Saint Bernard, also called Barry dogs and Noble Steeds, is life’s four-legged angel. They are kind, loving, caring, and intelligent. They have a history of saving lives by carrying food and water for miles justifying their name. Saint Bernards easily mix up with children and adults and will take no time to make space in your heart. They are giants with warm hearts, incredibly smart, and a majestic aura that can put royalty to shame, counting them among the world’s lovable and popular breeds.
So, are you ready to bring this perfect companion and giant snuggler, nothing less than a teddy bear, home? To help you understand the expenses and other costs of owning a Saint Bernard in India, we’ve compiled every detail into this guide to help you bring this lovely breed home.
How Much Does the Saint Bernard Dog Cost in India
Saint Bernards are among the popular breeds in India; thankfully, their popularity didn’t increase their price. On average, Saint Bernards costs between INR 20,000 to 50,000.
Can Saint Bernards survive in India?
Saint Bernards are not adaptable to the high climate of India and can even face health problems in high temperatures. We recommend buying Saint Bernard if you live in the Himalayan ranges of India or can provide a fully air-conditioned house in warm climates. Saint Bernards are prone to heatstroke; therefore, it is advised not to leave them outside for long hours during the summer.
Factors that Influence the Buying Price of Saint Bernard in India
Saint Bernard Age: Buying a puppy vs. an old dog
To save you the trouble of deciding between a puppy and an adult, we will consider the expenses and efforts required to raise both.
Raising a puppy takes effort and patience; they need deworming, vaccination, nutritious food, housebreak, training, socialization, and much love. Even though raising a puppy is time-consuming and demanding, you can submit it to become the perfect dog in future years. Introducing an adult is different; they don’t need effort for training or socialization but care and affection due to aging and expenses on upcoming health issues for a longer lifespan. They need patience as they can have deeply rooted habits that might not be set in the owner’s lifestyle.
Puppies should be brought after eight weeks of age, and since they have a longer lifespan and developing minds that are easy to shape, they are sold at higher prices than adults with shorter lifespans and health issues.
Adopting a Saint Bernard vs. Buying
Adopting a Saint Bernard is a noble idea. Still, it does require efforts like finalizing a list of NGOs or organizations that have Saint Bernard puppies or adults, waiting for their availability, and verifying their health. Even after availability, there still might be a chance of not getting them due to high demand by other owners. We suggest you be patient in this process and don’t bring the dog home before verifying its health.
Buying requires researching reputable breeders, verifying their legitimacy and the puppy’s health by asking for medical records, and clearing all your doubts before buying from them. Adoption is relatively chapter than purchase, but now that you know the process of both, we hope you can decide which source suits you better.
Breeder Factor
To help you differentiate between reliable and nonreliable breeders, we have listed some options below, along with ways to verify the breeder’s identity and the puppy’s health.
Buying a Saint Bernard from Puppy Mills (Please don’t go with this option)
The only thing attractive about puppy mills is their low price which is a sweet cover-up to hide mills where pups are bred to make profits, and no expense or care is done to keep them healthy and provide veterinary care.
Owners of such mills will use their low prices to trick you into falling into their trap. Still, you can catch them in the act by asking to arrange a meeting in person, medical records for the puppy and its mother, and registration certificates for the parents and the breeder’s license. Suppose the owner hesitates and tries to change the subject by negotiating a lower price. In that case, we recommend not signing a deal until you get satisfied.
Buying a Saint Bernard from Pet Shops
Window shopping for your Saint Bernard might not be as great a deal as you think. We don’t mean that every pet shop is shady, but you must be cautious. Some pet shop owners buy from unethical sources or puppy mills at low prices to make profits. You will notice that puppies are kept in cages without their mothers; it is advised not to separate the puppy from its mother until it’s eight weeks of age. Pet shops sell at reasonable prices but can be high depending on the health and quality of the puppy.
Suppose you have a pet shop in mind. In that case, we recommend contacting the breeder your pup was brought from, medical records, vet schedule cards, vaccination slips, and registration forms. All these are essential to prevent being scammed and get a healthy pup home.
Buying a Saint Bernard from Middleman or Brokers
Middleman-like brokers help get direct contact with the breeder breeding Saint Bernards, reducing your burden of researching and getting in touch with a good breeder. However, you must thoroughly check the breeder’s details and the puppy’s health before making a deal.
Buying through intermediaries increases your pup’s price because they charge 10% to 20% commission for their services.
