St. Bernard Dog Breed Guide: Traits, Care Tips, and Fun Facts
Breed guide overview
About the Saint Bernard
Temperament
Exercise
Grooming
Training
Diet
Health
About St. Bernard
St. Bernards are a large, gentle dog breed celebrated for their imposing size and friendly, affectionate nature.
Originating in the Swiss Alps, St. Bernards were bred for a noble purpose: rescuing travellers stranded in the mountains. Their legendary role as rescue dogs saw them saving lives by locating and aiding those lost or trapped in snow, earning them a place in history as loyal and heroic companions.
Whether you're drawn to their impressive stature or their heartwarming history, St. Bernards are truly one of a kind.
Weight, height & life expectancy
These gentle giants are renowned for their massive build. Male St. Bernards typically stand 70-90 cm tall, while females are slightly smaller at 65-80 cm.
Their weight can range between 64-120 kg, depending on their size and build.
St. Bernards have an average life expectancy of 8-10 years.
What Is the Temperament of St. Bernards Like?
St. Bernards are renowned for their calm, gentle, and affectionate temperament, making them excellent family pets. Their friendly nature, patience, and tolerance, particularly with children, make them a popular choice for households.
These loyal dogs are highly protective of their families and often display a calm, patient demeanour. While they may initially be reserved around strangers, St. Bernards are generally good-natured and thrive on human companionship.
Due to their large size, early socialisation and consistent training are crucial. This ensures they grow into well-mannered and well-behaved companions, allowing their affectionate and protective qualities to shine. St. Bernards’ temperament, combined with their gentle nature, makes them a beloved breed for families and dog lovers alike.
Our St. Bernard Community
Monte is a wonderful St Bernard. He absolutely loves human interaction and having company. As a breed, St Bernard's are very stubborn so whilst he does have good recall, he can often have selective hearing.
Monte's owner, Daniela from Pinner
Lola loves a good fuss, especially a belly rub! She loves her daily walk and really enjoys tug of war with a toy, she can play fetch, which she enjoys doing, she's just reluctant to drop it!
Lola's owner, Kirstie from Birmingham
How Much Exercise Do St. Bernards Need?
St. Bernards are a moderately active breed that requires regular exercise to stay healthy, happy, and mentally stimulated. While they are not as energetic as some other breeds, consistent exercise is essential to prevent boredom and maintain their muscle tone.
Adult St. Bernards benefit from daily exercise sessions of about 1 hour, which can include moderate walks, playtime in a secure area, or low-impact activities that suit their large and heavy build. Be mindful of their joints and bones, as their size can make them prone to joint issues, so avoid excessive strain or high-impact activities.
For St. Bernard puppies, short and controlled play sessions several times a day are ideal. Due to their rapid growth and developing joints, avoid overexertion or activities that involve jumping or prolonged running. Gradually increase the intensity and duration of their exercise as they grow, ensuring it matches their development.
Always consult your vet for tailored advice on the exercise needs of your St. Bernard, especially during their puppy stages. By providing appropriate exercise, you’ll help your St. Bernard stay fit, healthy, and full of life!
How to Groom a St. Bernard: Coat Care and Hygiene Tips
St. Bernards have a dense, double coat that requires regular grooming to keep it clean, healthy, and free from mats or tangles. This gentle giant is a moderate shedder throughout the year, with heavier shedding periods—often referred to as "coat blowing"—occurring during seasonal changes.
Coat Grooming Tips
- Brush your St. Bernard’s coat 2-3 times a week to remove loose hair and prevent matting.
- During shedding seasons, increase brushing frequency to manage the extra hair and keep their coat under control.
- Use a sturdy grooming brush or rake designed for thick double coats to effectively reach their undercoat.
Dental Care
Good oral hygiene is also essential for St. Bernards. Aim to brush their teeth twice daily using a dog-specific toothpaste. If that isn’t feasible, brush as often as you can to maintain their dental health and prevent plaque build-up.
