Learn Facts About Saint Bernard Dogs: History, Care, and Traits

Saint Bernard dogs have a rich history dating back to the 17th century, originally bred to assist monks in the Swiss Alps.

Their original purpose was to rescue travelers stranded in the snow, and they were known for their keen sense of smell and endurance.

Saint Bernards are large dogs, typically weighing between 120 and 180 pounds, and standing between 26 and 30 inches tall at the shoulder.

They have a thick coat of fur that requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling.

The Saint Bernard is a sweetheart, loyal and affectionate with their families, but less open to strangers due to their watchdog role.

They're adaptable animals and surprisingly tolerant of cold weather, making them perfect for outdoor activities in cooler climates.

Saint Bernards are intelligent animals, thanks to their historical work as rescue dogs, but they also have an independent streak that can make training challenging.

Early training and socialization are crucial, especially for novice pet owners, due to the dog's large size and sensitive nature.

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These gentle giants are sensitive and don't enjoy being alone, making them better suited for active households where someone is always around to keep them company.

Saint Bernards are calm, patient, and sweet with adults and children, and are generally not instinctively protective, but may bark at strangers.

Their large size makes them good deterrents against potential intruders, and they're eager to please, which can make training easier.

Saint Bernards are intelligent and willing to please, but sometimes stubborn, requiring early training and socialization to ensure they grow into well-rounded dogs.

They love attention but aren't as demanding of it as some breeds, making them a great choice for families who want a loving companion.

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Saint Bernards are kid-friendly, but it's essential to supervise playtime with young children to ensure everyone's safety.

Their moderate tendency to be nippy means you should monitor their behavior around little ones.

Families with older children might be a better fit due to the dog's large size, which can be overwhelming for young kids.

Saint Bernards are often called "nanny" dogs because of their kind and careful temperament, making them gentle giants with a seemingly never-ending patience.

While they can generally be trusted with and around young children, it's still recommended to supervise any interaction around little ones.

Their friendly nature makes them a great addition to many families, but it's crucial to consider their needs and the needs of your children when deciding to bring a Saint Bernard home.

Saint Bernards can get along with other pets if introduced to them in puppyhood, but it's essential to supervise their interactions, especially with smaller dogs and cats.

They don't have a keen prey drive, which is a plus, but they may not welcome other dogs or pets. Supervise any interactions between a Saint Bernard and other animals, including kids.

Saints are patient and gentle around kids, but it's crucial to teach children how to approach and touch dogs and never to approach a dog while it's sleeping, eating, or trying to take its food away.

Supervising interactions between young children and Saints is a must to prevent ear-pulling, tail-pulling, biting, climbing, or knocking over.

Owning a Saint Bernard requires a big space in your home and yard, as they need room to move around.

You'll need to provide your Saint Bernard with more food than average dogs, so be prepared for larger meals and potentially more frequent feeding.

Saint Bernards drool a lot, so it's essential to always carry a towel when traveling with your pet to clean up after them.

When considering the size of your Saint Bernard, it's essential to know that males stand 28 to 30 inches at the shoulder. This means they'll take up a significant amount of space in your home.

Males weigh between 140 to 180 pounds, which can be a challenge for some owners, especially if you live in a small apartment. Females, on the other hand, are slightly smaller, standing 26 to 28 inches tall. They weigh between 120 to 140 pounds, making them a great option for those who want a smaller Saint Bernard.

The name "St. Bernard" has a fascinating origin. It originates from the Great St Bernard Hospice, a traveler's hospice on the often treacherous Great St Bernard Pass in the Western Alps, between Switzerland and Italy.

The pass and the dogs are named after Bernard of Menthon, an 11th-century Italian monk who established the station. He's the one who deserves the credit for the name's origins.

The name "St. Bernard" wasn't widely used until the middle of the 19th century. Before that time, the dogs were simply called "Saint Dogs", "Noble Steeds", or "Barry Dogs".

Saint Bernards need moderate exercise to prevent obesity, which can lead to joint problems and arthritis. They should get regular exercise, but avoid overexerting them, especially in hot weather.

Carrying too much weight is hard on their joints, so it's essential to keep them at a healthy weight. Saint Bernards are prone to heat exhaustion and heatstroke, so make sure they have access to shade and fresh water. Heavy panting, dark-red gums, and weakness or collapse are signs of fatigue and heat exhaustion.

