Do Saint Bernards shed? Yes, here's what helps
Yes, Saint Bernards shed, and the long-haired variety in particular sheds heavily during seasonal coat changes in spring and autumn, on top of a steady lower-level shed the rest of the year. Regular brushing with the right tool makes a genuine difference to how much fur ends up on your floors and furniture rather than in the bin.
Two coat types, two shedding patterns
Saint Bernards come in a rough, long-haired coat and a smooth, short-haired coat, and both shed, though the long-haired variety tends to show it more obviously because loose fur is longer and more visible around the home. Neither coat type is low-shedding, and no grooming routine changes that fact — it only manages it.
Both coat types carry a dense undercoat beneath the visible top coat, which is what really drives a heavy seasonal shed as the dog changes out their coat for the temperature ahead. Brushing reaches that undercoat far more effectively than it looks like it should from the top layer alone.
You'll find our dog grooming brushes in the shop.
What a heavy seasonal shed looks like
During a spring or autumn coat change, sometimes called 'blowing coat', a Saint Bernard can shed noticeably more than usual for several weeks at a stretch. This is completely normal for the breed and is not the same as a health-related hair loss, though a bald patch or broken, brittle-looking coat outside this pattern is worth mentioning to your vet.
Owners who are new to the breed are often caught out by how much more fur appears during these periods compared with the rest of the year, which is exactly when stepping up brushing frequency for a few weeks makes the biggest difference.
What actually helps
A dedicated deshedding tool or comb designed to reach the undercoat, used several times a week during a heavy shed and less often the rest of the year, is the single most effective thing an owner can do. Bathing occasionally with a shedding-focused shampoo can also loosen dead coat before brushing, making the job easier.
It is worth separating shedding from drooling when judging this breed — Saint Bernards are also famously heavy droolers, which is an entirely different trait related to their loose jowls rather than their coat, and no amount of grooming changes that particular characteristic.
Kit for this breed
Things we stock that owners commonly reach for here. Nothing on this page depends on you buying one.
Wahl Competition Series Clipper Blades
High-precision, chrome-plated clipper blades with a rust-resistant finish, available in 17 sizes for every coat type and clipping style.
From£37.99
Wahl Pet Grooming Scissors with Finger Rest
Stainless steel finishing scissors with ergonomic offset handles — perfect for tidying around eyes, ears, mouth, and paws.
£5.49
Slicker Brush for Dogs — Detangling & De-shedding
An ergonomic slicker brush with anti-scratch pins that works through tangles and removes dead hair from top and undercoat.
From£9.99
Ancol Ergo Wooden Handle Slicker Brush
A stainless steel slicker brush on a wooden handle, for short, long, wiry and curly coats
From£6.99
Common questions
- Are Saint Bernards hypoallergenic?
- No. They shed a substantial amount, particularly during seasonal coat changes, and produce the same dander as most dogs. Anyone with a significant allergy is unlikely to find a Saint Bernard a comfortable breed to live with.
- How often should I brush a Saint Bernard?
- A couple of times a week is reasonable for most of the year, increasing to most days during a heavy seasonal shed in spring and autumn. Regular brushing spreads the job out rather than leaving it all to build up.
- What's the best tool for Saint Bernard shedding?
- A deshedding comb or brush designed to reach the dense undercoat, rather than a standard slicker brush that only manages the top coat, tends to make the biggest visible difference during a heavy shed.
- Does a Saint Bernard's shedding get worse with age?
- Not typically in a way owners usually notice, though coat condition generally is worth keeping an eye on as a dog gets older. A sudden change in how much or how a dog is shedding is worth mentioning to your vet rather than assuming it is simply age.
- Do Saint Bernards need professional grooming?
- Most owners manage routine brushing themselves at home, but a professional groom every so often can help during a particularly heavy seasonal shed, especially for the long-haired variety. It is not essential, more a convenience some owners choose during the busiest weeks.
Related
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Written against guidance published by UK veterinary and welfare organisations. Always confirm specifics with your own vet.
Written by Matt Garnett, who runs Giddy Pets and is a lifelong pet owner — not a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your animal. How we write these guides.