• Hungarian Language
  • English Language

Saint Shepherd Information & Dog Breed Facts

Collection of all the general dog breed info about Saint Shepherd so you can get to know the breed more.

Group Designer Dogs
Popularity Rank1889
Reviews0
User Ratings
Compare the Saint Shepherd With Other Dogs
Select at least one dog breed to make the comparsion.
 
 
Saint Shepherd dog profile picture
OriginSwitzerland flagSwitzerland Germany flagGermany Italy flagItaly
Breed Classification
What type of dog breed is a Saint Shepherd? Learn about its genetic classification and breeding category.
Cross Breed St. Bernard and German Shepherd mix

Saint Shepherd Size and Weight

Size Classification
What size category is a Saint Shepherd? Learn how big the Saint Shepherd breed typically grows.
LargeGiant
Weight Statistics
How much does a Saint Shepherd weigh? Discover typical weight ranges for adult males and females of the Saint Shepherd breed.
90-120 pounds (41-54 kg)
Average Weight
What is the average weight of a Saint Shepherd?
105 pounds (47.5 kg)
Height
How tall is the Saint Shepherd? Saint Shepherd height:
Male: 24-26 inches (60-65 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (55-60 cm)
Average Height
What is the average height of a Saint Shepherd?
Male: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (57.5 cm)

Saint Shepherd Price and Availability

Price Range
How much does a Saint Shepherd puppy cost? Find current market prices and factors affecting Saint Shepherd costs.
$800-$2000
If you choose to purchase the Saint Shepherd, you should know that the mentioned amount of money is an average of the collected data from breeders’ sites and puppy finder places. If you have a Saint Shepherd for sale, please advertise it on a reliable website to make sure the Saint Shepherd gets to a happy place.
Availability
How easy is it to get a Saint Shepherd? How many Saint Shepherd are there in the world?
Very frequent: The Saint Shepherd is quite easy to get. There is a risk of overbreeding, as it is an extremely popular breed.

Inbreeding is common because of its popularity. A new study suggests that inbreeding contributes to the incidence of disease and health problems.

So be careful, buy from a trustworthy place or kennel and seek the help of an experienced person, a professional, to make the right decision.

Saint Shepherd Trainability and Intelligence

Intelligence Rating
How intelligent is a Saint Shepherd? Discover the Saint Shepherd's intelligence ranking and learning capabilities.
Smart: The Saint Shepherd dogs have great intelligence. They understand and memorize new commands in 15-25 repetitions.

The Saint Shepherd is among the smartest dogs in the intelligence ranking.

Training Difficulty
How easy is it to train a Saint Shepherd? Learn about the Saint Shepherd's trainability and response to training methods.
Saint Shepherd dogs are quite easy to train. Sometimes they can be challenging, but if you're consistent in teaching new commands they will obey for sure.
Watchdog Rating
How good is a Saint Shepherd as a watchdog? Learn about the Saint Shepherd's alertness and guarding instincts.
Saint Shepherd dogs are good watchdogs. Their main job is to observe and they're consistent in their effort. Good vocal cords and a sense of hearing belong to them. Usually, they're territorial and protective about their property, so the Saint Shepherd dogs will alert you if they sense something different.
Territorial Protection
Is a Saint Shepherd protective of its territory? Learn about the Saint Shepherd's guarding instincts and behavior.
Saint Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. This breed doesn't hesitate to protect its territory so the Saint Shepherd can be a good choice if you want an excellent guard dog. Keep calm and the Saint Shepherd will take care of unwanted people or animals.

Saint Shepherd Personality and Temperament

Personality Traits
What personality does a Saint Shepherd have? Learn about characteristic Saint Shepherd temperament and behavior traits.
CuriousIndependentHappyAlertCourageousIntelligentConfidentFriendlyObedientLoyalGentleGoingSocialWatchfulQuiet
Sensitivity Level
How sensitive are they? Saint Shepherd sensitivity:
Sensitive: Saint Shepherd dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.

This breed's emotional level reflects their owner's feelings and they don't handle punishments well.