A well-trained Saint Bernard is a wonderful family companion, and early training is crucial. They benefit from puppy socialization classes and obedience training, which should start at a young age. Saint Bernards are naturally friendly, but they can be rambunctious, so crate training is also a good idea.

Feeding your Saint Bernard is a crucial aspect of their care.

You'll need to provide them with high-quality dry food, with a daily amount ranging from 5 to 6 cups, divided into two meals.

Their individual needs will depend on their size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level.

To ensure they don't overeat, it's essential to measure their food and feed them twice a day rather than leaving food out all the time.

Saint Bernards are prone to obesity, so monitoring their food intake and activity level is vital.

You can perform the eye test and hands-on test to check if your Saint Bernard is overweight: look down at them and see if you can spot a waist, then place your hands on their back with your fingers spread downward.

If you can't feel their ribs without pressing hard, they need less food and more exercise.

Exercise is essential for Saint Bernards, but they need it in moderation to prevent obesity and joint problems. Limit exercise for your puppy until they reach mature size.

Carrying too much weight can cause arthritis or orthopedic issues, so it's crucial to monitor your Saint Bernard's weight. Avoid letting them run or jump on slick floors, as this can lead to hip problems.

Saint Bernards are prone to heat exhaustion and heatstroke, so it's vital to exercise them in the cooler parts of the day and provide access to shade and fresh water. Be aware of the signs of fatigue and heat exhaustion, which include heavy panting, dark-red gums, and weakness or collapse.

Early training is essential for Saint Bernards, as they can be destructive if left untrained. Train your Saint Bernard using a happy and relaxed approach, and be consistent in setting ground rules.

Crate training is a useful tool for housetraining, keeping your dog and belongings safe, and providing a cozy refuge for your Saint Bernard.

Grooming is an essential part of Saint Bernard care, and regular brushing can help keep their thick coat under control. Weekly brushing sessions can also be a great opportunity to get your pet accustomed to being handled.

Saint Bernards shed twice a year, so be prepared for some extra hair around that time. Regular nail and ear checks during brushing sessions can also help prevent health issues. Handling your dog frequently and touching their paws will make grooming much easier for you.

Here are some common health issues to be aware of:

Grooming is a crucial part of keeping your dog healthy and clean. Regular grooming sessions can help prevent matting and tangling of their fur, which can be painful for your dog.

Weekly brushing is essential for dogs like the Saint Bernard, which sheds twice yearly. By brushing your dog weekly, you can keep their hair under control and prevent it from getting all over your furniture.

Checking your dog's nails and ears during brushing sessions is also a good idea. This will help you get your dog accustomed to being handled, making future grooming sessions much easier.

It's also a good idea to handle your dog frequently and touch their paws. This will help them get used to being handled, making grooming much easier for both you and your dog.

The Saint Bernard is a large breed that's prone to several health issues. One of the most significant concerns is bloat, also known as gastric dilation volvulus (GDV), which can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.

Saint Bernards are also at risk for joint disorders, including hip and elbow dysplasia, which can lead to chronic arthritis and joint pain as they age. A study found that 14.70% of Saint Bernards have hip dysplasia, compared to 3.52% of all dogs.

Eye issues are another common problem in Saint Bernards, with conditions like entropion and ectropion potentially affecting their vision. Regular veterinary check-ups can help catch these issues early on.

In addition to these concerns, Saint Bernards are also prone to skin conditions, such as acral lick dermatitis, intertrigo, and dermal arteritis. Regular grooming and cleaning of their skin folds can help prevent these issues.

A study found that Saint Bernards are at a higher risk for dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), with 2.6% of dogs having the condition compared to 0.2% of mixed-breeds. Regular veterinary check-ups can help catch this condition early on.

Here's a summary of some of the health issues Saint Bernards are prone to:

Saint Bernards are highly intelligent dogs that respond well to positive reinforcement training. This means using treats and praise to encourage good behavior, rather than punishment or harsh words.

Their intelligence is a result of their historical work as rescue dogs in harsh climates, which demanded problem-solving skills and adaptability.

Training a Saint Bernard should start early, ideally when they're still a puppy, to take advantage of their eager-to-please nature. This will make the training process much easier and more effective.

