Saint Bernards are among the most iconic and beloved of the giant dog breeds, famous for their enormous size, gentle nature, and the romantic image of them rescuing lost travelers in the Swiss Alps. These dogs are massive yet gentle, often described as having a heart as big as their body. Their calm demeanor and loyal personality make them excellent family pets, especially for those who have space to accommodate their size.
Originally bred as working dogs for rescue missions in snowy mountain passes, Saint Bernards are now cherished as affectionate companions, great with children, and protective of their families. While they may require significant space and maintenance due to their size and heavy coat, their loyal and loving nature makes them a favorite among dog lovers worldwide.
History and Origins of the Saint Bernard Breed
The Saint Bernard breed traces its roots back to the Swiss Alps, where it was developed by monks at the Saint Bernard Hospice around the 11th century. These dogs were specifically bred to assist in search and rescue operations, helping travelers who had lost their way or been trapped by snowstorms in the treacherous mountain passes.
The hospice was established by a monk named Bernard of Menthon, from whom the breed derives its name. The breed’s ability to navigate through snow and their extraordinary strength made them ideal for the rescue work needed in the Alps. Saint Bernards would search for stranded travelers, often digging them out from the snow and guiding them to safety.
While most associate Saint Bernards with the legend of carrying barrels of brandy around their necks to revive frozen travelers, this is more of a romantic myth than historical fact. Nevertheless, their reputation as lifesavers is well deserved, as they are credited with saving thousands of lives.
The breed became internationally famous in the 19th century, and its fame only grew as they were displayed in dog shows across Europe. Eventually, they were recognized by dog breed registries and became popular family pets due to their loving, protective nature.
Physical Characteristics of Saint Bernards
One of the most distinctive traits of the Saint Bernard is its massive size. These dogs are categorized as one of the giant breeds, with males typically standing between 28 and 30 inches tall at the shoulder and weighing between 140 and 180 pounds. Females are slightly smaller, standing around 26 to 28 inches and weighing between 120 and 140 pounds. Despite their size, they are known for their calm and easygoing nature.
Coat and Colors
Saint Bernards have a thick, dense coat that can be either short-haired or long-haired. Their coats are designed to protect them from the cold, which was essential during their days as mountain rescue dogs. The outer coat is slightly rough, while the undercoat is soft and dense.
The breed typically comes in white with markings in shades of red, brown, brindle, or mahogany. These markings are usually found on the back, around the face, and on the ears. They often have a distinctive black mask that enhances their expressive face.
Facial Features and Build
Saint Bernards have a large, broad head with a powerful neck. Their deep-set eyes are usually dark brown, conveying a calm and wise expression. Their ears are medium-sized and set high, falling close to the sides of their head. Their bodies are muscular and well-proportioned, with strong legs capable of carrying their enormous weight.
Despite their bulk, Saint Bernards are surprisingly agile, particularly in snow. Their large, wide paws help them traverse snow with ease, and their massive build provides the strength needed to assist in rescue missions.
Temperament and Personality Traits
Saint Bernards are the quintessential “gentle giants.” Despite their intimidating size, they are known for their patience, calmness, and affectionate nature. They are especially good with children, earning them the nickname “nanny dogs.” However, because of their size, they may accidentally knock over small children, so supervision is always a good idea.
Affectionate and Loyal
These dogs form strong bonds with their families and are known for their loyalty. They are not overly demanding of attention but thrive on companionship. Saint Bernards are typically calm and relaxed, making them excellent pets for families or individuals who appreciate a dog with a mellow temperament.
Good with Children
Saint Bernards are renowned for their gentle nature around children. They are protective and patient, which makes them excellent family dogs. Their tolerance and easygoing personality allow them to handle the energetic and sometimes unpredictable behavior of children.
Protective but Not Aggressive
While Saint Bernards are not aggressive, they are protective of their families. They have a strong sense of territory and will alert their owners to any perceived threats, but they are not known to be barkers unless provoked. Their imposing size alone is often enough to deter intruders.
Stubborn but Intelligent
Saint Bernards are intelligent dogs, but they can be stubborn, particularly if they don’t see the need to follow commands. This can make training challenging, especially for first-time dog owners. They require consistent, patient training to ensure that they grow into well-behaved adults.
Living with a Saint Bernard: Is it the Right Dog for You?
Owning a Saint Bernard requires commitment and the right environment. Their large size means they need plenty of space to move around. While they can adapt to apartment living, it’s ideal for them to have access to a yard or a spacious home where they can stretch out comfortably.
