Group : Working Dogs

Weight : 50 – 91 Kgs

Height : 25.5 – 27.5 inches

Color(s) : Saint Bernards display a range of hues primarily in red with white or white with red. The red coloration varies, encompassing brindle patches with white markings to shades of brownish-yellow. White markings are commonly found on the chest, encircling the neck (referred to as the collar), surrounding the nose (known as the noseband), and on the feet and the tip of the tail.

Coat : Saint Bernards come in two coat types, making them easy to distinguish. One type is the shorthaired coat, which is smooth yet dense, with a slight bushiness on the thighs. The tail boasts long, thick hair that gradually shortens towards the tip. The other type is the longhaired coat, which is characterized by a gentle waviness but never appears curly or shaggy. The forelegs showcase some feathering, while the thighs and tail are notably bushy.

Distinct Feature :The Saint Bernard is a remarkable and powerful dog, exuding strength and solidity. Its weight is proportionate to its height, and the taller the dog, the more highly regarded it is. One of its most prominent features is its large, robust head with a short and broad muzzle that is wider than it is long. The Saint Bernard’s teeth meet in a scissor or level bite. You can easily spot its broad nose with fully open nostrils, and it shares the same dark color as its lips. The dog’s medium-sized eyes are set a bit to the sides and have a deep, dark hue. Its medium-sized ears are set high, dropping slightly away from the head. The Saint Bernard’s legs are sturdy and powerful, and its feet are sizeable with well-arched, strong toes. Lastly, its long tail is wide at the base and hangs low when the dog is in a relaxed state.

Temperament: Saint Bernards are incredibly gentle, friendly, and have a remarkable tolerance for children. They move at a leisurely pace, showing understanding and devotion. Their loyalty knows no bounds, and they’re always eager to please. To ensure they grow up well-adjusted, it’s essential to socialize them early with both people and other animals. Training this breed is a breeze since they are highly intelligent and eager to learn. However, it’s best to start training while they are still a manageable size.

Teaching them not to jump on people should begin during puppyhood. As they are a large breed, it’s crucial to establish control right from the start and teach them to walk calmly on a leash. Saint Bernards also make good watchdogs; their sheer size alone acts as a deterrent to potential intruders. Be aware that they may drool after eating or drinking, so keeping a towel handy might be helpful.

Being a responsible owner means being the dog’s pack leader. Clear communication about expectations is all that’s needed, and Saint Bernards are no exception. Allowing a dog of this size and strength to be unruly can be dangerous and indicates poor ownership skills. These dogs possess a highly developed sense of smell and seem to have an intuition for approaching danger, such as storms and avalanches. Their natural instincts can be quite fascinating to observe.

Character: Saint Bernards stay true to their heritage as hospice dogs by being friendly and welcoming. They have a consistently kind and generous personality, showing great benevolence and watchfulness around children. While they love attention, they are not as demanding of it as some other breeds.

Because of their large size, it’s important to start training Saint Bernards at an early age when they are still easy to handle. They are intelligent and eager to please but can be a bit stubborn at times. However, they should never show aggression unless it’s in defense of a family member.

Just like any other dog, Saint Bernards benefit from early socialization – exposure to various people, sights, sounds, and experiences – while they are young. Socialization helps ensure that your Saint Bernard puppy grows up to be a well-rounded and balanced canine companion.

Activity: The Saint Bernard is a giant-sized breed, and while they are generally calm indoors, they aren’t the best fit for apartments. They need space to move around and stretch comfortably.

If you consider yourself a neat freak, the Saint Bernard might not be the right breed for you. They tend to drool, and their paws can track in their fair share of mud. Also, be prepared for heavy shedding, as they shed their coat twice a year.

Saint Bernards usually take a bit longer to mature mentally, so you’ll have a big puppy on your hands for quite a while.

While they make excellent family pets, it’s advisable to avoid having them in homes with young children, as their size can accidentally knock over and hurt little ones.

Originally bred to withstand the cold temperatures of the Alps, Saint Bernards don’t do well in hot weather.

These dogs are not known for excessive barking without reason.

Saint Bernards have a relatively short lifespan, usually around 8 to 10 years.

Saint Bernards should not be kept outside away from their family. Like all dogs, they do better when they are inside the house with the family they love. Despite their coats and sturdy build, they don’t handle heat well, making outdoor living unsuitable for them.

Due to movies like Beethoven, featuring a large Saint Bernard, some irresponsible breeders and puppy mills produce these gentle giants. To ensure you get a healthy dog, never buy from an untrustworthy breeder, puppy mill, or pet store. Look for a reputable breeder who tests their breeding dogs for genetic diseases, ensuring they won’t pass any health issues to the puppies, and that they have a sound temperament.

The Saint Bernard is indeed a remarkable breed with a rich history and distinctive characteristics. Here’s a summary of the key points about this breed:

Physical Characteristics:

• Saint Bernards are giant dogs known for their strength and muscular build.
• Height: 25.5 – 27.5 inches (61 – 70 cm)
• Weight: 110 – 200 pounds (50 – 91 kg)
• They have a massive head, short muzzle, and black nose.
• The eyes are medium-sized, dark in color, and set somewhat to the sides.
• Ears are medium-sized, set high, and drop slightly away from the head.
• Their legs are muscular, and they have large feet with well-arched toes.
• The tail is long, broad, and powerful, held low when relaxed.
• Saint Bernards can have either a rough or smooth coat, both of which are very dense and come in various white with tan, red, mahogany, brindle, and black markings.
• The breed tends to drool, especially after eating or drinking.

Temperament:

• Saint Bernards are gentle, friendly, and extremely tolerant of children.
• They are slow-moving, patient, obedient, loyal, eager to please, and highly intelligent.
• Proper socialization with people and other animals is important from a young age.
• They are good watchdogs due to their size and appearance.
• Saint Bernards can be trained easily, but training should start early.
• Leadership and control from the owner are essential for managing such a large dog.

Health Issues:

• Common health concerns include “wobbler” syndrome, heart problems, skin problems, hip dysplasia, tumors, and extropion (eyelid folding outward).
• They are prone to bloat, so it’s best to feed them multiple small meals a day instead of one large meal.

Living Conditions:

• Saint Bernards can do well in apartments if adequately exercised, but they are relatively inactive indoors.
• A small yard is sufficient for them, but they prefer being with their family.
• They have a low tolerance for hot weather, warm rooms, and cars and can wheeze and snore.

Exercise:

• A daily long walk is necessary to keep them mentally and physically fit.
• Puppies should avoid excessive exercise until their bones are strong.

Life Expectancy: About 8-10 years

Litter Size: About 6-10 puppies

Grooming:

• Both rough and smooth coats are easy to groom with regular brushing.
• Bathe only when necessary, using mild soap to preserve the coat’s water-resistant properties.
• Pay special attention to keeping the eyes clean.
• Saint Bernards shed twice a year.

Origin:

• The Saint Bernard breed was founded by St. Bernard de Menthon and bred by monks in 980 AD.
• They were likely created by crossing the ancient Tibetan mastiff with the Great Dane, Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, and Great Pyrenees.
• The breed was initially short-haired to prevent icicle formation, later producing a long-haired variety.
• Saint Bernards were used for rescue work in the dangerous Alpine pass between Switzerland and Italy, known as the St. Bernard Pass.
• They have saved many lives by finding lost or injured travelers in the snow.
• The breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1885.

Notable Abilities:

• Saint Bernards excels in search and rescue, guarding, watchdog duties, and carting.

Saint Bernards are known for their noble history and their endearing nature, making them a beloved breed among dog enthusiasts.