Saint Bernard Breed Profile: Essential Facts
Saint Bernards are most famously known for search-and-rescue missions in cold mountain settings, but they are also excellent family pets and love children.
Saint Bernard
- AKC Group: Working
- Weight: 120-180 lbs.
- Height: 26-30 in.
- Life Span: 8-10 years
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Key Characteristics of Saint Bernards
Saint Bernards are large, muscular and powerful dogs whose coats vary in colors and patterns. They may have short or long hair, depending on the breeding.
These outsize dogs have a large head and a long tail, and they're prone to drooling.
Where Saint Bernards Came From
Saint Bernards may have originated from a heavy Asian dog brought by the Romans to Switzerland, although other theories about their origins abound. The dogs were used for herding, guarding, and drafting on farms and dairies.
Between 1660 and 1670, the dogs were selected to join the Hospice in the Swiss Alps as companion animals and guard dogs. Their excellent sense of smell made them ideal for search and rescue, and they are said to be able to detect a person buried under 20 feet of snow.
Saint Bernards have historically been depicted wearing a barrel attached to their collars. The dogs are estimated to have saved more than 2,000 people throughout their service at the Hospice.
The breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885, and the Saint Bernard Club of America was formed in 1888.
How Friendly Are Saint Bernards?
This breed is loyal, gentle and friendly. Saint Bernards are patient and dignified dogs who get along great with children. They are also intelligent and easy to train, and they love being around their families.
Is This the Right Dog for You?
Exercise Needs
MEDIUM: You'll need to exercise your Saint Bernard daily with a long walk, especially if you live in an apartment. These dogs have a low tolerance for heat, so be careful when it comes to hot weather.
Grooming Needs
MEDIUM: Although twice a week is probably sufficient, consider brushing your Saint Bernard daily to avoid mats and excessive shedding. The undercoat sheds heavily twice a year.
Bathe your Saint Bernard as necessary but not excessively. Clip the dog's nails, brush the teeth and clean the ears. In addition, clean the eyes regularly to keep irritants at bay.
Health Problems
HIGH: Know that Saint Bernards are prone to some of these health problems: Heart conditions Skin problems Hip dysplasia Tumors Ectropion Bloat Wobbler syndrome
More Stats About Saint Bernards
| Friendliness | ★★★★★ |
| Ease of Training | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Barking/Howling | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Shedding | ★★★★☆ |
| Tolerate Being Alone | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Very Good With Kids | ★★★★★ |
Learn more about this breed in the video below:
How to Adopt a Saint Bernard
If you are considering getting a Saint Bernard, please check rescues and adoption resources first. Purebred animals are in shelters too. Try Petful’s free adopt a pet search.
That said, finding a Saint Bernard through adoption resources may prove difficult. If you choose to go to a breeder, make sure the breeder is reputable and doesn’t exhibit any puppy mill red flags.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, St. Bernards make great family dogs. They are gentle, affectionate, and good with children, but they require space, training, and regular grooming due to their large size and shedding.
The idea of Saint Bernards carrying alcohol barrels is a myth, popularized by artwork and stories. However, they were used as rescue dogs in the Swiss Alps, where a small barrel of brandy was believed to help warm up stranded travelers.
Saint Bernards are famous for their history as Alpine rescue dogs, their massive size, and their gentle and friendly nature. They were originally bred to help locate and assist lost travelers in the mountains.
Saint Bernards are not naturally aggressive guard dogs, but they are protective of their families. Their sheer size and deep bark can act as a deterrent to intruders.
References
- "Saint Bernard." American Kennel Club. https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/st-bernard/.
- "Breed History." Saint Bernard Club of America. 2015. https://saintbernardclub.org/history/.
- "FCI Standard." Swiss Saint Bernard Club. 2004. https://barryswiss.ch/index.php/en/breeding/fci-standard.html.
- The Information Website for the Health & Welfare of the St Bernard. https://www.stbernardhealth.co.uk/.
Kristine Lacoste has been researching dog and cat breeds for nearly a decade and has observed the animals up close at dog shows in both the United States and the United Kingdom. She is the author of the book One Unforgettable Journey, which was named as a finalist for a Maxwell Award from the Dog Writers Association of America, and was host of a weekly pet news segment on the National K-9 Academy Radio Show. In addition, she was the New Orleans coordinator for Dogs on Deployment, a nonprofit that helps military members and their pets, for 3 years. Kristine has researched and written about pet behaviors and care for many years. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology, another bachelor’s degree in English and a Master of Business Administration degree.
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