Space Requirements
Saint Bernards need a good amount of indoor space. They are not very active indoors, but they need room to move freely without feeling cramped. Due to their size, they are better suited for homes with large living areas or yards.
Climate Considerations
Saint Bernards thrive in cooler climates, thanks to their thick coats. They do not do well in hot or humid environments and can easily overheat. In warmer regions, owners should take care to provide plenty of water, shade, and air conditioning to keep their dogs cool. Exercise during the hottest parts of the day should be avoided to prevent heat exhaustion.
Health Considerations and Lifespan
Like all breeds, Saint Bernards are prone to certain health issues. Their large size can predispose them to several medical conditions, some of which are hereditary.
Common Health Issues
- Hip Dysplasia: This is a genetic condition where the hip joint does not fit properly into the hip socket, leading to arthritis and mobility issues.
- Elbow Dysplasia: Similar to hip dysplasia, this affects the elbow joint, causing pain and lameness.
- Bloat (Gastric Dilatation Volvulus): This is a life-threatening condition in which the stomach fills with gas and twists on itself, cutting off blood supply. Immediate veterinary attention is required if symptoms appear.
- Cataracts: Saint Bernards are prone to eye problems, including cataracts, which can impair their vision as they age.
- Epilepsy: This breed can suffer from seizures, which can often be managed with medication.
- Entropion: A condition where the eyelids roll inward, causing irritation and discomfort.
Lifespan
The average lifespan of a Saint Bernard is between 8 and 10 years, which is typical for giant breeds. With proper care, a healthy diet, and regular veterinary check-ups, many Saint Bernards can live longer lives.
Training a Saint Bernard: Tips for Success
Training a Saint Bernard requires patience, consistency, and firmness. While they are intelligent dogs, their independent streak and large size can make them challenging to train, especially for inexperienced dog owners.
Start Early
It’s essential to begin training your Saint Bernard from a young age. Early socialization and obedience training will help curb any unwanted behaviors. Due to their size, Saint Bernards can become difficult to handle if they are not properly trained.
Positive Reinforcement
Saint Bernards respond best to positive reinforcement techniques, such as treats, praise, and affection. Harsh training methods will not work with this breed, as they can be sensitive and may become uncooperative if they feel they are being mistreated.
Socialization
Early socialization is crucial to help your Saint Bernard become comfortable around other dogs, people, and new environments. Expose them to a variety of situations, sounds, and people to ensure they grow into well-adjusted adults.
Exercise and Activity Needs
Despite their size, Saint Bernards do not have high energy levels. They require moderate exercise to stay healthy and avoid obesity, but they are generally content with a few daily walks and some playtime.
Daily Exercise
Saint Bernards enjoy a couple of walks per day, but they don’t need vigorous exercise like some other breeds. However, it’s essential to ensure they get enough activity to prevent weight gain, which can exacerbate joint problems.
Puppy Exercise
Be cautious not to over-exercise Saint Bernard puppies. Their growing bones and joints are vulnerable to injury, so exercise should be gentle until they reach maturity. Avoid activities like jumping or running on hard surfaces during their growth phase.
Grooming and Coat Maintenance
Saint Bernards are relatively low-maintenance when it comes to grooming, but their thick double coat does require regular attention, particularly during shedding seasons.
Brushing
Regular brushing, at least twice a week, is recommended to remove dead hair and prevent mats from forming. During the spring and fall, when they shed heavily, more frequent brushing may be necessary.
Bathing
Saint Bernards do not require frequent baths, but they should be bathed when they become dirty or start to smell. Use a mild dog shampoo to avoid stripping the natural oils from their coat.
Drooling
One downside to owning a Saint Bernard is their tendency to drool. Keep a cloth handy to wipe their face, especially after meals or drinking water.
FAQs about Saint Bernards
Are Saint Bernards good with children?
Yes, Saint Bernards are known for being gentle and patient with children. However, due to their large size, supervision is always recommended to prevent accidental injuries.
Do Saint Bernards shed a lot?
Yes, Saint Bernards shed heavily, especially during the spring and fall. Regular brushing will help manage the shedding.
How much exercise do Saint Bernards need?
Saint Bernards require moderate exercise, such as daily walks and playtime. Over-exercising puppies can lead to joint problems, so it’s important to adjust their activity level based on their age and health.
Are Saint Bernards easy to train?
Saint Bernards are intelligent but can be stubborn. Early training and socialization are essential to ensure they grow into well-behaved adults.