye Care
Many Saints have droopy lower eyelids (ectropion) that expose the inner lid and collect debris, or eyelids that roll inward (entropion). Wipe the eyes daily with a soft, damp cloth. Redness, heavy discharge, squinting or rubbing at the eyes should be checked by your vet, as eyelid problems sometimes need treatment.
Do Not Shave
Saint Bernards overheat easily, but shaving is not the answer. The double coat insulates against heat and protects the skin from sunburn. Instead, remove loose undercoat regularly, provide shade, cool floors, fresh water and air conditioning, and limit exercise in warm weather.
Bathing a Giant
Bathe every six to eight weeks. Lifting a Saint into a tub is not safe; use a walk-in shower, an outdoor hose in warm weather or a self-service dog wash with a ramp. Brush out tangles first. Work shampoo down through the dense coat to the skin and rinse until the water runs clear. Dry thoroughly with towels and a high-velocity dryer on a cool setting; damp undercoat can lead to hot spots.
Nails and Feet
With so much weight, Saint Bernards need short nails to protect their joints and gait. Trim or grind every two to four weeks. Trim hair between the paw pads to improve traction on smooth floors and reduce ice balls in winter. Train nail handling from puppyhood; restraining an unwilling 150-pound adult is difficult and stressful.
Ears and Skin Folds
Saint ears are medium-sized, set high and hang close to the head. Check weekly for wax, redness and odor, and clean with a vet-approved cleaner. Wrinkles on the forehead and around the muzzle should be wiped and dried regularly.
Pressure Points
Heavy dogs lying on hard floors can develop elbow calluses and hygromas. Thick, supportive bedding helps. Check elbows and hocks during grooming for bald, thickened or swollen areas.
Professional Grooming Costs
Because of size, coat density and drool, professional Saint Bernard grooming is among the pricier options: roughly $90 to $150 for shorthaired dogs and $110 to $180 or more for longhaired dogs in the US. Choose a groomer with a walk-in tub or ramp and a high-velocity dryer.
FAQ
Do shorthaired Saint Bernards shed less?
Not much. Both coat types have dense undercoats and shed heavily, especially during seasonal blows. Longhaired coats are more prone to tangles.
How can I reduce Saint Bernard drool on my furniture?
Wipe the jowls often, especially after drinking, keep towels handy and use washable covers on furniture. Drool is normal for the breed and cannot be eliminated.
Bottom Line
Saint Bernards need regular brushing, daily during coat blows, plus daily drool and eye care, safe bathing logistics and frequent nail trims. Never shave, dry the coat completely, and provide thick bedding for their joints. With a steady routine, this gentle giant stays comfortable and clean.
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