Search over 19 Saint Bernard dogs across Australia
Looking for a puppy with heart, heft, and heritage? The Saint Bernard blends old-world rescue instinct with modern family devotion.
These gentle giants were once lifesavers in the snowy Alps. Today, they thrive as loving companions in Aussie homes.
With their patient nature and expressive eyes, Saint Bernard puppies bring calm to busy households and warmth to every corner they claim.
Whether flopped across the tiles or plodding through your backyard, they’ll follow you not with speed, but with soul.
Browse available Saint Bernard puppies below from trusted breeders and loving homes.
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Looking for a puppy with heart, heft, and heritage? The Saint Bernard blends old-world rescue instinct with modern family devotion.
These gentle giants were once lifesavers in the snowy Alps. Today, they thrive as loving companions in Aussie homes.
With their patient nature and expressive eyes, Saint Bernard puppies bring calm to busy households and warmth to every corner they claim.
Whether flopped across the tiles or plodding through your backyard, they’ll follow you not with speed, but with soul.
Browse available Saint Bernard puppies below from trusted breeders and loving homes.
Questions To Ask A Breeder
- Are you are registered breeder?
- Can we meet in person?
- Have they been socialised?
Breed Characteristics
Grooming
Exercise
Size Range
The Ultimate Saint Bernard Guide
About Saint Bernard
Few breeds command a space like the Saint Bernard. With their colossal bodies, deep-set eyes, and famously kind demeanour, these dogs settle into homes and hearts alike.
More than eye-catching, they stick by your side with a loyalty that runs deep.
Forged in the punishing chill of the Swiss Alps, Saint Bernards were bred to endure, rescue, and guide. For centuries, they hauled stranded travellers from snowbanks and patrolled icy trails where few dared to tread.
Their strength wasn’t for show. It pulled weight, saved lives, and carried meaning.
These days, their work boots might be traded for backyard strolls and snoozes by the heater, but their character hasn’t dimmed.
They’re still full of warmth, still watch over their people, still settle in like furniture that breathes.
Whether they’re flopped across the living room rug or plodding through a garden path, a Saint Bernard brings more than bulk. They fill a house with calm, companionship, and a charm that lingers.
Lifespan
8 to 10 years
Weight
54 to 82 kg (120 to 180 pounds)
Height
65 to 90 cm
Grooming
Brush their coats every other day.
Origins
The Saint Bernard’s roots cling to the snowy passes of the Swiss Alps. Monks at the Great St. Bernard Hospice crafted them with care—dogs meant to navigate, not just survive, the frozen terrain. With wide paws that press through snow and noses sharp enough to cut through drifts, these dogs became guardians of the mountains.
Their work was far from theatrical. They tracked, found, and warmed lost souls buried in cold silence. The brandy barrel myth? Probably spun from tavern tales, but their heroism needed no embellishment. These dogs stood tall, worked quietly, and left behind stories that stuck.
As their duties faded with time, their instincts held on. They may now snore through Sunday afternoons and dribble on the furniture, but Saint Bernards still scan their world, still nudge close when comfort is needed, and still carry that old instinct to care—a trait that good breeders work hard to preserve in every pup.
Key Characteristics Of Saint Bernards
Are Saint Bernards Family-Friendly?
In short: Yes! Saint Bernards adore people, especially kids, and their patient, affectionate nature makes them fantastic family pets.
They are gentle giants who understand their own strength, meaning they’re rarely rough or reactive.
Common Health Issues & Considerations
Saint Bernards may suffer from:
Hip and Elbow Dysplasia
Hip and Elbow Dysplasia are joint conditions where the bones don’t fit together quite right.
In Saint Bernards, their rapid growth and heavy build can put stress on developing joints. Over time, this can lead to pain, limping, or arthritis.
These conditions can be inherited, so responsible breeders test their adult dogs and provide hip and elbow scores.
Entropion
A condition where the eyelid rolls inward, causing the eyelashes and skin to irritate the surface of the eye.
Dilated Cardiomyopathy
A disease of the heart muscles that leads to an enlarged heart with weakened contractions, affecting the heart’s ability to pump blood effectively.
