Saint Bernard Dog Breed Information

Personality

Saint Bernards are surprisingly relaxed for dogs of their size. They are loving, laid-back, and cheerful, thriving in the company of their owners. It's tough to find a dog that shows more loyalty to their family.

History

In the 18th century, monks created Saint Bernards at a hospice in the Swiss Alps. These dogs were trained to find and help lost travelers. According to stories, they rescued more than 2,000 people trapped in severe storms and avalanches. Because of their bravery, they earned the title “Good Samaritan Dog.” They arrived in the United States in the late 1800s.

Ideal Owner

The perfect person to have a Saint Bernard is someone who knows what it takes to care for a big dog. You’ll need a large house and yard, along with enough money to feed and groom your Saint Bernard. It's also important to be okay with drool, as these dogs tend to leave wet spots behind. This breed requires owners to adjust to their needs, rather than the other way around.

Exercise Needs

Saint Bernards require less physical activity compared to other dogs of similar size, but they still need enough time to play and move around. These dogs feel their best when they engage in fun activities with their families, like going for hikes or taking walks.

Space Requirements

Saint Bernard dogs come in two coat styles: long and short. Both types need similar grooming, like brushing to get rid of dirt, loose fur, and knots. They shed a lot twice a year. Although they are usually tidy pets, they tend to drool quite a bit.

Training

The Saint Bernard is a fantastic choice for families, particularly those with older kids and plenty of room both inside and outside. They are loyal to their families and are wonderful companions. However, their large size and strength may not be the best fit for homes with young children or older adults.

Grooming

Large and powerful dogs like Saint Bernards require proper training. While they may not be the easiest to train, it’s important for them to learn which behaviors are unacceptable, like jumping on people, pushing over kids, or taking food from the table. It might take some time for them to adjust to the training, but these gentle giants are eager to make their owners happy. Once they grasp what is asked of them, they usually begin to follow commands well.

Suitability for Family Life

Buying a Saint Bernard from a breeder is much more expensive than adopting one from a nearby shelter or rescue group. When you adopt, the fee often includes important services like spaying or neutering, vaccinations, and microchipping.

Did You know?

Monks tried to breed the Newfoundland with the St. Bernard to get a denser, warmer fur coat. But they discovered that the longer hair trapped snow and ice, making the dogs heavy. It can take as long as three years for Saint Bernards to fully grow. In the film Beethoven’s 2nd, the crew needed more than 100 Saint Bernard puppies for the lead role because they grew quickly. The most famous rescue Saint Bernard was named Barry. In the 1800s, he saved more than 40 people in the Alps.