Buying a Saint Bernard from Reputable breeders
Reputable breeders are undoubtedly the best option to buy a pup from. They are licensed professional breeders who want nothing else but a loving home for their dogs. They will help clear all your queries, provide essential information regarding care and nutrition, and require medical and registration records. Reputable breeders will check up on you after the sale to ensure you are taking care of the pup responsibly, and if they feel you are ill-fit for raising their dog, they might even take it back.
Buying from reputable breeders gives you all the certifications and warranties at a high price.
Questions to Ask A Breeder
Now that you know it is crucial to talk to your breeder before buying from them before you get confused about what to ask, we have listed some questions below for you.
- Do you practice with a license?
- Is the mother healthy? Can I see the entire litter?
- Is the puppy purebred or mixed breed?
- Are the parents and puppies registered? Can you provide me with the details?
- Is the puppy vaccinated? Can I see the vaccination schedule?
- Do you provide a warranty for exchange or return after the sale?
- Will you stay in contact after the sale?
- Can I see the medical records of the parents?
Gender
We recommend you not fall into the trap of determining which gender is better because both are equally loving and amazing pets. Generally, the breed isn’t aggressive, but males have more aggressive tendencies than females, who are more affectionate and loving. Females are easier to train and housebreak than males, who are harder to train and more likely to make a mess.
However, males are sold at higher prices because they are bigger and sturdier than females. We recommend weighing both genders equally and choosing the one that better suits your family’s lifestyle and home environment.
Size
Knowing the ideal size Saint Bernards while buying them is crucial to ensure you get a perfectly healthy puppy that confirms its breed’s standard size. They grow for 24 months before reaching their potential size. Male puppies at three months weigh between 23-36 kgs, and females weigh between 16-26 kgs. The average adult size for males is between 63 to 81 kgs standing between 28 to 30 inches, and adult females weigh between 54 to 63 kgs standing between 26 to 28 inches.
Male Saint Bernards are sold at high prices due to their big size and increased demand compared to females.
Mix Breed or Purebred
A mixed breed is when only one parent is Saint Bernard, and the other is from a different breed Saint Berdoodle is a crossbreed of Saint Bernard and poodle. Mixed breeds cost less than purebreds because they are prone to hereditary health issues, which are less likely in purebreds. However, you can buy mixed breeds as long as they are healthy and suit your needs.
Bloodline
A bloodline means your pet’s ancestors; Saint Bernards are descendants of Roman Molossian dogs and belong to the Molosser family. Buying a dog that carries this bloodline will have all its ancestor’s characteristics like health, age, obedience, and devotion, which makes them cost more than a standard dog.
Other bloodlines like the “Champion bloodline” dogs originating from this bloodline have parents who won various dog competitions and were called Champions. A champion bloodline is more expensive and rarer to find.
Coat Colours and Markings
Saint Bernards come in long and short hair coats. Short-haired coats are smooth and shiny and cover their tail with dense hair, while long-haired coats are wavy and shaggy and cover the forelegs with featherings.
Saint Bernards come in various colors like brindle, reddish brown, mahogany and white, brindle grizzle, brown and white, red and white, rust and white, and much more with their standard white markings. However, suppose you go for standard colors like brown and white. In that case, it will cost you less as they are easily available compared to rare colors like brindle grizzle, which cost high and are tougher to find.
Location
Saint Bernards are popular in India, but their prices vary in different cities due to their availability, demand, and popularity.
Suppose you belong to a metropolitan city like Mumbai, where demand and availability are high. In that case, they will cost you more than remote regions or villages.
Certification and Warranties
Your breeder should provide you with its license, medical records of the puppy and its mother, and registration documents of the parents and puppy. It is crucial to verify these documents thoroughly and patiently and not go ahead with the purchase before being fully satisfied with your breeder’s credibility and the puppy’s health. A puppy that comes with all the warranties and certificates that are credible will cost more.
Yearly Maintenance Cost of owning a Saint Bernard
There are other costs of bringing a Saint Bernard home, and we will discuss each in detail to help you decide if you can handle the expenses of this breed, assuming you are all heart for their love and energy in your home.
Dog Food Factor
Saint Bernards are massive and will need a well-balanced diet that contains whole proteins, healthy fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, fiber, antioxidants, and minerals to support their enormous frame and health needs. Their diet should include fruits and vegetables too. You have to be careful not to overfeed your Saint Bernard as they are prone to gain weight and become lazy.
Home Food vs. Purchased Food
Saint Bernards can thrive on homemade food as long as it is healthy, fulfills their needs, and is carefully planned by their owner according to their age. Chicken, lamb, and meat for protein, high amounts of water to prevent dehydration, and a combination of fruits and vegetables, cheese, yogurt, milk, and bread can make a balanced homemade diet that is cost-friendly and takes little work.
