Every Saint Bernard sheds. Whether you choose a Langhaarig (rough or long coat) or a Stockhaarig (smooth or short coat), you will be living with dog hair. What changes between the two coats is how the hair comes out, where it ends up, and how you care for it. This guide covers Saint Bernard shedding from a breeder’s point of view, including a view that surprises many first time owners: the smooth coat often sheds more.
Two Coats, One Breed
The Saint Bernard comes in two coat varieties. The Langhaarig has a medium length coat, straight to slightly wavy, with feathering on the legs, a fuller tail, and longer hair around the neck and thighs. The Stockhaarig has a dense, tough, close lying coat. Both varieties are the same breed, judged by the same standard, and both can appear in the same litter. Our smooth vs rough coat Saint Bernards page explains the varieties in detail.
Both coats are double coats. A dense undercoat sits beneath the outer coat and insulates the dog against cold. That undercoat is what you will be brushing out, and it is why Saints shed so much.
Do Smooth Coat Saints Shed More?
Many people assume the long coat must shed more because there is more visible hair. In my experience, the opposite is usually true. Smooth Saints shed more.
The Stockhaarig coat drops short, stiff hairs steadily, and those hairs work their way into fabric, rugs, and car seats. Langhaarig hair tends to come out in softer tufts that are easier to see and gather, especially during a coat blow. The rough coat may look like more work, and it does need more brushing to prevent tangles, but the smooth coat is often the one that leaves more hair around the house day to day.
Individual dogs vary, and diet, season, age, and hormones all affect shedding. But if you are choosing a smooth because you expect less hair, adjust that expectation before your puppy comes home.
Why Smooth Saints Are Cherished
Smooth Saints are cherished by many breeders and judges for a reason that has nothing to do with shedding. A Stockhaarig coat shows the dog as it really is. Structure, muscling, topline, angulation, and movement are all visible, with nothing hidden by grooming. A long coat can be brushed, trimmed, and arranged to flatter a dog. A smooth coat cannot. What you see is the dog.
For anyone who cares about sound structure in a working breed, that honesty is valuable. You can learn more about how a Saint should be built on our size and growth page.
Seasonal Saint Bernard Shedding and Coat Blows
Saint Bernards shed year round, with heavier shedding at least once or twice a year, often in spring and fall. During a coat blow, the undercoat releases in large amounts over a few weeks. Expect clumps of hair on floors, furniture, and clothing.
Intact females may also drop coat in connection with their seasons or after a litter. Puppies go through coat changes as they mature, and a young Saint may look quite different at two years than at eight months.
A Brushing Routine for Saint Bernard Shedding
Stockhaarig (Smooth Coat)
- Brush at least weekly with a rubber curry or a bristle brush to lift loose hair.
- Use an undercoat rake or deshedding tool during coat blows.
- A grooming mitt between sessions helps catch the short hairs before they reach your floors.
Langhaarig (Rough Coat)
- Brush several times a week with a pin brush and a slicker brush.
- Follow with a wide tooth metal comb, working down to the skin.
- Pay attention to the areas behind the ears, the britches, the feathering on the legs, and the tail, where tangles start.
- Use an undercoat rake during coat blows.
For both coats, daily brushing during a coat blow makes the process much shorter and keeps hair from spreading through the house. Our Saint Bernard care and grooming guide covers bathing, nails, ears, and more.
Bathing and Drying
A bath with a thorough rinse during a coat blow helps loosen dead undercoat. Drying is the key step. A high velocity dryer pushes out loose hair and helps the coat dry to the skin, which matters for a dense double coat. Never leave a Saint damp in the undercoat for long periods. Do not shave a Saint Bernard. The double coat helps protect the skin and regulate temperature.
Living with the Hair
Practical habits make a big difference:
- Brush outdoors when you can.
- Choose washable covers for furniture and dog beds.
- Keep a good vacuum and a lint roller within reach.
- Cover car seats with washable seat covers.
Shedding often comes with another breed trait: drool. Read our Saint Bernard drool page and our Saint Bernard myths and facts for more about what to really expect.
Which Coat Is Right for You?
Choose a coat because you love the look and understand the care, not because you hope for less hair. A Langhaarig asks more brushing time to keep tangles away. A Stockhaarig asks for frequent short sessions to keep up with steady shedding, and rewards you with a clear view of the dog underneath.
Saint Bernard shedding is part of life with the breed, and the right brushing routine keeps it manageable. For breed background, see the AKC Saint Bernard breed page, and see how daily activity fits in on our Saint Bernard exercise page. To learn more about the breed, visit our Saint Bernard guide, read buying a Saint Bernard puppy in New England, or see our puppies page.
Frequently Asked Questions
How heavy is Saint Bernard shedding?
Saint Bernard shedding is heavy. Both coat varieties shed year round, with heavier seasonal coat blows.
Which Saint Bernard coat sheds more?
In my experience, the Stockhaarig, or smooth coat, usually sheds more day to day. The Langhaarig needs more brushing to prevent tangles.
Can I shave my Saint Bernard to reduce shedding?
No. Shaving a double coat does not stop shedding and can affect how the coat grows back and how the dog handles sun and temperature.
Are Saint Bernards hypoallergenic?
No. Saints shed and drool, so they are not a good choice for people looking for a low allergen dog.
How often should I brush a Saint Bernard?
At least weekly for a smooth and several times a week for a rough, with daily brushing during coat blows.