Affection Level
How affectionate are they? Is a Saint Shepherd a good family dog?
High: Saint Shepherd dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. They enjoy quality time with their owners despite the activity and are considered great therapy dogs for those in need. This breed responds strongly to their handler's emotions because they bond closely. Their happiness is your happiness.
Social Needs
How much social interaction does the Saint Shepherd need? Saint Shepherd social needs:
Saint Shepherd dogs are a social breed. They enjoy being around people or other animals. This breed doesn't tolerate being left alone.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
How likely is the Saint Shepherd to run away? Does this breed explore or wander a lot? Does Saint Shepherd roam?
Saint Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers. They have low wanderlust potential. Low chance of escaping from home with this breed.
Prey Drive
Do this canine have a strong prey drive? Does Saint Shepherd have high prey drive?
Saint Shepherd dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen. Training can help to achieve good behavior.

Saint Shepherd Activity and Playfulness

Barking Frequency
Does a Saint Shepherd bark a lot? Learn about typical Saint Shepherd vocalization patterns and triggers.
Low to Average: The Saint Shepherd rarely barks. This breed could be a good choice if you're looking for a quiet breed. They don't bark unless there is a good reason.

Top reasons for barking: protection, alarm, fear, boredom, attention-seeking, greeting, separation anxiety, compulsive barking.

Playful Nature
How playful is a Saint Shepherd? Understand the typical play drive and energy level of the Saint Shepherd breed.
Average: Saint Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing. Sometimes they bark in excitement for playing, but they are not the most playful dog breed.
Apartment Adaptability
Can a Saint Shepherd live in an apartment? Learn about the Saint Shepherd's suitability for apartment living.
It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep Saint Shepherd indoors.

Saint Shepherd Adaptability and Independence

Lifestyle Adaptability
How adaptable is a Saint Shepherd to lifestyle changes? Learn about the Saint Shepherd's flexibility to new situations.
Saint Shepherd dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments. They don't mind moving from one place to another with their owner.
Alone Time Tolerance
Can a Saint Shepherd be left alone? Learn about the Saint Shepherd's tolerance to solitude.
Saint Shepherd dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.

Saint Shepherd Bite Characteristics

Bite Risk Assessment
What is a Saint Shepherd biting potential? Learn about the Saint Shepherd's bite risk factors.

Moderate

The Saint Shepherd has an average chance of biting somebody. Top reasons for dog bite: protection, pain, excitement, herding instinct, being provoked. (Data based on the available online bite statistics.)
Mouthing Tendency
Is a Saint Shepherd mouthy? Learn about the Saint Shepherd's tendency to use mouth during play.
Saint Shepherd dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. It's a common habit during puppyhood, not aggressive behavior. These "bites" don't hurt, but Saint Shepherd dogs need to be taught a good attitude.
Bite Strength Rating
How strong is a Saint Shepherd bite? Learn about the Saint Shepherd's bite force measured in PSI.

Above 400 PSI 🔼

Saint Shepherd bite force: The Strongest. The Saint Shepherd bite force is among the strongest in the canine world. The bite force Saint Shepherd measurements are typically quite high, which is a testament to their powerful and large stature. The bite force of Saint Shepherd dogs is impressive, and their Saint Shepherd bite PSI is reflective of their powerful nature.

The Saint Shepherd PSI bite should be respected, and appropriate precautions should be taken when interacting with these dogs. The PSI of a Saint Shepherd bite is high, making them one of the strongest breeds in terms of bite force.

They are very protective of themselves and their families, therefore a dog bite from them could be exceptionally dangerous with their PSI being above 400.

To ensure a well-behaved and controlled dog, it's important to learn how to train a Saint Shepherd puppy not to bite from an early age. It is important that they’re trained to be around others safely.