Suppose you wish to go for commercial food as the main source of your dog’s nutrition. In that case, we recommend discussing with your veterinarian which brand and type of commercial food will best fit your dog’s nutritional needs. Your monthly food expenses can range between INR 4,000 to 6,000.
Portion Size and Frequency
Your Saint Bernard needs food will depend on activity, age, and weight. To avoid overfeeding, you need to decide the feeding frequency and amount. The table below gives you a roughly estimated feeding chart for Saint Bernard, but we suggest not relying on it unless discussed and approved by your veterinarian.
| Age | Weight | Cups of Food | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 months | 15.8 kg | 3/4 cups | 3 times |
| 6 months | 31.7 kg | 1-1 ¼ cups | 3 times |
| 9 months | 40.8 kg | 2 cups | 2 times |
| 12 months | 45.3 kg | 2 ¼ cups | 2 times |
| 1-2 years | 54.4 kg | 2 ½ cups | 2 times |
| 2 years above | 63.5 kg | 2 ¾ - 3 cups | 2 times |
Fun Facts of Owning a Saint Bernard
- Napoleon Bonaparte, the greatest conqueror of his generation, had Saint Bernards in his army.
- The name Saint Bernard came from St. Bernard, a pass in the Alps that these dogs guarded.
- The 1992 hit films ‘Beethoven’ and ‘Beethoven’s 2nd’ starred Saint Bernard in the lead role. They made a fashionable appearance in ‘The Devil wears Prada’ alongside Anne Hathway.
- Saint Bernards have an amazing smell; they were used as protectors and pathfinders for lost travelers and even detected a body buried under 20 feet of snow.
- Pablo Picasso and Robert F. Kennedy, former U.S. Attorney General, are both proud owners of this breed.
Vet Factor
Saint Bernards are healthy pups, but they are still predisposed to various health issues that shouldn’t be overlooked. Epilepsy, cataracts, elbow dysplasia, dilated cardiomyopathy, and gastric dilatation volvulus is some of the major diseases saint Bernard can get without proper veterinary care. Vet care will include vaccinations, surgeries, deworming, and routine vet checkups to keep your pet healthy and will be one of your major maintenance expenses.
Vaccination Cost
Your puppy needs regular vaccinations to prevent adverse diseases like rabies and prevent transmission to family members. We recommend consulting your vet for a proper vaccination schedule for your pup. We’ve also mentioned some major vaccines for saint Bernard below.
- 6-8 weeks- Core Vaccines DAP ( Distemper, Adenovirus, Parvovirus)
- 10-12 weeks– DAP and Non-core vaccines ( Leptospirosis and Canine Influenza)
- 14-16 weeks– DAP, Rabies, and Non-core vaccines
- Annual and three years– Rabies and all Non-core vaccines
Vaccine costs can vary depending on their availability in your region. They cost between INR 300 to INR 1,500 in India.
Neutering or Spaying Surgery Cost
Neutering is for removing testicles in males and preventing the chances of prostate cancer. Spaying removes ovaries and uterus from females, preventing ovarian cancer risks and the trouble of dealing with their monthly heart cycles. These are essential procedures to prevent unwanted litter and benefit your pup’s health.
It is advised to perform neutering surgeries between 6 to 12 months for males and one year for females. A neutering/spaying surgery is a one-time procedure that costs between INR 7,000 to INR 10,000 in India.
Deworming Cost
Saint Bernards can unknowingly act as hosts to several worms like roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms, which can cause adverse effects on their health, like loss of appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea, to name a few. We’ve listed a worming schedule below.
| Age | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Birth to 3 months | Every 2 weeks |
| 3 to 6 months | Every month |
| 6 months and above | Every 3 months |
You can deworm your pet at home after consulting with your vet. Deworming medicines come in syrups and tablets and cost between INR 150 to INR 300.
Preventive Medications Cost
Your Saint Bernard can face some other minor issues that can be resolved and prevented at home before they develop. We’ve listed these medications below.
- Antiseptic spray, cotton, and bandages- up to 500
- Ear drops- up to INR 150
- Ticks and Flea powder- up to INR 500
Your pup will need several other medications, but we advise you to contact your veterinarian before administering them.
Housing and Confinement Cost
Saint Bernards are massive breeds and need a comfortable bed that fits them perfectly and provides personal space. We recommend an orthopedic bed for your Saint Bernard that will provide comfort and even weight distribution and reduces pressure on your dog’s pressure points like the neck and back.
