Saint Bernard

also known as Bernhardiner, Chien St. Hubert, Sleuth Hound, St. Bernhardshund, St. Hubert Hound

Pros History


The breed's name, Saint Bernard, refers to the Great St Bernard Hospice, a hospice located in the Swiss Alps, where the breed was developed and used as a working dog. The hospice was founded in the early 11th century by Saint Bernard de Menthon, a monk who wanted to provide a safe place for travelers crossing the dangerous alpine passes. The Saint Bernard dogs were named after the hospice where they were first bred and used as rescue dogs to help travelers who were lost or injured in the mountains.

The hospice was strategically located on the Great St Bernard Pass which connects Switzerland and Italy, it was a vital route for trade and pilgrimage, but it was also very dangerous due to the harsh weather conditions and the risk of avalanches. The Saint Bernard dogs were trained to search for travelers who were lost in the snow and to provide them with warmth, food and shelter. They were also trained to find the bodies of those who had perished in the mountains.

The name Saint Bernard was given to the breed in recognition of the hospice's founder and the work that the dogs did there. The breed was officially recognized by the Swiss Kennel Club in 1884 and other kennel clubs around the world, it was also known as the Alpine Mastiff or the Bernhardiner.

The breed has been used in search and rescue operations and has saved many lives in the mountain passes. Some notable rescues include a Saint Bernard named Barry who is said to have saved more than 40 lives during his tenure as a rescue dog at the hospice. Another notable Saint Bernard was named Leo who saved several people during an avalanche in the early 20th century.

The breed has also been featured in popular culture, including the classic film "Beethoven" and the children's book "The Call of the Wild." Throughout history, Saint Bernards have been popular pets among the elite, with notable figures such as Napoleon Bonaparte, King George IV, and Queen Victoria owning the breed.

Breed Information


Type

Is Saint Bernard a purebred?

Purebred

Purpose

What were Saint Bernards originally used for?

draft, search and rescue, guarding

Lifespan

How Long Do Saint Bernards Live? What is average life expectancy for a Saint Bernard? How long can Saint Bernards live?

8-10 years

The average Saint Bernard lifespan is somewhere between 8-10 years, provided they aren't beset by any exceptional health issues or injuries.

Saint Bernard Height & Weight


How big is a full grown Saint Bernard?

What is the average height of a Saint Bernard? How big is a Purebred Saint Bernard height? Saint Bernard dog height:
Height
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 28-30 inches (71.1 - 76.2 cm) 21.5 inches (54.6 cm) 23.5 inches (59.7 cm) 25.5 inches (64.8 cm)
Female 26-28 inches (66 - 71.1 cm) 20.5 inches (52.1 cm) 21.5 inches (54.6 cm) 24.5 inches (62.2 cm)
What is the average weight of a Saint Bernard? How much should Saint Bernards weigh?
Weight
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 140-180 pounds (64 - 82 kg) 50.0 pounds (23 kg) 65.0 pounds (29 kg) 80.0 pounds (36 kg)
Female 120-140 pounds (54 - 64 kg) 50.0 pounds (23 kg) 65.0 pounds (29 kg) 80.0 pounds (36 kg)
Weight Gain Potential

Do Saint Bernards get fat easily?

The Saint Bernard is a breed that has an average to high tendency to gain weight if their weight is not closely monitored. It is important to maintain a balance between exercise and food intake to keep them at a healthy weight. This can be achieved by scheduling at least one daily walk and engaging in regular playtime with them.

Hypoallergenic

Are Saint Bernards Hypoallergenic?

No

Unfortunately, the Saint Bernard is not hypoallergenic, making it not a good choice for a dog lover who suffers from pet allergies.

Temperament

What is a Saint Bernard personality? What are Saint Bernard dogs best known for?

Friendly
Independent
Going
Social
Gentle
Happy
Quiet

Shedding Level

Are Saint Bernards heavy shedders? How Much Does a Saint Bernard Shed?

Saint Bernard dogs are heavy shedders, they will lose a significant amount of hair each year. To decrease the amount of shedding, you can regularly brush your Saint Bernard. This will remove loose hair and keep his coat growing in the same direction.

Watchdog Ability

What is the watchdog ability of a Saint Bernard dog?

The Saint Bernard dogs are average watchdogs. If they sense something different, this breed will alert their owner.

Breed History


Origin

Where do Saint Bernards come from?

Switzerland

Ancestry

What are Saint Bernards descended from?

tibetan mastiff, great dane, greater swiss mountain dog, great pyrenees

Breed recognition

What organizations or kennel clubs recognize/register the Saint Bernard breed?

American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club

Date of Birth

When were Saint Bernards first bred? How old is the Saint Bernard breed?

980 AD

Saint Bernard Appearance


Litter Size

How many puppies can a Saint Bernard have in a litter? How many puppies can a Saint Bernard have in her first litter?

8-10 puppies per pregnancy

A Saint Bernard can have a litter of 8-10 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Adaptability

The adaptability of Saint Bernard dogs is a well-known trait, they are known for being able to adjust well to different living environments and lifestyle changes.

Saint Bernard Health Issues


Health Issues

Do Saint Bernards have a lot of health problems?

The Saint Bernard is a very healthy breed, with little need for frequent vet visits. However, it's important to keep an eye on their health and have them checked by a veterinarian when needed.

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns to be aware of when owning a Saint Bernard?

Distichiasis
Gastric Torsion
Elbow Dysplasia
Hip Dysplasia
Heart Problems
Wobbler's Syndrome

Minor Concerns

What are the less significant issues to keep in mind when it comes to Saint Bernards?

Entropion
Pyotraumatic Dermatitis
Diabetes

Occasional Tests

What are the occasional tests recommended for Saint Bernard breed?

