St. Bernard (dog breed) - Everything You Need to Know

The St. Bernard is a massive dog breed, with males weighing up to 180 pounds and standing as tall as 35 inches at the shoulder.

These gentle giants originated in the Swiss Alps, where they were bred to rescue travelers stranded in the snow.

Their thick coats, which can be either rough or smooth, help them withstand the harsh mountain climate.

Their friendly and outgoing personalities make them a popular choice as family pets.

The Saint Bernard is a gentle giant, known for its large size and friendly, eager-to-please temperament.

This breed is typically not aggressive with other dogs, regardless of sex, making it a great companion for families with multiple pets.

St. Bernards are incredibly loving and great around children, but they may or may not be as friendly around other dogs, cats, or other animals.

They are cautious around strangers and are extremely observant and watchful, but will only bark to alert you that something is wrong.

A Saint Bernard stands tall with a large head and muscular body, and has short, floppy ears, a massive square muzzle, and deep brown eyes.

Their broad and muscular shoulders, arching chest and back, and powerful legs make them a formidable breed.

Despite their size, they are a family-friendly breed that does well with children and lives in harmony with other dogs.

The average lifespan for a Saint Bernard is between 8 to 10 years, so be prepared for a long-term commitment to this lovable breed.

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Saint Bernards are relatively low maintenance, but they do require regular exercise to prevent obesity. This breed needs about 30 minutes of playtime or a good walk daily to stay healthy.

Saint Bernards are prone to heat strokes, so it's essential to take them out only when the weather is cool and make sure they drink plenty of water. You should also be aware of the signs of fatigue and heat exhaustion, which include heavy panting, dark-red gums, and weakness or collapse.

To prevent obesity, Saint Bernards need a steady diet and a daily exercise routine. They should be fed two to three small meals a day instead of one large meal to reduce the risk of bloat.

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Feeding your Saint Bernard requires attention to their daily food intake and overall diet. A recommended daily amount is 5 to 6 cups of high-quality dry food, divided into two meals.

Saint Bernards are prone to obesity, so it's essential to measure their food and feed them twice a day rather than leaving food out all the time. This will help prevent overeating and maintain a healthy weight.

The quality of dog food you buy makes a difference - the better the dog food, the further it will go toward nourishing your dog, and the less of it you'll need to shake into your dog's bowl.

A highly active dog will need more than a couch potato dog, so it's crucial to consider your Saint Bernard's activity level when determining their food needs.

Saint Bernards like to eat, so it's easy to overfeed them - but keeping them in good shape requires careful monitoring of their food intake and regular exercise.

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If you're unsure whether your Saint Bernard is overweight, give them the eye test and the hands-on test: look down at them and see if you can spot their waist, and then place your hands on their back to feel their ribs. If you can't, they need less food and more exercise.

Saint Bernards are relatively low maintenance dogs, but they do require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling of their fur. They need to be brushed at least once a week, and daily brushing is recommended to remove loose hairs and prevent mats.

Their double coat means they shed heavily in the spring and fall, so be prepared to clean up after them. A metal comb can help prevent matting, especially for longer coats.

Bathing your Saint Bernard may be intimidating, but it's essential to keep them clean. Use a mild soap designed for dogs, and avoid stripping their coat of its natural oils.

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Saint Bernards are prone to bloat, so it's essential to feed them multiple small meals throughout the day. Regular check-ups of their ears are also necessary to prevent infection, especially since their floppy ears can trap dirt and moisture.

Daily walks are crucial to keep them trim and fit, and regular nail trimming is necessary to prevent painful long nails. Brushing their teeth two to three times a week can help prevent dental diseases.

Saint Bernards can be prone to heat exhaustion and heatstroke, so it's essential to exercise them in the cooler parts of the day and provide plenty of water. Early training is also crucial to prevent unwanted behaviors and promote good manners.

Crate training can be an effective tool in housetraining and providing a safe space for your Saint Bernard to retreat to when feeling overwhelmed.

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St. Bernards can face a number of challenging health complications, particularly when it comes to their hip bones, elbows, or eye areas.

One of the most common health issues in St. Bernards is canine hip dysplasia, a chronic condition that occurs when the femur bone doesn’t fit properly into the hip socket.

St. Bernards and other large dog breeds may also inherit elbow dysplasia, which occurs due to congenital abnormalities within the elbow joint and leads to degenerative joint disease.

Regular check-ups with your veterinarian are crucial to catch any potential health issues early on.

Here are some common health issues found in St. Bernards:

It's essential to keep an eye out for signs of these health issues, such as joint pain, stomach twisting, or unusual lumps and bumps.

Saint Bernards are prone to experiencing joint and muscle problems due to their size. This can lead to a range of health issues, including hip and elbow dysplasia.

Hip dysplasia is a common condition in St. Bernards, where the femur bone doesn't fit properly into the hip socket. This can lead to chronic pain and mobility issues.

