Saint Bernard Grooming Guide — Cost, Styles & Care Tips

Grooming Guide

Heavy shedders, especially in spring. Massive size makes grooming a workout. Drool management is a daily task. Wrinkle cleaning around eyes and muzzle. Both short and long coat varieties need regular care.

Popular Saint Bernard Haircut Styles

Breed Standard Trim

Follows the AKC breed standard pattern. Best for show dogs or owners who want the classic breed look. Requires a skilled groomer.

Maintenance: High Add-on: +$15–$30

Deshedding Treatment

Professional-grade bath with deshedding shampoo and conditioner, followed by high-velocity blow dry. Removes loose undercoat dramatically.

Maintenance: None (one-time) Add-on: +$15–$30

Feathering Trim

Tidying and shaping of the longer feathered areas (ears, chest, legs, belly) while leaving the overall coat natural. Low-key maintenance cut.

Maintenance: Low Add-on: +$0–$10

Wrinkle Care

Cleaning and protecting facial and body wrinkles. Prevents yeast and bacterial buildup in skin folds.

Maintenance: Daily at home Add-on: +$5–$10

At-Home Care Tips

Brush 2-3 times per week to manage shedding and prevent matting
Trim nails every 2-4 weeks or use a Dremel for smooth edges
Clean ears every 1-2 weeks
Consider professional deshedding treatments 2-4 times per year during heavy shedding seasons
NEVER shave a double-coated breed — the coat insulates against both heat and cold and may not regrow properly

See Detailed Grooming Costs View All Haircut Styles

Boarding & Daycare

Gentle giants. Need extra-large accommodations. Heat-sensitive. Low energy but need daily walks. Drool is a facility consideration. Very friendly.

Key Stats

Energy Level

Separation Anxiety

Trainability

What to Tell Your Boarding Facility

Energy level: Low energy — short walks and rest time

Social style: watchful, patient — generally adapts well to boarding environments

Needs extra-large accommodations due to size

Grooming during boarding: Basic brushing and monitoring between grooms

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Saint Bernard grooming cost?

Professional grooming for a Saint Bernard typically costs $70–$120 per session (typical national range). The exact price depends on your location, the dog's size within the breed range (120–180 lbs), coat condition, and the style you choose. Severely matted coats may incur additional dematting fees.

How often should a Saint Bernard be groomed?

Saint Bernards should be professionally groomed every 6–8 weeks. Between professional visits, regular at-home brushing is important — especially since this breed sheds moderately to heavily.

Are Saint Bernards good for boarding?

Gentle giants. Need extra-large accommodations. Heat-sensitive. Low energy but need daily walks. Drool is a facility consideration. Very friendly.

What is the best haircut for a Saint Bernard?

The most popular Saint Bernard haircuts are Breed Standard Trim, Deshedding Treatment, Feathering Trim. The best choice depends on your lifestyle, how much brushing you want to do at home, and your dog's comfort level with grooming.

Do Saint Bernards shed a lot?

Saint Bernards have a shedding level of 4 out of 5. They are heavy shedders — regular deshedding treatments and brushing are strongly recommended.

How much does a Saint Bernard weigh?

Saint Bernards typically weigh 120–180 lbs. They are classified as giant dogs. Weight affects grooming prices — larger dogs within the breed range will generally cost more to groom.

🐶 Saint Bernard Grooming Guide