By following these grooming and hygiene tips, you’ll help keep your St. Bernard looking great, feeling comfortable, and staying healthy year-round.
Are St. Bernards Easy to Train?
St. Bernards are intelligent and eager to please, which makes them trainable, but they can sometimes show independent or stubborn behaviour. With the right approach, they respond well to early training and positive reinforcement techniques.
Training Tips for St. Bernards
- Start training early using consistent and positive reinforcement, such as treats, praise, and gentle encouragement.
- Be patient and persistent, as St. Bernards may learn at a slower pace than some other breeds.
- Socialise your St. Bernard early to expose them to various people, animals, and environments, helping them grow into a confident and well-adjusted adult.
- Use calm, gentle guidance to motivate them during training sessions, as harsh methods can backfire with this sensitive breed.
- For novice owners, professional training classes or assistance from an experienced dog trainer can provide valuable support.
By combining patience, positive rewards, and early socialisation, you can successfully train your St. Bernard to be a well-mannered and obedient companion.
What do St. Bernards eat?
A St. Bernard’s diet plays a crucial role in their health, well-being, and overall development. Feeding them a well-balanced, high-quality dog food that suits their size, age, and activity level is essential for maintaining their health.
Feeding Guidelines for St. Bernards
- Adult St. Bernards: Most adult St. Bernards thrive on two meals a day with portion sizes tailored to their weight and activity level. Proper portion control is vital to prevent obesity, as excess weight can put strain on their joints and worsen potential health issues.
- Puppy Diet: St. Bernard puppies require a specially formulated puppy food designed for large breeds to support their growth and development. Puppies should be fed 3-4 times daily until they are 6 months old, at which point this can be reduced to two meals a day.
- Transition to adult food should happen around 12-18 months, depending on the puppy’s growth rate and the specific recommendations of the chosen food brand.
Consult Your Vet
For personalised advice, consult your vet to determine the best dietary plan based on your St. Bernard’s unique needs, including their age, size, activity level, and any underlying health concerns.
Are St. Bernards Healthy? Common Health Conditions to Be Aware Of
St. Bernards are generally healthy dogs, but like all breeds, they can be prone to specific health conditions. Understanding these potential issues can help owners take proactive steps to maintain their pet's health and well-being.
Bone and Joint Health
- Cruciate Disease: A torn cruciate ligament in the knee can lead to discomfort and lameness.
- Elbow Dysplasia: Caused by improper alignment of the elbow joint, resulting in pain and mobility issues.
- Hip Dysplasia: When the thigh bone and pelvis don’t fit properly at the hip joint, leading to discomfort and arthritis.
- Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD): An inflammatory condition where cartilage separates from the bone, causing joint pain.
- Panosteitis: Inflammation of the long leg bones, often causing lameness during growth periods.
Cancer
- Osteosarcoma: A malignant bone cancer commonly affecting the long bones of the legs.
Eye Conditions
- Ectropion: The eyelid rolls outward, exposing the eye to dryness and potential irritation.
Gastrointestinal Issues
- Gastric Dilation Volvulus (GDV): A serious condition where the stomach twists, trapping gas and contents inside. This is a veterinary emergency that requires immediate attention.
Heart Health
- Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM): A condition where the heart's ventricles enlarge, potentially leading to heart failure.
Skin Conditions
- Skin Fold Dermatitis: Inflammation or infection in the folds of skin, often seen on the face of St. Bernards.
Vet top tip
Regular vet check-ups are essential for keeping your St. Bernard healthy. Early detection of potential health issues, such as joint problems or heart conditions, can significantly improve their quality of life. Pair routine visits with a balanced diet, appropriate exercise, and grooming to help your St. Bernard thrive. Prevention is always better than cure! 🐾
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Information on this page should never replace advice given by your veterinarian. Potential health issues presented are given as a guide only and are not meant to be comprehensive. If you ever have any concerns about your dog’s health contact your local vet.