Cardiac
Eye
Hip
Elbow
Blood Test
Blood And Urine Protein Screens
X-Rays
Eye Examination
Physical Examination

Saint Bernard Needs and Activities


Energy

Do Saint Bernards have a lot of energy?

Saint Bernards may be a good breed for those who prefer a more relaxed lifestyle. They tend to have a lower energy level than other breeds of dogs.

Social Needs

Do Saint Bernards need socialization? How social are Saint Bernards?

Saint Bernard have very high social needs. These needs include regular mental and physical stimulation, a job or purpose, and companionship. They thrive in environments where they have a lot of interaction with humans and other dogs.

Exercise Needed

How much exercise should Saint Bernards get?

The Saint Bernards a breed that requires only a small amount of physical activity to maintain a healthy lifestyle. These breeds are ideal for people with busy lifestyles, elderly people or those who have limited mobility. They also make great pets for those who live in small apartments or have limited outdoor space.

Sleeping Need

How much sleep should a Saint Bernard have? Do Saint Bernards sleep a lot?

The Saint Bernard breed is known for their relaxed and calm nature and tendency to sleep for long periods of time.

Drooling Tendency

Does a Saint Bernard drool a lot?

The Saint Bernard is a breed known for excessive drooling which can cause a lot of drool to be left on clothes. If this is unappealing to you, it may be best to consider a different breed of dog.

Tendency to Bark

How much does it bark?

Saint Bernards are known to bark very little or not at all. They tend to be very quiet and do not bark excessively. They may only bark in specific situations, such as when they need to alert their owner to something important or when they are in distress.

Territorial

Do Saint Bernards exhibit aggressive behavior to safeguard their home and territory? Do they possess a natural tendency to guard?

These dogs are known for their strong territorial instinct and protective nature. They will fiercely defend their territory and are highly alert and vigilant against any perceived threat to their home and family.

Mouthiness

Are Saint Bernards mouthy?

Roaming urge

What is the likelihood of a Saint Bernard running away? Do they have a tendency to explore or wander frequently?

Prey Drive

Do Saint Bernard dogs have a high prey drive?

Past times

What do Saint Bernards enjoy doing? How do I keep my Saint Bernard busy?

Walk, Walking, Calm, Run, Chase, Fetch, Sniffing, Dog Parks, Cuddling, Napping, Zoomies, Fech

Tolerance of being left alone

Grooming

What level of grooming should be provided for a Saint Bernard?

The Saint Bernard is a breed of dog that requires an average amount of grooming effort.

Costs


Saint Bernard Characteristic


Intelligence

How intelligent is a Saint Bernard?

The Saint Bernard have below the average degree of obedience intelligence among other breeds. However, calling them “dumb dogs” is unfair. Where Saint Bernards lack in obedience & working intelligence, they make up for it with their keen ability to understand human emotions.

Sensitivity Level

How sensitive is a Saint Bernard dog?

This dog breed is particularly attuned to its environment and the emotions of those around it. It can be easily overwhelmed by loud noises, new environments, and unfamiliar people or animals. This dog is best suited for individuals or families who are patient, gentle, and understanding of its sensitive nature. It may also benefit from a calm and stable home environment, with a consistent routine and plenty of positive reinforcement training.

Affection Dependance

Are Saint Bernard dogs affectionate?

Apartment Friendly

Do Saint Bernard do well in apartments? Are Saint Bernards good indoor dogs?

Saint Bernards are dogs that do well in apartments with sufficient exercise, but they would really appreciate a small yard.

Child Friendly

Are Saint Bernards good with kids? Are Saint Bernards good around children?

Saint Bernards are kid-friendly dogs. They are good with children and excellent dogs with children if they are socialized and trained at a young age.

Senior-friendly

Are Saint Bernards good for elderly?

Cat Friendly

Are Saint Bernards good with cats? How friendly Saint Bernards are toward cats?

Saint Bernards are very cat friendly dogs. They generally make good companions for cats.

Dog Friendly

Do Saint Bernard dogs get along with other dogs? Are Saint Bernards OK with other dogs?

Saint Bernards are very friendly towards other dogs. This breed typically have a happy and affectionate temperament around dogs.

Pet friendly

How do Saint Bernard dogs interact with other pets? Are they considered pet-friendly?

Stranger Friendly

Are Saint Bernards friendly with strangers?

Saint Bernards are average friendly around strangers. They can be wary around strangers and a little standoffish. Early socialisation is key.

Playfulness

Do Saint Bernards like to play? Are Saint Bernards playful?

Saint Bernards are not the most playful dog breed.

Trainability

Are Saint Bernard easily trained?

Saint Bernard may require more time, repetition and patience to learn commands than other breeds, and can be challenging to teach new things, but with patience and consistency, they can be trained.

Pros Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Affectionate
    Saint Bernards are known for their affection towards their owners and make great companions.
  • Cat Friendly
    Saint Bernards and cats tend to be a suitable pairing.
  • Therapy Dog
    Therapy dog tasks are well within this breed's capabilities.
  • Quiet
    This breed may be a good pick for those looking for a more peaceful dog as they are known for being quiet.
  • Good with children
    They are known to be good with children.

Cons

  • Not Hypoallergenic
    Saint Bernards may not be suitable for those with allergies due to their potential to cause allergic reactions.
  • Tendency to gain weight
    Not paying attention to a Saint Bernard's weight can cause it to become overweight.
  • Not suitable for office environment
    Saint Bernards are not generally considered to be office-friendly dogs.
  • Odor
    The Saint Bernard's chances of having an unpleasant odor is high.
  • Grooming
    Their thick, double coat requires regular grooming to maintain its appearance.