Saint Bernard

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Size

Giant

Life span

10 Years

Weight

120 Kg

Group

Working Dogs

Saint Bernard Overview

The St.Bernard belongs to the giant dog breed section. They average in weight between 65 - 120 kg and between the 70-90cm height at the withers. Their coat can either be smooth or rough and is typically red in shade with a mahogany or white brindle, with black around their face and ears.

The St.Bernard is better known as the “Gentle Giant” as they’re very calm, gentle and extremely loving. Because of their size, they require continuous training and socialisation to prevent them from becoming naughty and overstepping boundaries. They’re prone to bark and strangers, so will need assertive training to prevent this from becoming an issue.

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Saint Bernard Characteristics

Size InformationIntelligence
  • 4
Size InformationExercise Needs
  • 2
Size InformationDogs Health
  • 2
Size InformationChild Friendly
  • 5
Size InformationApartment
  • 3
Size InformationShedding
  • 4
Size InformationGrooming Needs
  • 2
Size InformationBarking
  • 1
Size InformationAlone
  • 1
Size InformationTrainability
  • 2
Size InformationEnergy Levels
  • 3
Size InformationDog friendly
  • 5

History & Origin

The St. Bernard is a large working dog breed from the Western Alps in Italy and Switzerland. They were originally bred for rescue by the hospice of the Great St Bernard on the Italian Swiss border. 

Saint Bernard Temperament

Saints are wonderful dogs and make great companions. They're known for being friendly and very welcoming. They have a kind nature would suit a family with children. They love attention but can sometimes be stubborn and therefore require training from a young age. 

Saint Bernard Training

Training your Saint should start from a young age as they do have a stubborn streak and do have the tendency to be very independent. Whilst this is great, they need to know and understand who is pack-leader. obedience training should start during the puppy stage and carry throughout their lifetime. 

Grooming

Saint Bernards have two types of coat: Longhaired and shorthaired. The shorthaired coat is dense and requires less grooming than the long-haired. However, this dog breed requires regular grooming to prevent any tangles or matted fur. Regular cleaning of their eyes, ears, teeth and paws is also important. 

Health

The Saint is predisposed to certain health-related conditions and therefore it is important that their weight is managed effectively through the right diet and exercise as this dog is prone to becoming obese if not looked after correctly. Health conditions such as:

  • Hip dysplasia
  • Elbow dysplasia
  • Epilepsy 
  • Cataracts
  • Allergies

Saint Bernard Exercise Needs

The Saint requires daily exercise to help keep them fit, healthy and mentally stimulated. This dog breed requires 60 minutes of exercise on a daily basis to prevent them from gaining weight, this should also be in conjunction with a healthy diet. 

Children and other pets

The Saint is great with children of older age because of their size. They generally get on well with children and other household pets provided they are socialised correctly from a young age and supervised during playtime.