Saint Bernard Dog Breed Information

Group

Working

Weight

63-81 kg

Height

70-90 cm

Lifespan

8-10 years

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About the Saint Bernard

Reviewed by:

Dr. Liza Cahn

Veterinarian

If you are looking for an affectionate, loyal, and intelligent furry friend for your family, a Saint Bernard might just be the paw-fect choice for you.

This breed guide is designed to provide you with everything you need to know about this dog – from its eventful history to grooming, training, and healthcare guidelines. So if you want to find out if these gentle giants are the right fit for your home and personality, keep on reading!

What is the history & origin of the Saint Bernard?

The origin and history of the Saint Bernard breed is rooted in the Swiss Alps, with connections to the Great Saint Bernard Pass, one of the highest road passes in Switzerland.

The breed’s development can be traced back to ancient Roman times, but gained prominence when Monks at the Great Saint Bernard Hospice, a traveler’s refuge, bred these dogs to serve as working animals. The hospice’s local Italian, Archdeacon Bernard de Menthon, after whom the breed is named, is believed to have owned this dog breed during the 16th century.

Initially used as watch and farm dogs, the Saint Bernards’ incredible sense of smell and life-saving abilities soon led them to be employed in search and rescue work. These dogs (such as Barry) became renowned for finding and aiding lost travelers in the snowy and treacherous terrain of the Alps.

The Swiss Saint Bernard Club was founded in Basel in March 1884, formalizing the breed’s standards. Over time, the breed has become one of the world’s most famous and beloved dogs.

Although specific details about the breed’s early development are somewhat elusive, the Saint Bernard’s legacy as a gentle giant and hero of the alpine rescues continues to endear them to dog lovers worldwide.

What is a Saint Bernard breed?

The Saint Bernard dog breed is easily recognisable by their floppy ears and droopy eyes, with significant bi-coloured mask-like markings. These friendly-appearing dogs are known for their affectionate and gentle temperament.

Possessing a robust and muscular build, the Saint Bernard is a striking presence, often characterized by its large head, soulful eyes, and thick, warm coat. Though they may appear imposing, these dogs are often referred to as “gentle giants,” displaying a natural affinity for children and a calm demeanor.

They are frequently kept as family pets due to their loyalty and desire for companionship. Despite their size, they are generally good-natured and adaptable, happy to live in various environments as long as they receive the love and attention they crave.

Who is a Saint Bernard best for?

The Saint Bernard loves companionship and is the perfect family dog. These gentle giants are incredibly friendly dogs and great family protectors, who get along well with basically anyone. They form strong bonds with their owners and are particularly patient with children.

While they are a large breed requiring space to move, they are not necessarily in need of their own garden; however, they require at least half an hour of daily outdoor exercise or walks. You should be sure that you can put in the time not just to take your furry friend for a walk but also to spend significant personal time with them.

If you’re a neat freak, you might want to consider other dogs to be more suitable for your lifestyle and the cleanliness of your apartment. Grooming Saint Bernards can be very time-intensive and messy as these dogs tend to shed a lot of dog hair. On top of that, they’re also prone to drooling a lot!

Due to their large size and thick fur coat, Saint Bernards may do best in cooler climates. These gentle giants can be prone to heat stroke if not provided with ample places to cool off and lots of water. This is definitely important to keep in mind when living in Australia.

Their size and strength require proper training, possibly making them a challenging choice for first-time dog owners. However, their loving nature and tendency to be protective without aggression make them wonderful companions for those willing to meet their specific needs. Overall, Saint Bernards are perfect for those looking for a friendly and gentle family protector, willing to invest time in grooming and moderate exercise.

Saint Bernard Grooming & Shedding

While this breed comes in short-haired (smooth-coat) or long-haired (rough-coat) varieties, both are prone to shedding and drooling (so be sure to keep a towel or cloth handy). Many owners elect to take their Saint Bernards to a professional groomer, but you can also groom your pup at home using the guidelines below:

Brushing: Start by brushing the coat at least once a week to remove loose hairs, dirt, and prevent mats and tangles. Be gentle, especially if you encounter any snags.
De-shedding: During shedding seasons, you may need to increase the frequency of brushing and use a de-shedding tool to remove the loose undercoat.
Bathing: Bathe your Saint Bernard as needed, typically every six to eight weeks, or more often if they get dirty or smell. Use a gentle, dog-specific shampoo to avoid irritation. Wet the coat thoroughly and apply the shampoo, working it through the coat. Rinse thoroughly to remove all shampoo residue.
Conditioning: Consider using a conditioner formulated for dogs to keep the coat soft and manageable. Follow the instructions on the product and rinse well.
Ear Cleaning: Check and clean your dog’s ears regularly with a vet-approved ear cleaner. Use a soft cloth or cotton ball, and never insert anything into the ear canal.
Nail Trimming: Trim your pup’s nails regularly using appropriate dog nail clippers. If you’re unsure how to do this, seek guidance from a vet or professional groomer to avoid injury.
Teeth Cleaning: Regular dental care is vital for overall health. Brush your dog’s teeth several times a week using a dog-specific toothbrush and toothpaste.
Trimming Hair Around Paws and Other Areas: You may need to trim the hair between the paw pads and around the ears, hindquarters, and other areas to prevent matting and keep your dog comfortable.
Check for Signs of Health Problems: As you groom, keep an eye out for any signs of skin irritation, lumps, or other issues that might require veterinary attention.