Saint Shepherd Health and Lifespan

Average Lifespan
How long does a Saint Shepherd live? Learn about the typical lifespan of the Saint Shepherd breed.
9-13 years
The average lifespan of Saint Shepherd: 11 years
Climate Tolerance
How well does a Saint Shepherd handle different weather? Learn about the Saint Shepherd's climate adaptability.
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. Dogs with a double coat of fur have a layer of fur that insulates their skin and helps protect them from the cold and the heat.
Health Concerns
What health issues are common in a Saint Shepherd? Discover typical conditions affecting the Saint Shepherd breed.
Very healthy dog breed. The Saint Shepherd rarely meets with the veterinarian.
Vet Care Frequency
How often does a Saint Shepherd need vet visits? Learn about the Saint Shepherd's veterinary care requirements.
Rare
The Saint Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year). If your dog shows any symptoms, call your veterinarian.
Health Problems
What genetic/health problems does the Saint Shepherd breed have? What are the health issues and concerns of the Saint Shepherd breed? Most common health risks of Saint Shepherd:
Cataracts Hip Dysplasia AllergiesCancerProgressive retinal atrophy (PRA)Von Willebrand's DiseaseBloatEpilepsyBlindnessEntropionCherry EyeElbow DysplasiaDiabetesHeart DiseaseRetinal DysplasiaDemodectic MangeDegenerative MyelopathyWobbler's SyndromePanosteitisHemophilia BMegaesophagusCushing's SyndromeLens LuxationExocrine Pancreatic InsufficiencyChronic DiarrheaCruciate Ligament RuptureDigestive ProblemsHemophilia AHypertrophic OsteodystrophyLupusMyasthenia GravisNail Bed DiseaseOsteochondrosisPannusParalysisPerianal FistulaSeborrheaVitiligoDilated Cardiomyopathy

Saint Shepherd Energy and Activity

Energy Rating
How energetic is a Saint Shepherd? Understand daily activity needs of the Saint Shepherd breed.
Saint Shepherd dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds. If you want a dog for snuggling on the couch, this breed isn't the perfect choice for you.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
How much exercise does a Saint Shepherd need? How much exercise do Saint Shepherd dogs require per day?

Do Saint Shepherd dogs need a lot of exercises?

Saint Shepherd dogs have an average exercise need. This breed is satisfied with short walks every weekday and a long ones on weekends.
Sleeping Need
How much sleep does the Saint Shepherd breed need?
Saint Shepherd dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.

Saint Shepherd Diet and Weight Management

Obesity Tendency
Is a Saint Shepherd prone to weight gain? Learn about the Saint Shepherd's obesity risks.
Average: The Saint Shepherd has an average risk for obesity. Daily walks should be on schedule. To make your dog happy and fit, feed him with quality dry dog food and live an active life together. Try to find the happy medium between exercise and feeding.

If you notice any weight gain, consult your veterinarian and make a diet plan. Reduce unhealthy food and snacks, and measure the Saint Shepherd weight regularly.

Food Consumption
How much food does a Saint Shepherd need daily? Learn about the Saint Shepherd's feeding requirements.
6 to 8 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Saint Shepherd Allergies and Grooming

Allergy Friendliness
Is a Saint Shepherd hypoallergenic? Learn about the Saint Shepherd's suitability for allergy sufferers.
No
Saint Shepherd dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions. Some dog breeds are even considered to higher possibility of an allergic response. Coat type isn't necessarily relevant, because most people are allergic to dander (flakes on the dog's skin) or saliva, not actually to dog hair.
Coat Colors
What colors does a Saint Shepherd come in? Discover all possible Saint Shepherd color variations.
BlackTan Red White SilverBrown Brindle Tricolor
Grooming Requirements
How much grooming does a Saint Shepherd need? Learn about Saint Shepherd coat maintenance requirements.
Average: The Saint Shepherd requires average grooming effort. Cutting the dog's hair by a professional groomer isn't essential.

Brushing the dog's coat is useful to reduce shedding. Ears and eyes should be cleaned regularly to avoid infections.

Don't skip the seasonal flea treatment too. Dog nail trimming and dog bath can be helpful sometimes.

Check the local pet store for dog grooming supplies and find the best dog shampoo to keep its coat healthy and give your dog a pleasant experience of a dog bath.

If you don't have the time, skill, or money to take care of your Saint Shepherd, search for a dog groomer or clipping service in your area and book an appointment.

