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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
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Saint Shepherd dog profile picture
OriginSwitzerland flagSwitzerland Germany flagGermany Italy flagItaly
Breed Type
What type of dog breed is it?
Cross Breed St. Bernard and German Shepherd mix

Saint Shepherd Size and Weight

Size
Is a Saint Shepherd small, medium or large dog?

How big do Saint Shepherd get?

What is the average size of a Saint Shepherd?

LargeGiant
Weight
How much does the Saint Shepherd weigh? How much should a Saint Shepherd weight? What is the normal weight of a Saint Shepherd? How much does a full-grown Saint Shepherd weight?
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
How much does the Saint Shepherd puppy cost? What is the price range of this puppy? What is the average price of a Saint Shepherd in the United States? How much money is a Saint Shepherd?

Where to buy a Saint Shepherd with a good pedigree?

$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

Intelligent Rank
How smart is the Saint Shepherd? Is the Saint Shepherd breed dumb or smart?
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.

Trainability
Are Saint Shepherd dogs easy to train? Do they go well on dog training? How hard is it to train a Saint Shepherd?
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 Ability
Is Saint Shepherd good as a watchdog? Are they alert at night?
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.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Do Saint Shepherd dogs have aggressive behavior to protect their home/house/territory? Do they have guarding instincts?
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

Temperament
What kind of personality does the Saint Shepherd have? What characteristics or traits does the breed have?
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

Playfulness
How playful is this 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.
Barking
Do Saint Shepherd dogs bark a lot? Are they barkers/noisy? Why does my Saint Shepherd bark?
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.

Apartment Friendly
Is Saint Shepherd good as an apartment dog? Can they live in a flat? Can you have a Saint Shepherd in an apartment?
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

Adaptability
Are they adaptable and easy-going?
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.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
How long can a Saint Shepherd be left alone? How long can you leave a Saint Shepherd alone?
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 Force PSI
Does the Saint Shepherd has a hard bite? What is the bite force of a Saint Shepherd? How much bite force does a Saint Shepherd have? How strong is a Saint Shepherd bite?

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.

Biting Potential
Do Saint Shepherd bite humans? How likely are you to get bitten from the Saint Shepherd? What are the odds of getting bitten by a Saint Shepherd? Why do dog bites happen?

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.)
Mouthiness
How much mouthing/nipping/play biting does the Saint Shepherd do?
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.

Saint Shepherd Health and Lifespan

Health Issues
Is it a healthy or unhealthy breed? Do Saint Shepherd dogs have health problems or genetic diseases?
Very healthy dog breed. The Saint Shepherd rarely meets with the 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
Veterinarian Visits
How often does the Saint Shepherd breed need to go to the vet? How often should you take your dog to the vet? How often should the Saint Shepherd see the vet?
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.
Life Expectancy
How long do Saint Shepherd dogs live? How old can a Saint Shepherd be? What is the age limit of the Saint Shepherd? How many years can the oldest Saint Shepherd live?

What is the average life expectancy / lifespan of a Saint Shepherd?

How long is the lifespan of a Saint Shepherd?

9-13 years
The average lifespan of Saint Shepherd: 11 years
Weather and Climate
Which weather condition is preferred by this dog? Can they tolerate hot or cold weather and climate?
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.

Saint Shepherd Energy and Activity

Energy Level
How much energy does the Saint Shepherd have? What is the activity level of the Saint Shepherd?
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

Average daily food consumption
How much food does a Saint Shepherd need? What dog products should I buy? How much food does a Saint Shepherd breed eat per day? What is good dog food for Saint Shepherd? How much food should I feed my Saint Shepherd?
6 to 8 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
How easy to gain weight for this dog? Saint Shepherd risk for obesity:
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.

Saint Shepherd Allergies and Grooming

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat does the Saint Shepherd have? What does this canine coat/fur look like?
DenseRoughFuzzySmooth
Colors
What color is the breed's coat? What color are proper Saint Shepherd coats?
BlackTan Red White SilverBrown Brindle Tricolor
Grooming
How to groom the Saint Shepherd and how often? How often should I take my Saint Shepherd to the groomer?
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.

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.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
How often does the Saint Shepherd need a bath? How often should you give a Saint Shepherd a bath? Can I bathe my Saint Shepherd every day?
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.

Hypoallergenic
Is the Saint Shepherd breed hypoallergenic?
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.
Stinkiness
How stinky is this dog? Why does it smell bad and how to get rid of the smell?

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.
Drooling Tendency
Does the Saint Shepherd drool?
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.

Saint Shepherd Good With

Pet Friendly
Are they pet-friendly dogs? How well do Saint Shepherd dogs get along with other pets? Are Saint Shepherd dogs good with pets? What is this canine temperament with other pets?
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.
Child Friendly
Are Saint Shepherd dogs kid-friendly? Are they good with young children? Saint Shepherd temperament with children:
Saint Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs. This breed enjoys being surrounded by children.
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
Are they good as service dogs? Can Saint Shepherd be a guide dog? Are they used as seeing-eye dogs?

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 Dog
Are they good as therapy dogs? Can Saint Shepherd be a therapy dog? Are they good anxiety dogs? Can a Saint Shepherd be an emotional support animal?

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.

Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Are they good as detection dogs? Can Saint Shepherd be a sniffer dog?

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 and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Are they good as SAR dogs? Can Saint Shepherd be a search and rescue dog?

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.

Boat and Sailor Dog
Are they good as boat dogs? Can Saint Shepherd be a boat dog?

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.

Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Are they good as cart pulling dogs? Can Saint Shepherd be a drafting dog?

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.

Fighting Dog / Military Dog
Where Saint Shepherd dogs used as fighting / military dogs in history?

Not really

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

Saint Shepherd Reproducibility

Gestation Length
How long is a Saint Shepherd pregnant?How long does it take to have puppies? How to tell if the Saint Shepherd breed is pregnant?

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.

Litter Frequency

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.
Litter Size
How many puppies can the Saint Shepherd have in a litter? How many puppies can the Saint Shepherd breed have for the first time? How many puppies does a Saint Shepherd have? How many puppies can a Saint Shepherd give birth to?
6-10 puppies

Saint Shepherd Recognition

AKC Group
Is Saint Shepherd recognized by the American Kennel Club?
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Group
Is Saint Shepherd recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI)?
Not recognized by FCI.

Saint Shepherd Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Intelligent Rank: Smart: The Saint Shepherd dogs have great intelligence.
  • Health Issues: Very healthy dog breed.
  • Watchdog Ability: Saint Shepherd dogs are good watchdogs.
  • Impulse to Wander or Roam: Saint Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers.
  • Adaptability: Saint Shepherd dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
  • Child Friendly: 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: This breed makes good as a service dog.
  • Therapy Dog: This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
  • Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog: After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.
  • Search and Rescue Dog (SAR): This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.
  • Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog: A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
Cons
  • Hypoallergenic: Saint Shepherd dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions.
  • Shedding Level: Saint Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders.
  • Stinkiness: The Saint Shepherd has a high chance of bad smell.
  • Tolerates Being Left Alone: 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.

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