Do Saint Bernards bark a lot?

If you are looking for a dog that does not alert you every time the mailman walks by, this breed might be the right fit for you! These dogs are not prone to barking and will only make a noise when they feel that their family is in danger.

What is the average weight & height of a Saint Bernard dog?

Saint Bernards are large and imposing, and considered to be a giant breed.

The typical height for male Saint Bernards ranges from about 70 to 90 cm and they can weigh 63-81 kg. Females are generally slightly smaller, ranging from about 65 to 80 cm, and weighing in at 54-63 kg.

Are Saint Bernards easy to train?

Puppy parents are recommended to start training and socialisation with other dogs as early as possible. Obedience training is absolutely paramount for your playful and adventurous puppy. Due to their large size, these dogs can easily become rowdy and knock people over, especially children.

This breed is considered moderately easy to train. They are intelligent and eager to please their owners, and their instinctive desire to be obedient will override any stubbornness quickly. However, their large size and strength can present a challenge, especially for first time dog owners.

Positive reinforcement techniques are the best way to train these gentle and sensitive dogs. With patience and practice they can be great at dog sports and obedience trials, and can also excel in pulling competitions.

How do Saint Bernards behave? A look at their temperament and personality

This breed might not be the most active, but it is known to be playful, charming and most of all, a very gentle dog. Their temperament is one of kindness, warmth, and tranquility, which will melt the hearts of those around them. A friendly and welcoming nature makes them great with children, as they are very careful, forgiving, and patient.

It’s crucial to remember that they require social interaction and consistent attention from their human companions. Long periods of isolation can lead to distress and undesirable behavior. Their natural protective instincts can emerge if they perceive a threat to their family, yet they are not prone to unnecessary aggression.

The Saint Bernard’s temperament, combined with its iconic appearance, has made it a beloved breed among families seeking a loyal, loving, and gentle canine companion.

Does the Saint Bernard have any common health issues?

Due to their size, your furry friend does come with some health problems which are important to consider. Here are some common health problems that can be found in this breed:

Hip Dysplasia: A hereditary condition causing malformation of the hip joint, leading to pain and arthritis.
Elbow Dysplasia: Developmental abnormalities in the elbow joint, resulting in lameness and chronic pain.
Osteosarcoma: A type of malignant bone cancer, often affecting older dogs, leading to pain and swelling.
Gastric Dilatation Volvulus (GDV or Bloat): A life-threatening condition where the stomach twists, requiring immediate veterinary intervention.
Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM): A heart condition that leads to reduced pumping efficiency, causing lethargy and breathing difficulties.
Eye Problems: Conditions like entropion and ectropion, which can cause irritation and may require surgical correction.

What is the lifespan of a Saint Bernard?

Unfortunately, these furry friends do not stick around for as long as you and your family might want them to. Their life expectancy often ends between eight and ten years.

How much does a Saint Bernard need to be fed?

You should work together with your trusted veterinarian or a canine nutritionist to decide the most appropriate food for your pup. These friendly dogs require a lot of food to maintain their size and strength without straining their bones and joints.

When choosing a diet, look for WSAVA and AAFCO seals of approval, indicating that the food is complete and balanced. It is also important to feed a giant breed puppy food to your growing Saint Bernard. As this breed is already prone to heart disease, it is especially critical to avoid grain-free diets, which have recently been linked to dilated cardiomyopathy in dogs.

Most owners feed two meals per day after puppyhood, with the amount depending on your dog’s diet, size, and activity level. You can give your dog quality treats in moderation, especially during training, but avoid feeding table scraps as this could be unhealthy and also result in unwanted begging behaviour. Additionally, fresh water should always be available.

As with many large deep chested breeds, bloat (twisting of the stomach also known as gastric dilitation and volvulus or GDV) is possible, so feeding smaller more frequent meals and encouraging eating slowly may be beneficial.

How much can you expect to pay for a Saint Bernard in Australia?

In Australia, these puppies sell for between $2000 and $4000. It’s essential to recognize that the initial cost of the puppy is only a small part of the total expenses. Ongoing costs for food, veterinary care, grooming, training, and other necessities should also be factored into your budget.

When going for a pure-bred puppy, it is recommended to always buy your dog from local and verified breed clubs. Your breeder must follow responsible breeding practices and utilize appropriate testing and veterinary care to contribute to the health and temperament of their puppies. For this breed recommended testing includes hip and elbow evaluation, cardiac exam, eye evaluation, and DNA test for degenerative myelopathy.

Adopting a dog through an animal shelter or breed-specific rescue is another excellent option.

Saint Bernard FAQs

Are Saint Bernards outside dogs?

These dogs want to be around their family at all times and are therefore not recommended to be kept outside. Especially in warm climates, they can be prone to overheating. They do require at least 30 minutes of outdoor exercise per day.

How many puppies can a Saint Bernard have?

Saint Bernards typically have litters ranging from 6 to 8 puppies. This number can be influenced by various factors, including the dog’s age, health, and genetics. In some cases, litters may be smaller or larger than this range. It’s always recommended to have regular veterinary care during pregnancy to ensure the health of both the mother and the puppies.

Are Saint Bernards ideal for a first-time dog owner?

Their size and strength can make Saint Bernards a bit challenging to handle if not trained properly. It might not be the best breed for a first-time dog owner unless they are committed to learning proper training techniques or working with a professional trainer.