Maybe you're lucky to have a dog boarding service that includes grooming or walk-in dog bath places nearby.

Drooling Tendency
Does a Saint Shepherd drool a lot? Learn about the Saint Shepherd's drooling habits.
The Saint Shepherd is an average drooler. Drooling is the unintentional saliva flowing outside of the mouth. It can be completely normal or a sign of a health problem.

If you notice any change in your dog's drooling habit, you should contact a vet as soon as possible.

Stinkiness Rating
Does a Saint Shepherd smell bad? Learn about the Saint Shepherd's natural odor levels.

High 🔼

The Saint Shepherd has a high chance of bad smell. Top reasons for dog stinkiness: infection of bad tooth/ear/skin folds, gas attacks.
Coat Characteristics
What type of coat does a Saint Shepherd have? Learn about the Saint Shepherd's fur characteristics.
DenseRoughFuzzySmooth
Bathing Needs
How often does a Saint Shepherd need baths? Learn about the Saint Shepherd's bathing requirements.
8-12 weeks
Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. It’s also a good time to look for unusual scratches, bumps, fleas, and other irregularities. When their hair is wet and flat against their body, these details are more visible.

For example, short-haired dog breeds can go a very long time in between baths. These short-haired breeds shed regularly and that shedding works to naturally remove excess dirt and oil. So unless your weenie dog got into the garbage can, you can probably hold off on a bath for a while.

Shedding Level
How much do Saint Shepherd dogs shed? How to control, reduce and prevent the shedding of the Saint Shepherd? Do Saint Shepherd dogs shed a lot?
Saint Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders. It's a natural process of the hair growth cycle. Be prepared for the daily vacuum cleaning. The amount and frequency of hair loss mostly depend on their health status and breed type.

Saint Shepherd Good With

Child Compatibility
Is a Saint Shepherd good with children? Learn about the Saint Shepherd's behavior around kids of different ages.
Saint Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs. This breed enjoys being surrounded by children.
Pet Compatibility
How well does a Saint Shepherd get along with other pets? Discover the Saint Shepherd's compatibility with other animals.
Saint Shepherd dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Are they aggressive or friendly towards/with strangers? Saint Shepherd temperament with other people:
Saint Shepherd dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
How well do Saint Shepherd dogs get along with cats? Are they good with kittens? What is this fido's temperament with cats? Can they be good with cats? Can the Saint Shepherd breed live with a cat?
Saint Shepherd dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Is Saint Shepherd good with other dogs? Are they dog-friendly dogs? How well do Saint Shepherd dogs get along with other dogs?
Saint Shepherd dogs are dog-friendly dogs. If you want more dogs in your family or you'd like to join dog meetups, the Saint Shepherd can be a great choice.
Good For First Time Owners
Is Saint Shepherd breed good for first-time owners? Do they make a good dog for novice owners? Is Saint Shepherd breed suitable for first-time owners?
Yes
Saint Shepherd dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Are Saint Shepherd dogs good office canines? Do Saint Shepherd dogs make good office-friendly pets? Can they be office dogs?
No
Saint Shepherd is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Are they senior citizens friendly dogs? How well do Saint Shepherd dogs get along with the elderly people? What is the Saint Shepherd temperament with senior people? Are Saint Shepherd dogs good for elderly owners?
Saint Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Saint Shepherd As a Working Dog

Service Dog Capability
Can a Saint Shepherd be a service dog? Learn about the Saint Shepherd's service work potential.

Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog. A service dog is a term used in the USA to refer to any type of assistance dog specifically trained to help people who have disabilities, such as visual impairment, hearing impairments, mental disorders, seizures, mobility impairment, and diabetes. Service dogs are protected under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).

Saint Shepherd breed is a good choice for service purposes.

Therapy Work Suitability
Is a Saint Shepherd good as a therapy dog? Learn about the Saint Shepherd's therapy work aptitude.

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. A therapy dog is a dog that might be trained to provide affection, comfort, and love to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, disaster areas, and people with anxiety disorders or autism.

Saint Shepherd breed is a good choice for therapeutic purposes.

