Saint Bernard

The Saint Bernard, originating in Switzerland, is related to the Bernese Mountain Dog, Entlebuch Cattle Dog, Appenzell Cattle Dog, and Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. Likely developed from Alpine dogs crossed with Roman Mastiffs, they were known as “Talhund” (Valley Dog) or “Bauernhund” (Farm Dog) by the first millennium CE.

The Saint Bernard Pass, a treacherous route 8,000 feet above sea level, was where Archdeacon Bernard de Menthon established a hospice in 962 AD. These purebred dogs were first mentioned in monastery records in 1703. Initially used for guarding, they soon excelled in search and rescue, saving over 2,000 travelers over three centuries.

1. Saint Bernard history – Source: AKC.org

By the 1800s, the breed was known but unnamed, often called Barryhunden after a famous rescue dog. The name Saint Bernard Dog was proposed by Daniel Wilson in 1833 and adopted by the Swiss Kennel Club in 1880.

In the U.S., a Saint Bernard named Plinlimmon gained fame in 1883. The Saint Bernard Club of America was founded in 1888, adopting the Swiss breed standard.

Today, Saint Bernards ranks 39th among AKC breeds under Working Group and can be seen in homes, films, dog shows, and still at the Saint Bernard Hospice in Switzerland as living symbols of its history.

1. St. Bernard in 19th century- Source: House of Switzerland

Saint Bernards are one of the dog breeds known for their friendly and welcoming demeanor. They exhibit a steady and benevolent temperament, showing kindness and carefulness, especially around children. They enjoy attention but are not overly demanding of it compared to some other breeds.

• Temperament

Saint Bernards are renowned for their gentle and amiable temperament. These dogs are known to be affectionate and patient, especially with children, making them excellent family companions. They possess a natural calmness and are often described as easygoing and good-natured. Saint Bernards are highly intelligent and eager to please, which aids in their training, although they can display a stubborn streak at times.

• Potential Challenges

Potential challenges with Saint Bernards include their large size, which requires ample space and resources. They shed heavily, needing regular grooming to manage their dense coat. Training is crucial early on to control their strength and potential for protective behavior.

Socialization is also important to ensure they remain friendly with strangers. Prospective owners should be prepared for the commitment needed to care for these gentle giants effectively.

The Saint Bernard is a large, strong dog with a powerful head. It has a short, wide muzzle and teeth that meet in a level or scissors bite. The lips and nose are black, and the nose is broad with wide nostrils. Their eyes are medium-sized and dark, giving them a slightly sad expression.

• Size

Saint Bernards are massive dogs, typically standing between 26 to 30 inches tall at the shoulder and weighing between 120 to 180 pounds. Their impressive size and strength make them formidable yet gentle companions.

• Coat color

This breed comes in two coat types: rough and smooth, both dense to provide insulation against cold weather. Their coloring can vary, often combining white with tan, red, black, brindle, or a mix of these shades. Rough-coated Saint Bernards have slightly longer hair and feathers on their legs and thighs compared to smooth-coated individuals.

1. Brindle St. Bernard- Source: House of Switzerland
2. Red and White St.Bernard- Source: Pixabay

• Size

Male Saint Bernards typically stand between 28 to 30 inches at the shoulder and weigh 140 to 180 pounds, while females are slightly smaller, standing 26 to 28 inches and weighing 120 to 140 pounds. 

• Temperament 

In terms of temperament, males tend to be more outgoing and assertive, sometimes displaying more dominant behaviors. They may exhibit a stronger protective instinct over their territory and family members.

Females, on the other hand, often show a gentler demeanor, being more nurturing and maternal. They can be equally affectionate and loyal but may assert themselves more subtly compared to males. Both genders benefit from early socialization and training to ensure they develop into well-mannered and balanced companions.

Saint Bernards typically require 5 to 6 cups of high-quality dry food per day, split into two meals. The amount your adult dog needs depends on factors like size, age, metabolism, and activity level. Just like people, dogs have individual nutritional needs active dogs may require more food than less active ones.

The quality of the dog food you choose is crucial; better-quality food provides more nourishment, requiring less quantity per serving. Saint Bernards tend to overeat and can become obese.

So it’s important to measure their food and feed them twice daily rather than leaving food out continuously to help them maintain a healthy weight. Additionally, corn can be a healthy addition in moderation.