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Elbow dysplasia is another common issue in St. Bernards, caused by congenital abnormalities in the elbow joint. This can lead to degenerative joint disease and chronic pain.

Gastric torsion, also known as bloat, can be a life-threatening condition in St. Bernards. The stomach fills with gas and fluid, causing it to twist and restrict blood flow.

St. Bernards are also at risk of eye problems, including distichiasis and Wobbler's Syndrome. These conditions can cause vision loss and other serious health issues.

It's essential to monitor your St. Bernard's health closely, especially as they age. Regular check-ups with your veterinarian can help identify any potential health issues early on.

Here are some common health issues to look out for in your St. Bernard:

Heatstroke is a common condition among Saint Bernard dogs, particularly due to their double-coat which doesn't work well in the heat.

Their thick coats are excellent for snowy weather, but they can trap heat in warmer temperatures, increasing the risk of heatstroke.

To avoid this, never keep them outside on a hot day for too long.

Taking them out for a walk during the cooler parts of the day can help prevent heatstroke.

Owning a St. Bernard can be a costly endeavor, but it's essential to consider the expenses involved. St. Bernard dogs will cost anywhere from $500 to $2,000.

The monthly costs of caring for a St. Bernard can be substantial, with estimates ranging from $185 to $800, averaging around $200 per month. This includes food and healthcare, which is crucial for a giant breed dog prone to health issues.

Pet insurance can help reduce out-of-pocket expenses for vet visits, but it's essential to check if the insurance covers pre-existing conditions. A pet savings account can also be a great way to supplement your insurance plan or prepare for unexpected expenses.

A St. Bernard's diet will require a larger portion of food compared to most other dog breeds, so be prepared for higher food costs.

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St. Bernards are intelligent and eager to please, making them quick learners when it comes to training. They thrive on love and attention, so be sure to reward good behavior.

Early socialization is key to helping your St. Bernard grow into a well-rounded dog. This includes exposure to many different people, sights, sounds, and experiences when they're young. They can be shy around new dogs and strangers, but with proper training, they'll become confident and calm.

Saint Bernards are known for their gentle nature, especially around children, but they can be strong and may accidentally knock over objects or people if they're not trained properly. Teaching them to walk on a leash under your control and to heel will make walks much easier and safer for everyone.

Training your Saint Bernard requires patience and consistency, especially when it comes to socialization and obedience training. Start training and socializing your Saint Bernard puppy as soon as possible to prevent bad habits from forming.

Saint Bernards are intelligent and eager to please, so they tend to learn quickly when rewarded with love and attention for good behavior. Quick, firm commands and consistency are key when correcting bad behavior, especially in growing puppies.

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Training should begin while your Saint Bernard is still young and small enough to manage, making it easier to teach them basic commands and behaviors. This includes teaching them not to jump up on people and to walk on a leash under your control.

Socialization is crucial for Saint Bernards, as they can be shy around new dogs and strangers. The more exposure they have to new experiences, situations, and people at a young age, the less afraid they will be later on.

Saint Bernards are not aggressive dogs, but their size can be intimidating, making them a good guard dog. However, it's essential to teach them to respect their human family and not to jump up on people.

Saint Bernards are loving and gentle, making them great around children, but they may not be as friendly around other animals. Be prepared to give them plenty of love and attention, and they'll reward you with loyalty and companionship.

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Exercise is an essential part of a St. Bernard's life. They need a moderate level of exercise, which can be achieved with one long walk per day or 30 minutes of indoor playtime.

St. Bernards are not suited for apartment living due to their size, so a fenced-in backyard is a must. They prefer to exercise with their owner or family, as they are an affectionate breed.

A daily walk or 30 minutes of playtime a day should suffice to keep your Bernard happy and healthy. They enjoy life the most when they can spend time with their owners.

If you're an outdoor person who loves hiking or camping, your St. Bernard will love joining you. They even have an innate pastime of cart pulling, which was originally used for rescuing people and pulling heavy carts in the Western Alps of Italy.

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Drooling can be a common issue in some breeds. St. Bernards are known to drool a lot, and you may need to keep some towels and pet-friendly cleaners on hand to clean up lots of slobber.

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St. Bernards are known to be gentle and patient around children, making them a great addition to families with young ones.

They tend to be extra careful around little ones, understanding their size can be overwhelming, so it's essential to supervise interactions between children and St. Bernards.

Saint Bernards love attention from their family members, which means they'll often seek out playtime with kids and engage in activities with them.

However, it's crucial to remember that St. Bernards are still dogs and can get overwhelmed if children are too rough or aggressive in their play.

With proper training and socialization from puppyhood, Saint Bernards can live harmoniously with other pets and dogs in the household.

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If you're interested in bringing a Saint Bernard into your life, there are several rescue groups you can turn to for help. Sunny Saints St. Bernard Rescue, based in Southern California, has rescued over 700 St. Bernards since 2010.

Sunny Saints St. Bernard Rescue has been featured on an episode of Cesar Milan's Cesar 911.