This mighty dog is a sensitive character – gentle, patient, loyal and loving. A Saint Bernard is a friend of everyone and is always up for a walk or a tummy pat.
Personality and temperament
The classic mountain rescue dog, Saint Bernards make gentle, caring and loyal housemates. They’re especially fond of playtime with kids (and other pets) and will gravitate towards family members who carry a sense of calm and confidence. These giant dogs are sensitive creatures who thrive in relaxed homes and with laid-back humans. They make friendly family pooches, love learning and are eager to please. Just watch out for the drool…
Size and appearance
This powerful breed is considered a giant dog. They have heavy muscular bodies – weighing up to a whopping 82kg – and a large head and oversized ears. There is a short coat variety and a long coat variety that both come in shades of red and white, brindle and white, or mahogany and white (often with a black facial mask). Their welcoming face, with loose-set eyes and drooling upturned mouth, carries a constant expression that makes you want to say ‘Aww, what’s up buddy? Are you sad?’. They’re not. They probably just need a cuddle.
History
This giant breed was named after a famous hospice founded in the year 1049 that helped travellers passing through the two highest summits of the Swiss Alps. The monks from the hospice used resilient, strong mountain dogs to help travellers to safety. Saint Bernards as we know them today were the result of the monks cross-breeding large breeds (similar to Mastiffs) and local Swiss breeds. Sant Bernards as a breed first appeared in the 17th century and were used as rescue dogs throughout the area. Their popularity rose over the next two hundred years and by the 1840s, Queen Victoria herself owned two. Around the same time, the first Saint Bernards arrived in New Zealand and then Australia shortly afterwards. The Saint Bernard is now recognised as the official dog of Switzerland.
Health conditions that can affect this breed
Saint Bernards are strong and sturdy dogs, however they can be prone to the following health conditions:
- Hip and elbow dysplasia (where the joints don’t form properly)
- Heart issues, including dilated cardiomyopathy
- Bloat (GDV) (life-threatening stomach twisting)
- Eye conditions
- Osteosarcoma (bone cancer more common in giant breeds)
- Obesity
- Heat intolerance
Regular vet check-ups and care can help manage these conditions and keep your Saint Bernard healthy.
Food and exercise
Large dog equals large food bowl, right? Yes and no. Watch these cheeky fellows as they tend to overeat, and excess weight on their giant frame isn’t great for joint health. Portion control, a nutrient-dense diet and regular feeding times can help avoid this.
Despite their giant paws and strong back legs, this gentle breed only needs about 30-60 minutes of exercise a day. This could be made up of slow-paced walks and gentle play, as well as mental stimulation like hide and seek with toys. Saint Bernards overheat quickly so exercise in the coolest parts of the day or night, and make sure they have access to plenty of shade and water.
Grooming and maintenance
Both the short hair and long haired varieties of Saint Bernards need regular grooming. They both shed moderately year-round, with a seasonal blow out in spring and autumn so invest in a great vacuum cleaner!
- Bathe: every 6-8 weeks (more often for long haired varieties)
- Professional groom: every 8-10 weeks (helpful for de-shedding)
How to groom your Saint Bernard
- Fur: brush 2-3 times a week using a slicker brush and undercoat rake. Daily brushing is helpful during heavy shedding.
- Nails: trim every 3-4 weeks
- Ears: clean weekly (their floppy ears can harbour bacteria that causes infections)
- Eyes: wipe gently when needed with a damp cloth. Saint Bernards have loose eyelids, so check them regularly for irritation and tear marks.
Training and space requirements
Patience and consistency is vital when training this giant sook. They’re slow to mature and can be a little on the stubborn side. Apart from that, their pure strength and huge size can also make training challenging. Positive reinforcement will speak to their sensitive nature, and treats will talk to their tummies.
Not surprisingly, Saint Bernards need lots of space to move around in both indoors and out – secure backyards are essential. A lot of shade and even a misting fan can help during the hotter weather, too. They generally don’t suit smaller space living or apartment life.
Best suited for…
Big, burly and a total softie, Saint Bernards make for gentle, patient housemates that get along well with everyone, including kids and other animals. They suit families and those who can offer them enough space to run around it, and enough time to cater for their grooming and exercise needs. This is a calm soul with a lot of love (and drool) to give.