Saint Bernards are also known for their gentle and friendly temperament, making them a great breed for families with children. However, their large size and strength should be kept in mind, especially when training.

Positive reinforcement training is key when working with Saint Bernards, as they can be prone to jumping up at people due to their friendly nature. Having treats on hand can be a great motivator during training sessions.

Early socialization is also crucial for Saint Bernards, as it helps them grow into well-rounded dogs that are comfortable in new situations and around new people. This can involve exposing them to various sights, sounds, and experiences from an early age.

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They were originally referred to as Alpine Mastiffs, not Saint Bernards, until 1888.

Saint Bernards are Switzerland's national dog, which is pretty cool. Their warm and water-repellent coats are perfect for the snow and ice, but they struggle in the heat.

You might be surprised to learn that Saint Bernards don't carry brandy around their necks during rescues – that's just a myth!

On average, Saint Bernards are actually larger nowadays than they originally were. I've seen some big ones in my time, but I guess that's not surprising.

One of the most famous Saint Bernards in film is Beethoven, and who can forget that lovable giant?

Saint Bernards are prone to several health issues due to their large size and deep chest. They are at a higher risk of bloat, also known as gastric dilation volvulus (GDV), which can be life-threatening if not treated immediately.

According to a 2024 UK study, the life expectancy of a Saint Bernard is around 9.3 years, which is lower than the average life expectancy of purebred dogs. This is likely due to the breed's susceptibility to various health issues.

Saint Bernards are also prone to joint disorders, such as hip and elbow dysplasia, which can lead to chronic arthritis and joint pain as they age. A study in California found that 3.76% of Saint Bernards presented with GDV.

Some common health issues in Saint Bernards include:

It's essential to work with a reputable breeder who has performed pre-breeding health screenings and can provide a health guarantee. They should also be willing to let you see the mother and other littermates to get a sense of the puppy's temperament and well-being.

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The Saint Bernard's history dates back to 1707, with the first written records of the breed found at the Great St Bernard Hospice at the Great St Bernard Pass.

The breed was initially known as the Alpine Spaniel, and it wasn't until later that they became associated with the monks and were referred to as hospice dogs. They were used to rescue travelers stranded in the Alps, and their bravery and loyalty earned them a special place in history.

Here are some notable St. Bernard dogs that played a significant role in their history:

The St. Bernard breed has a rich history that spans centuries. The earliest written records of the breed date back to 1707, from monks at the Great St Bernard Hospice at the Great St Bernard Pass.

Early paintings and drawings of the dog can be found dating even earlier, with one Italian artist, Salvator Rosa, creating paintings of the breed in 1690. The breed was initially known as the Alpine Spaniel in British accounts.

One of the most famous St. Bernards was Barry, who reportedly saved between 40 and 100 lives at the pass. He has a monument dedicated to him in the Cimetière des Chiens.

The breed underwent significant changes due to crossbreeding with Newfoundlands and other breeds in the 1850s. This led to a change in their appearance and abilities, including their long fur, which would freeze in the snowy climate of the Alps.

The Swiss St. Bernard Club was founded in Basel on 15 March 1884, and the breed standard was finally approved in 1888. This marked the beginning of the breed's recognition as a Swiss national dog.

Here are some notable St. Bernards mentioned in the history of the breed:

The St. Bernard has received recognition from various kennel clubs around the world, which is a testament to its enduring popularity as a breed.

Internationally, the Fédération Cynologique Internationale recognizes the St. Bernard as a Molosser in Group 2, Section 2.

The Kennel Club in the UK, the Canadian Kennel Club, and the American Kennel Club all recognize the breed in the Working Dog group.

In the United States, the United Kennel Club places the St. Bernard in the Guardian Dog Group.

The New Zealand Kennel Club and the Australian National Kennel Council categorize the breed in the Utility Group.

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The Saint Bernard's iconic barrel originated from a painting by Victorian artist Sir Edwin Landseer in 1820. His artwork, "Alpine Mastiffs Reanimating a Distressed Traveller", featured a hospice dog with a spirit-filled barrel, which stuck as a classic image of the breed.

The Saint Bernard Club of America and AKC (American Kennel Club) both reference this artwork as the origin of the barrel image. This image has become synonymous with the Saint Bernard breed.

The painting's impact was significant, and the Saint Bernard's barrel has since become an enduring symbol of the breed.

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