Scent Detection Ability
Is a Saint Shepherd good at detection work? Learn about the Saint Shepherd's scenting abilities.

Yes

After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work. A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones.

Saint Shepherd breed is a good choice for detection purposes.

Search & Rescue Potential
Can a Saint Shepherd do search and rescue? Learn about the Saint Shepherd's SAR capabilities.

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog. The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and in locating missing people.

The Saint Shepherd breed is a good choice for SAR purposes.

Maritime Work Ability
Is a Saint Shepherd good on boats? Learn about the Saint Shepherd's maritime capabilities.

Not really

Saint Shepherd breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.

Boat dogs were typically bred for their strength, stamina, and water resistance, as they were often required to perform tasks such as pulling in fishing nets, and jumping into the water to retrieve ropes or lines, or helping to move cargo.

Sailor dog is a type of dog that was bred to accompany sailors on their voyages. They were typically used for three purposes: as a working dog, a watchdog, and as a companion. A boat dog is a term used to describe a type of dog that was traditionally bred and used as a working dog on boats.

Draft Work Capability
Can a Saint Shepherd pull carts? Learn about the Saint Shepherd's drafting abilities.

Yes

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. Dogs bred for this work have strong builds and qualities that are needed, strength and determination.

Saint Shepherd breed is a good choice for drafting purposes.

Military Service Background
Was a Saint Shepherd used in military service? Learn about the Saint Shepherd's military history.

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Saint Shepherd Reproducibility

Puppy Litter Size
How many puppies does a Saint Shepherd usually have? Learn about typical litter sizes.
6-10 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
How long is a Saint Shepherd pregnant? Learn about the Saint Shepherd's gestation period.

60-64 days

Reproductive cycle of the female Saint Shepherd: The first period called Proestrus lasts for about 9 days.

During this time the females start to attract males. You can notice by swelling vulva and bloody discharge.

The second part is the Estrus when the female is receptive for the male. It lasts for about 3 to 11 days.

The sign of the proestrus part is the soft and enlarged vulva. The discharge decreases and lightens in color.

The third part is the Diestrus. Normally, it occurs around day 14. In this period the female’s discharge changes for vivid red and coming to its end. The vulva returns to average, and she will no longer permit mating.

The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time frame between heat periods normally lasts about six months.

Breeding Frequency
How often can a Saint Shepherd have puppies? Learn about safe breeding intervals.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy. It is very important not to buy a dog from a puppy mill, where the needs of the pups and their mothers are ignored. It's an inhumane high-volume dog breeding facility, where puppies born several times a year.

Saint Shepherd Recognition

AKC Classification
What AKC group is a Saint Shepherd in? Learn about the Saint Shepherd's AKC classification.
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Classification
What FCI group is a Saint Shepherd in? Learn about the Saint Shepherd's international classification.
Not recognized by FCI.

Saint Shepherd Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Intelligence Rating: Smart: The Saint Shepherd dogs have great intelligence.
  • Health Concerns: Very healthy dog breed.
  • Watchdog Rating: Saint Shepherd dogs are good watchdogs.
  • Impulse to Wander or Roam: Saint Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers.
  • Lifestyle Adaptability: Saint Shepherd dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
  • Child Compatibility: Saint Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
  • Cat Friendly: Saint Shepherd dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
  • Dog Friendly: Saint Shepherd dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
  • Senior Citizens Friendly: Saint Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
  • Good For First Time Owners: Saint Shepherd dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
  • Service Dog Capability: This breed makes good as a service dog.
  • Therapy Work Suitability: This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
  • Scent Detection Ability: After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.
  • Search & Rescue Potential: This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.
  • Draft Work Capability: A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
Cons
  • Allergy Friendliness: Saint Shepherd dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions.
  • Shedding Level: Saint Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders.
  • Stinkiness Rating: The Saint Shepherd has a high chance of bad smell.
  • Alone Time Tolerance: Saint Shepherd dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.
  • Office Friendly: Saint Shepherd is not the best dog breed for office environment.

Rate The Saint Shepherd Breed

Saint Shepherd Comments, Reviews and Questions