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A Saint Bernard is a lot of dog for a Brooklyn apartment — in the best way — but that size comes with a grooming routine built for a genuinely giant, heavy-shedding breed, not a scaled-up version of a medium dog’s routine.
Quick answer: Saint Bernards need professional grooming every 6-8 weeks, with brushing at home 2-3 times a week (and daily during seasonal shedding) to manage their thick double coat. At Brooklyn Pet Spa, a full Saint Bernard groom typically runs $120-$160 given the dog’s size and coat volume, and takes 2-2.5 hours.
A Double Coat Built for Shedding, Not for City Summers
Saint Bernards come in rough-coated and smooth-coated varieties, but both carry a dense, insulating undercoat beneath a longer outer coat — a combination bred for cold mountain climates, not for a humid Brooklyn July. That undercoat sheds heavily twice a year during seasonal blowouts, plus a steady lower-level shed the rest of the time. A deshedding treatment during these peak shedding windows removes loose undercoat before it ends up on your floors and furniture, and it also helps the dog stay more comfortable in warmer months.
Drool and Facial Fold Care
The loose jowls that give Saint Bernards their classic look also mean more drool than most breeds, and the facial folds can trap moisture and food debris if they’re not wiped down regularly. A daily wipe with a damp cloth around the mouth and face folds helps prevent skin irritation and odor between grooming visits.
Brushing at Home Between Visits
A slicker brush followed by an undercoat rake, two to three times a week, is the realistic baseline for a Saint Bernard — and daily brushing during the spring and fall shed makes a noticeable difference in how much hair ends up around your apartment. Given the dog’s size, working in sections (legs, back, chest, hindquarters) rather than trying to brush the whole coat in one pass makes the job far more manageable.
Nail, Paw & Ear Care for a Giant Breed
A Saint Bernard’s weight puts extra strain on the nails and paw pads, so regular nail trims matter more here than with smaller breeds — overly long nails can affect how the dog stands and walks. Their drop ears also need regular checking and cleaning, since reduced airflow can make them prone to buildup and infection, similar to other floppy-eared breeds.
How Often Should a Saint Bernard Be Groomed?
Most Saint Bernards do well on a 6-8 week professional grooming schedule, with the two seasonal shedding windows (typically spring and fall) being a good time to book a dedicated deshedding treatment in addition to the regular groom.
Saint Bernard Grooming Cost in Brooklyn
Given the dog’s size and coat volume, a full Saint Bernard groom runs $120-$160 at Brooklyn Pet Spa and takes longer than a standard appointment. See our full breed rate chart for exact pricing, or book a groom directly.
At-Home Care Checklist
- Brush with a slicker brush and undercoat rake 2-3 times a week (daily during spring/fall shedding)
- Wipe the face and jowl folds daily with a damp cloth to prevent odor and irritation
- Check nails regularly — extra body weight makes overgrown nails more of a problem
- Check and clean drop ears for buildup, especially after baths
- Book a professional groom every 6-8 weeks, plus a deshedding treatment during seasonal blowouts
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should a Saint Bernard be professionally groomed?
Every 6-8 weeks, with extra deshedding treatments during the spring and fall seasonal shedding windows.
Do Saint Bernards shed a lot?
Yes — they’re heavy shedders year-round, with two major seasonal blowouts. Regular brushing and periodic deshedding treatments make a big difference.
How much does it cost to groom a Saint Bernard in Brooklyn?
A full groom typically runs $120-$160 given the dog’s size and coat volume, and takes about 2-2.5 hours.
Why does my Saint Bernard drool so much, and does it need special grooming care?
Their loose jowls naturally produce more drool and can trap moisture in the facial folds. Daily wiping of the face and folds helps prevent skin irritation and odor.
Is a Saint Bernard a good fit for a Brooklyn apartment despite the shedding?
Many Saint Bernards do fine in apartments given enough space and exercise — the shedding itself is manageable with a consistent brushing routine and regular professional grooming.
Ready to book your Saint Bernard’s next groom? Book an appointment at Brooklyn Pet Spa, or explore our full grooming services.
