The average annual cost of owning a Saint Bernard in the US ranges from $4,030 to $7,800 per year ($335–$650/month). This includes food, routine vet care, pet insurance, grooming, and supplies. Actual costs depend on your Dog’s age, weight, diet, activity level, and location.
Saint Bernards sit in the giant category for dog ownership costs. Health profile (hip & heart issues) is the variable that swings your budget most.
Annual Cost Breakdown for Saint Bernards
Here’s how the average Saint Bernard owner’s annual budget breaks down across five key categories. Saint Bernards are a giant Dog breed with a long-haired coat.
| Category | Annual Range | Monthly Range | % of Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🍖 Food | $1560–$2600 | $130–$216 | 35% |
| Vet Care | $650–$1560 | $54–$130 | 19% |
| Insurance | $780–$1560 | $65–$130 | 20% |
| Grooming | $650–$1300 | $54–$108 | 16% |
| Supplies | $300–$600 | $25–$50 | 8% |
| Total | $4,030–$7,800 | $335–$650 | 100% |
Food
Expect $1,560–$2,600/year on food alone. Saint Bernards with allergies or weight issues often need prescription diets that sit at the top of this range.
Veterinary Care
Routine veterinary care for Saint Bernards costs $650–$1560 per year. This covers annual check-ups, vaccinations, and preventative treatments. Saint Bernards are prone to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), a serious heart condition that requires regular veterinary monitoring and can significantly increase healthcare costs. Unexpected emergencies can add thousands in a single visit.
Pet Insurance
Pet insurance for a Saint Bernard costs $780–$1560 per year. Given the breed's predisposition to hip & heart issues, insurance is worth considering. An emergency visit can cost $2,000 to $5,000 — far more than a year's premiums.
Grooming
Saint Bernards have a gorgeous long-haired coat that needs regular brushing 2-3 times per week and occasional professional grooming. Annual grooming costs: $650–$1300. Regular grooming prevents matting and hairballs.
Supplies
Dog gear costs $300–$600/year after the first-year crate-and-collar splurge. Durable harnesses and orthopedic beds last longer but cost more upfront.
Why Saint Bernards Cost More Than Average
Saint Bernards cost more than the average dog primarily because of their giant size and breed-specific health considerations. Saint Bernards are prone to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), a serious heart condition that requires regular veterinary monitoring and can significantly increase healthcare costs. Additionally, saint bernards have long-haired coats, which affects annual grooming costs.
How to Save on Saint Bernard Ownership
- Shop pet insurance before age 2. Premiums jump after the first birthday. Accident-only plans start around $780/year — compare at least three carriers.
- Batch-buy food on auto-ship. Subscribe-and-save cuts dogs food costs 10–15%. Store bulk bags in airtight bins to keep kibble fresh.
- Don't skip the annual wellness exam. One $50–$80 checkup catches $2,000 problems early. Vaccine clinics at shelters are cheaper than emergency rooms.
- Brush teeth at home. Dental cleanings under anesthesia cost $300–$800. Daily dental chews or brushing adds years of cheap prevention for most dogs.
- Buy durable, not cute. A $40 chew toy that lasts six months beats four $12 toys destroyed in a week.
First-Year vs. Annual Costs
Your first year with a Saint Bernard will be more expensive. Expect to spend an extra $2,366 on:
- Puppy wellness exam, DHPP vaccines, and microchip
- Spay/neuter surgery ($200–$600)
- Crate, bed, leash, harness, bowls, chew toys, training treats
FAQ About Saint Bernard Costs
How much does a Saint Bernard cost per month?
Monthly costs for a Saint Bernard range from $335 to $650. This includes food, vet care, insurance, grooming, and supplies. Dogs and seniors typically cost more than healthy adults.
Is a Saint Bernard expensive to own compared to other dogs?
Saint Bernards are more expensive than average to own. A typical dog costs around $2,800 per year, while saint bernards at $4,030–$7,800/year cost more due to their giant size, breed-specific health needs, and care requirements.
What health issues do Saint Bernards have?
Saint Bernards are prone to hip & heart issues. These conditions can require ongoing medication, special diets, or surgery — increasing annual veterinary costs beyond the routine care baseline.