American Puppy

St. Bernard grooming in St. Charles, MO

Everything a St. Bernard owner in St. Charles needs to know about coat care — what it needs, how often, and why it matters.

Coat
Dense double coat found in both a smooth (shorthaired) and rough (longhaired) variety
Shedding
High — heavy shedder, especially during seasonal coat changes
Matting risk
Moderate to high in the longhaired variety — feathering and britches mat; low in the smooth variety
Recommended
A bath and de-shed every 6–8 weeks

Why grooming matters for a St. Bernard

St. Bernards carry a thick double coat over a very large body, so the sheer volume of hair and undercoat they shed is significant. Regular de-shedding baths pull out the loose undercoat that would otherwise pack down, keep the dog cooler, and cut back on the hair around your home.

This breed is also known for drool, which collects on the flews, chest, and feathering and needs regular cleaning. In the longhaired variety especially, the feathering on the legs, tail, and rear tangles and benefits from consistent brushing and light tidying.

What we pay attention to

Undercoat

The dense undercoat must be blown out and raked so it doesn't compact against the skin.

Drool zones

The flews, chest, and beard collect saliva and should be cleaned regularly to control odor and staining.

Feathering

On longhaired St. Bernards the leg and tail feathering tangles and needs line-brushing and tidying.

Recommended services for your St. Bernard

St. Bernard grooming FAQs

Should I shave my St. Bernard to keep it cool in summer?

Shaving isn't recommended for this double-coated breed. The coat insulates against heat as well as cold and shields the skin from sun, and shaving can interfere with healthy regrowth. A deep de-shedding bath that removes packed undercoat is the safer way to help a St. Bernard stay comfortable.

How can I keep up with the shedding?

Brush several times a week with an undercoat rake and slicker, reaching all the way down to the skin. Scheduling professional de-shedding baths every couple of months removes far more loose undercoat than home brushing alone. Together these keep shedding manageable and the coat healthy.

Book your St. Bernard's groom

Breed-specific care in St. Charles, MO — bandana & bows always included.

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Grooming guides for other breeds

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