Saint Bernards will need huge beds that fit them and give extra space; it can cost between INR 2,000 and INR 5,000.
Accessories Cost
Collar and Leash vs. Training Harness
It is not a debate to decide which one is superior to the other but to decide which works better for your pet and you. Both pieces of equipment help easily make walks with your pet by giving control over their movements. However, pulling a leash can put pressure on your dog’s neck and lead to neck injuries in the future, but no pressure is exerted when you use a training harness which can be used for walks and training sessions with your pup.
We recommend keeping your dog’s comfort first and going for the one that is comfortable, durable, and fits them comfortably. A collar and leash should be bought in a set as they can be expensive if purchased separately. Generally, a collar and leash set costs between INR 1,000 to INR 2,000, and a training harness between INR 1,000 to INR 2,500.
Toys Cost
Saint Bernards love to play, and toys are the best ways to do it. Toys are multi-package as they help engage, comfort, pamper and entertain your pup. There are a lot of toys available, from chew toys to dental toys; we recommend choosing the ones that help stimulate your dog’s mental and physical abilities and are comforting and durable. Saint Bernards’s puppies are big chewers; buying them a sturdy chew toy will help prevent them from chewing things in the house. A toy can cost between INR 300 to INR 1,000, but prices can vary depending on its type and size.
Grooming Cost
You can groom your Saint Bernards at home with just the right tools and frequency to avoid taking them to the vet every time. Below, we’ve listed everything you need to know to groom these giants at home.
- Brushing- Saint Bernards must be brushed three times a week to prevent messy coats. We recommend using a shedding comb to collect the fallen hair for grooming seasons. For long-haired Saint Bernards, a pin brush should be used to remove excess hair; we recommend using a glove or rubber brush for short-haired ones.
- Bathing- Saint Bernards will benefit from frequent bathing to keep their coat healthy and clean; we recommend using detangling shampoo and conditioner to prevent messy coats.
- Nails- Saint Bernards might hesitate to let their nails cut, but you can use treats to associate clipping with a positive experience. We recommend using nail clippers and giving rewards after each pin is done.
- Teeth- To prevent dental problems, tartar buildup, and gum diseases, brushing your dog’s teeth are essential. We recommend brushing their teeth once a week using a dog dental kit.
All these tools can cost you up to INR 500 – 2,000 with only some recurring costs making grooming costs cost-friendly. However, if you don’t wish to groom your pet house, we recommend taking them to a vet for regular grooming sessions; it can cost between INR 500 to 2,500 per session.
Walker Cost
Saint Bernards can be lazy, and taking them on daily walks is recommended to keep them active and healthy. Walking your dog helps create a stronger bond and maintain your health. You have to take time to walk your dog daily without fail, which can be difficult for some owners owing to their busy schedules. Walker services are the best option in such cases, it will cost you between INR 3,000 to INR 5,000 a month, but prices can vary depending on your location.
Training and Socialising Class Cost
We recommend you start training your pup in the early years, they are prone to obesity, and bloating exercise will keep their weight and health in check and even reduce their laziness. If under practice, they can become disobedient and restless. Early socialization must teach your pup how to behave with other animals and strangers. You can train and socialize your pet at home, starting with small sessions and increasing duration at a comfortable pace; you will need patience as Saint Bernards can be stubborn and train best with positive reinforcement.
You can hire training professionals if you don’t wish to train your pup; training professionals can even teach your dog a few tricks. They charge between INR 1,000 to INR 2,000 per session, depending on the number of sessions per month and hours per session.
Treat Cost
Treats are good for providing nutrition, distracting your pet when bored or alone, pampering them, modifying behaviors, and training them using treats as positive reinforcement. Homemade treats are healthy and cost-friendly, including boiled eggs, cheese, or whatever your pup loves. You can also opt for commercial treats that cost between INR 500 to INR 1,000 per box, but different treats can have different prices according to their brand.
Insurance Cost
It is a must to ensure these gentle giants as medical expenses for unexpected injuries and other damages for loss, theft, and third-party liabilities are covered in insurance policies reducing your expenses drastically. A pet insurance policy in India can cost between INR 500 to 2,000 a month, but prices can vary depending on companies and their services.
Travel Cost
Saint Bernards are perfect companions for home and travel, but traveling with your pet means taking care of their food, grooming, finding dog-friendly hotels, and keeping them comfortable throughout the trip. You can travel in your car, which is cost-friendly. Your pup will have plenty of space in the backseat. If you are traveling by train, we recommend booking an ac coach for your Saint Bernard due to their low heat tolerance; train fares are reasonable but can be high during season or festival time.
