Origins of the Saint Bernard

The Saint Bernard originated in Switzerland, where it was founded by St Bernard Menthon and bred by the monks. It is believed that the Saint Bernard was initially developed from crossing the Great Dane, Tibetan Mastiff and Great Pyrenees. The Saint Bernard was used as a protection for travellers in the dangerous Alpine pass between Italy and Switzerland. Saint Bernards became popular during the 17th century and were used in packs as rescue dogs to find and save people trapped underneath the snow during avalanches. Their amazing sense of smell could detect people stuck many feet below the surface. It has been known that the Saint Bernards are able to detect storms due to their amazing ability to hear very low frequency sound.

Sizes of Typical Male and Female Saint Bernard

The Saint Bernard is a large sized dog. Adult Saint Bernards typically weigh between 50kg to 91kg. The height could vary from 66cm to 91.cm. The female Saint Bernards are usually a fraction smaller than the males.

Saint Bernard Coats

The Saint Bernard can have two types of coat; smooth or rough. However both types are easy to maintain by using a firm bristle brush weekly. Saint Bernards should be bathed only when necessary, using mild soap, as shampoo may strip the coat of its natural oils and water resistant properties. The Saint Bernard only sheds twice a year.

Appearance of the Saint Bernard

The Saint Bernard always comes in red or brindle colour with white. The red colour can range from orange, mahogany, brindle and red-brindle. The white patches are usually on the face, muzzle, collar, chest, forelegs, feet and tail-tip. Black shading can be found on the face and ears of the Saint Bernard

Saint Bernard Temperament

The Saint Bernard has fantastic temperaments. The dog breed is extremely gentle, loyal, friendly and eager to please. These traits would make the Saint Bernard a great family dog. The dog is also very tolerant of children and other pets, as well as being slow moving, patient, obedient, and very intelligent, which makes the dog easy to train. Training should begin at a young age while the dog is still a manageable size. As with any dog it is advisable to start socialising the Saint Bernard also from a very young age to make him aware of people and other animals.

Saint Bernard Puppies

Most good Saint Bernard breeders will not let the puppies leave their mother until at least they are 13 weeks old. Always ensure to acquire your Saint Bernard puppy from a kc registered breeder.

Average cost of a Saint Bernard Puppy

From a reputable breeder, Saint Bernard puppies normally cost around £700 – £1000 in the UK.

Life Expectancy of a Saint Bernard

Saint Bernard’s typically live for 9 to 10 years.

What Health Problems Can Saint Bernard’s can Form

The Saint Bernard has a majority of health concerns such as; joint problems, hip and elbow malformation (dysplasia), inturned eyelids (entropion) and heart defects. It is there advisable to only buy a Saint Bernard puppy from a reputable breeder who screens their breeding stock.

Exercising Your Saint Bernard

This breed requires daily strolls and will happily walk for a couple of miles. This will help to maintain a good mental and physical condition of your Saint Bernard
The Saint Bernard can overheat very quickly, therefore it is recommended not to walk them in hot or humid weather conditions. Saint Bernard puppies should not have too much exercise until their bones are fully formed, which can take up to two years.

Dog Groups related to the Saint Bernard

Working Dog

Similar Dog Breed(s) to the Saint Bernard

Mastiff, Great Dane