Saint Bernards are generally healthy, but like all breeds, they have tendencies towards certain health issues. While not all Saint Bernards will develop these conditions, it’s essential to be aware of them if considering this breed.

• Hip Dysplasia: This condition is a genetic disorder where the hip joint doesn’t develop properly, leading to instability and degeneration over time. It can cause pain, lameness, and arthritis as the dog ages. Screening through X-rays and selecting breeding pairs with good hip scores can help reduce its incidence.
• Entropion: This eyelid condition causes the eyelid to roll inward, causing irritation and potentially leading to corneal ulcers or other eye damage. Surgical correction is typically necessary to alleviate discomfort and prevent long-term complications.
• Epilepsy: Epilepsy in dogs is characterized by recurrent seizures and can have various causes, including genetic predisposition, brain tumors, or metabolic disorders. While epilepsy cannot be cured, it can often be managed with anticonvulsant medications and careful monitoring.
• Dilated Cardiomyopathy: This heart condition involves the heart muscle becoming thin and weakened, leading to poor heart function and potentially heart failure. Symptoms may include weakness, lethargy, coughing, and difficulty breathing.
• Cataracts: Cataracts are opacities that develop on the eye’s lens, causing cloudiness and impaired vision. They can develop gradually and may lead to blindness if left untreated. Surgical removal of cataracts is an option to restore vision in affected dogs, although not all cataracts require surgical intervention.
• Allergies: Saint Bernards can develop allergies to various substances, including food, environmental allergens (like pollen or dust), or contact allergens (like certain fabrics or grooming products). Symptoms may include itching, skin infections, gastrointestinal upset, or respiratory issues
• Canine Gastric Torsion: Also known as bloat, is a life-threatening condition where the stomach fills with gas and twists on its axis. This rotation cuts off blood flow to the stomach and other organs, leading to shock and rapid deterioration if not treated promptly. Symptoms include a distended abdomen, unproductive attempts to vomit, restlessness, and rapid breathing.
• Bone Cancer (Osteosarcoma): This aggressive and often painful cancer primarily affects the long bones of large and giant dog breeds, including Saint Bernards. Symptoms may include lameness, swelling, and pain around the affected bone.

Groom your Saint Bernard about three times a week with a rubber curry brush or pin brush, depending on their coat length. Use a shedding blade during shedding seasons and a detangling solution for any mats. Bathe infrequently with dog-specific shampoo, preferably outdoors or in a large shower. Regularly wipe around the eyes to prevent stains, and perform dental care, nail trimming every 1-2 months, and weekly ear checks.

Saint Bernards need moderate exercise, including daily walks and playtime in a fenced yard. Avoid over-exercising, especially in hot weather, to prevent overheating.

Be gentle with strenuous activities, particularly for puppies and older dogs, to protect their joints and overall health. Regular, moderate exercise helps maintain their weight and keeps them healthy. Additionally, house training your dog with consistency and patience is crucial for developing good habits.

Adopting a Saint Bernard can be a rewarding experience for those prepared for their size and gentle temperament. Many Saint Bernards end up in shelters or breed-specific rescues due to changes in family circumstances or their size becoming overwhelming. Potential adopters should research the breed’s needs thoroughly and be prepared for their grooming requirements, exercise needs, and potential health considerations.

Sunny Saints, Southern California St. Bernard Rescue

Saint Bernard Rescue

Expect to pay between $1,500 to $3,000 or more for a Saint Bernard puppy from a responsible breeder, depending on factors like lineage, health screenings, and location. Avoid purchasing from puppy mills or backyard breeders to support ethical breeding practices and ensure you bring home a healthy and well-socialized companion.

AKC Marketplace

Greenfield Puppies

• The breed we now know as Saint Bernard was originally referred to as Alpine Mastiffs until they were officially named Saint Bernards in 1888.
• They are considered the national dog of Switzerland.
• They appeared in the movie “ Beethoven”

1. Beethoven – Source: Wikipedia

• They have been featured in the Breed Judging Show 2023.

Saint Bernards are best suited for individuals or families who have ample space and enjoy outdoor activities. They make excellent companions for those who appreciate their gentle nature and are willing to provide the necessary exercise and grooming they require.