Nature / Temperament
Gentle, Loyal, Patient
Suitable Environment
Apartments can be challenging for them unless there’s ample room to stretch out and a nearby park for daily walks.
They prefer cooler climates due to their dense coats, and excessive heat can make them uncomfortable or even unwell.
Other Considerations
- The original Saint Bernard puppies had much shorter fur, as longer coats tended to collect snow and ice. Over time, they were bred with longer-haired breeds, leading to today’s fluffier version.
- Despite their lumbering appearance, Saint Bernards can move quickly when needed. In their rescue days, they had to navigate treacherous terrain with surprising agility.
- Expect drool. Expect sprawling. Expect gentle head nudges from your Saint Bernard puppy when you sit down. They like to lean in, literally and emotionally.
- Born in the snow, Saint Bernards love crisp mornings, shady yards, and tiled floors in summer. If your home stays cool, they’ll be content.
How can I take good care of my Saint Bernard?
Nutrition
Saint Bernard puppies grow fast and their nutritional needs reflect that. To support their developing bones and massive frame, they need a balanced, nutrient-rich large breed puppy formula.
Choose food with the right calcium-to-phosphorus ratio to prevent skeletal issues.
Because Saint Bernards are prone to bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus), avoid feeding them one large meal a day.
Instead, offer 2–3 smaller meals, served in a slow-feeder bowl to reduce gulping. Always provide clean water, and avoid strenuous play for at least an hour after eating.
Grooming
Saint Bernards come in both short- and long-haired varieties, but both have thick double coats that trap dirt, debris, and moisture.
Brush them 2–3 times a week to prevent matting and keep shedding under control.
Don’t forget the drool factor. Their jowls tend to drip after meals, drinks, or excitement. Keep a towel handy to wipe their mouth and avoid constant puddles on the floor.
Recommended Grooming Tips
Saint Bernards have thick coats that trap moisture. A high-velocity pet dryer speeds up drying time, preventing damp spots that can lead to skin irritation and odour.
These dogs shed year-round, with heavier shedding in seasonal shifts. A deshedding tool helps remove loose undercoat fur before it covers your floors and furniture.
Their large paws tend to collect debris, mud, and even ice in colder weather. Keeping the fur between their paw pads trimmed helps prevent matting and discomfort.
Exercise
Though Saint Bernard puppies will one day become powerful movers, they start out with soft joints and fast-growing bones that need time and care.
Avoid high-impact activity until their growth plates close (usually around 18–24 months).
As adults, they’ll enjoy moderate, daily strolls and plenty of sniffing. They’re not built for speed, but they shine when it comes to companionship walks and relaxed backyard play.
Training
Training your Saint Bernard puppy starts the moment they arrive home. These pups grow into massive dogs, so early training isn’t optional.
Use positive reinforcement of treats, play, and praise, and avoid harsh corrections. If needed, enlist a puppy trainer experienced with large breeds.
A well-trained Saint Bernard is a dream companion: gentle, respectful, and protective without being pushy.
This is general information and should not be relied on for adopting or purchasing advice.
Most Asked Saint Bernard Questions
Yes! Saint Bernards are champion droolers, especially after drinking water or during hot weather. Keeping a towel handy helps manage the slobber, and regular facial cleaning prevents skin irritation around their jowls.
Not well. Their thick coats and large bodies make them prone to overheating.
Saint Bernard puppies should always have access to shade, fresh water, and air-conditioned areas in extreme heat.
Limiting exercise during the hottest parts of the day helps keep them comfortable.
If you are looking for a Saint Bernard for sale, we recommend that you adopt from ethical, responsible breeders. This helps ensure that the Saint Bernard puppies you get will be well-bred and healthy.
The average cost of Saint Bernard puppies for sale will be between AUD $2500 and $4000.
They cope better in cooler areas. Their thick coats hold heat, so air-conditioning, shade, and fresh water are must-haves during warmer months. Walk them in the morning or evening when it’s cooler.
Short-haired Saint Bernards have smoother coats that dry faster and collect less debris. Long-haired ones look extra fluffy but need more brushing to prevent tangles and mats. Both shed heavily.
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