Saint Bernard Dogs

Breed Overview

Saint Bernard’s were originally bred in the Italian and Swiss Alps to be rescue dogs. The Swiss Kennel Club was founded in 1883 and adopted the first Swiss Saint Bernard standard just a year later in 1884. However, the Saint Bernard’s roots trace back hundred of years earlier as working dogs as far back as the 15th century!

Health Issues

The average Saint Bernard has an expected lifespan between 8 to 10 years. However, like any large, purebred dog, St. Bernards are susceptible to some health problems that you should be aware of.

Condition	Cost to Treat
Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus	$1,500 to $7,500
Elbow Dysplasia	$3,000 to $5,000
Hip Dysplasia	$4,000 to $6,000
Epilepsy	$200 to $15,000
Cardiomyopathy	$10,000 to $20,000
Eye Problems	$50 to $3,000
Osteochondritis	Varies
Cancer	$5,000 to $20,000+
Hypothyroidism	Varies

Sources:

Top Pet Insurance for St. Bernards

Saint Bernards are a unique breed and have a unique set of needs. Here our list of the best pet insurance companies in the U.S.

Key Coverage to Consider

All of the top five best pet insurance companies cover major medical issues like accidents and illnesses. This chart provides a more detailed breakdown.

Coverage	Standard
Emergency Care	✓
Accidents	✓
Illnesses	✓
Cancer Coverage	✓
Orthopedic Issues	✓
Hereditary Conditions	✓
Prescription Meds	✓
Routine Care	O
Pre-Existing Conditions	X

Note: Unfortunately, dog insurance does not cover pre-existing conditions, so it’s important to enroll while your pet is healthy and young.

How Much Does it Cost?

Below are some samples across the country to give you an idea of how much it costs. However, the only way to know exactly how much a plan will cost is to get quotes for your Saint Bernard.