Saint Bernard Dog Breed Information:
Originally the Saint Bernard dog breed guarded the grounds of Switzerland’s Hospice Saint Bernard as well as to help find and save lost and injured travelers. Today Saint Bernards enjoy the comforts of family life in many homes across the world. They’re affectionate with just about everyone they meet, and people who don’t mind a bit of drool will find them to be loving companions.
Saint Bernard Dog Group: Working Dogs.
Saint Bernard Height: 2 feet, 2 inches to 2 feet, 6 inches tall at the shoulder.
Saint Bernard Weight: 120 to 180 pounds.
Saint Bernard Life Span: 8 to 10 years.
More About This Dog Breed:
Saint Bernards generally take longer to mature mentally. This leaves you with a very big puppy for several years. Originally bred to withstand the cold temperatures of the Alps, the Saint Bernard does not do well in heat. A Saint Bernard is a giant-size breed and although they are generally quiet inside, they are not best suited to apartments. They need space to move or just to stretch out in.
Saint Bernard History:
The Saint Bernard originated in Switzerland along with several other breeds, including the Bernese Mountain Dog, Entlebuch Cattle Dog, Appenzell Cattle Dog, and Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. The Saint Bernard Pass is a well-known and treacherous alpine pass that lies roughly 8,000 feet above sea level and can only be traveled between July and September. Today remnants of the great Roman road can be seen, as well as evidence of Napoleon's crossing.
Saint Bernard Size:
Male Saint Bernards stand 28 to 30 inches at the shoulder and weigh 140 to 180 pounds; females are 26 to 28 inches and weigh 120 to 140 pounds.
Saint Bernard Personality:
True to their heritage as hospice dogs, Saint Bernards are friendly and welcoming. They have a steady, benevolent temperament and are kind and careful with children. They love attention but aren't as demanding of it as some breeds. Because of their large size, it's important to begin training Saints at an early age, while they're still easily manageable. They're intelligent and willing to please but sometimes stubborn. They should never be aggressive unless it's in defense of a family member.
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Saint Bernard Health:
Saints are generally healthy, but like all breeds, they're prone to certain health conditions. Not all Saint Bernards will get any or all of these diseases:
Hip Dysplasia.
Elbow Dysplasia.
Entropion.
Epilepsy.
Dilated Cardiomyopathy.
Cataracts.
Allergies.
Gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV).
Saint Bernard Care:
Saint Bernards need only moderate amounts of exercise, but it's important that they get it to prevent obesity. Limit the amount of exercise you give your Saint Bernard puppy until he reaches mature size. Saint Bernards are naturally friendly, but all puppies benefit from puppy socialization class to help them learn how to properly react to other dogs and strangers. Crate training is an important tool that breeders will recommend.
Saint Bernard Feeding:
Recommended daily amount: 5 to 6 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Saint Bernard Coat Color And Grooming:
Saint Bernards can be found in two coat types: shorthaired and longhaired. The shorthaired coat is smooth but dense. The hair is slightly bushy on the thighs, and the tail is covered with long, dense hair that becomes shorter toward the tip. Saint Bernards are various shades of red with white or white with red. The red comes in various shades, from brindle patches with white markings to brownish-yellow. The white occurs on the chest, around the neck (known as the collar), around the nose (the noseband), and on the feet and tip of the tail. Brush your Saint about three times a week with a rubber curry brush or hound glove for shorthaired coats or a pin brush for longhaired coats. St. Bernards don't need to be bathed frequently.
Saint Bernard with Children And Other Pets:
Saint Bernards are, well, saintly around kids. Patient and gentle, they step carefully around them and will put up with a lot. Saints can also get along well with other pets, especially if they're introduced to them in puppyhood.