Traveling by plane means following the policies set by the airline, carrying a carrier for your dog, and providing required health-related documents. Domestic flights can cost up to INR 20,000, whereas international flights can cost INR 2,00,000 to INR 3,00,000; rates can vary depending on the airlines, the distance you are traveling, and your pup’s weight.
Daycare Cost
Since it is not advised to leave Saint Bernards alone due to their separation anxiety, daycares are the perfect alternative in case you are busy, traveling, or stuck in the office. Daycares provide a safe environment where skilled workers care for your pup by feeding, grooming, engaging them in activities, and socializing with other dogs. A daycare can charge between INR 500 to 2,000 per day, but prices vary according to their services, charge per hour, and facilities.
Registration Cost
The first and most crucial thing you should ask your breeder is if the puppy is registered with KCI (Kennel Club of India). We recommend registering your puppy as soon as possible because it is mandatory in India. The registration fee can vary depending on whether the puppy’s parents are members or non-members. You can also register your pet online or offline by submitting the required information and medical records. It can cost up to INR 1,000.
Miscellaneous
A food and water bowl, measuring cup, food storage container, winter clothes, puppy pee pads, poop cleaner, and dog blankets are other things you will need to take better care of your Saint Bernard. It will cost between INR 1,000 to 2,000 for your total maintenance expenses.
Hidden and Related Costs of Saint Bernard Puppy Ownership
Saint Bernards will become actual companions of your family. Since they thrive in human companionship, they will need their owner’s constant care, attention, love, and patience to be emotionally and physically healthy. We understand that there will be moments you will lose your temper and control while cleaning their mess, but we encourage you to be patient and use positive reinforcement to raise a well-behaved pet.
Many Saint Bernards are bought without understanding the dog’s needs and what goes into owning them. We advise you to make a well-calculated decision before owning this breed to prevent neglecting them or keeping them with improper care in the future.
Essential Things to Consider Before Buying a Saint Bernard
Saint Bernards may seem like the perfect dog to have, but they have some needs and habits which might become downsides for the owner, as listed below.
- Spacious- They need a lot of space to live in. They can’t thrive in small apartments because of their vast area and need to roam freely.
- Messy- Saint Bernards are huge-time mess creators with drooling, shedding, slobbering, and snoring all over the house. They might not be the ideal pet for owners that like their home clean.
- Stubborn- Saint Bernards might be easy to train but can be determined and difficult to handle at times which can be reduced by using positive rewards to modify behaviors.
Benefits of Bringing a Saint Bernard Puppy To Home
Besides Saint Bernard’s cute face and big furry snuggles, you’ll also get the benefits listed below.
- Easy train- They are fairly easy to train because they love to follow orders and please their owner. They work best with positive reinforcement.
- Social and loving- Saint Bernards need human companionship, which makes them love their family endlessly. They are highly social and blend easily with other family members through socialization.
- Child Friendly- Saint Bernards are patient, friendly, and careful among children, which makes them a perfect family dog.
FAQs
Are Saint Bernards lazy?
Saint Bernards are lazy and love to lie around the house and sleep. However, a daily exercise routine can keep them active and healthy.
Is Saint Bernard hypoallergenic?
No, they are not hypoallergenic because they shed a large amount of fur during seasons and produce a fair amount of dander.
Are Saint Bernards a good choice for first-time owners?
Saint Bernards are not highly recommended for first-time owners due to their high grooming needs and massive size; they need a skillful owner who can handle and raise them properly.
Can Saint Bernards be left alone for long hours?
Saint Bernards are friendly and depend on humans for companionship. It is advised not to leave them alone at home as they can develop separation anxiety, which could adversely affect their physical and mental health.
What is Saint Bernard’s lifespan?
Saint Bernards are lovely to have around but have a shorter lifespan, between 8 to 10 years. Due to their massive size, they are prone to various health-related problems.
What is Saint Bernards heat tolerance?
They have low heat tolerance, which can adversely affect their health if raised in hot climates. However, they should not be taken out during hot seasons; they should be kept in air-conditioned rooms and provide lots of water to prevent dehydration.
Is the Saint Bernard dog dangerous?
The only thing dangerous about Saint Bernards is their huge size; it is an affectionate and loving breed with low aggressive tendencies that loves its family unconditionally.
Summing It Up
Saint Bernards are perfect pets for families with children looking for loving and playful companions and someone to snuggle with in winter. Now, who wouldn’t want that in their home? We expect to have helped you know Saint Bernard better and hope you will soon find yourself snuggled up with your giant furry friend at home.