Saint Bernard
Updated December 1, 2025
The Saint Bernard is a majestic and benevolent breed, renowned for its history as a rescuer in the Swiss Alps. They are gentle, loyal, and make loving family companions, though their giant size requires significant care and space.
Gentle, Friendly, Patient, Calm, Watchful
120-180 pounds
26-30 inches
8-10 years
Red and White, Brown and White, Mahogany and White, Orange and White, Brindle and White
At a Glance
Good with Kids
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About Saint Bernard
The Saint Bernard is a majestic and benevolent breed, renowned for its history as a rescuer in the Swiss Alps. They are gentle, loyal, and make loving family companions, though their giant size requires significant care and space.
What Makes Saint Bernards Special
The Saint Bernard is a true 'gentle giant' of the dog world. They are famously good-natured, calm, and patient.
Despite their history as formidable rescue dogs in the snowy Alps, they are now more commonly found as devoted family members, beloved for their loyalty and affectionate nature.
Saint Bernard History & Origin
The Saint Bernard's history traces back to the 17th century at the Great St. Bernard Hospice, a traveler's refuge in the treacherous St. Bernard Pass between Switzerland and Italy. Monks at the hospice bred these dogs to help locate and rescue travelers lost in the snow.
The most famous Saint Bernard, Barry, is credited with saving over 40 lives during his time at the hospice in the early 1800s.
Initially, the dogs were likely short-coated. The monks later crossbred them with Newfoundlands, introducing the long-coated variety.
The breed's name was officially recognized in 1880.
The iconic image of a Saint Bernard with a barrel of brandy around its neck is a myth, popularized by an 1820 painting by Edwin Landseer.
Saint Bernard Characteristics
Dogs are individuals and not all dogs, even those of the same breed, will exhibit all the same qualities.
Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Training Needs
Health Issues
Shedding Level
Saint Bernard Appearance
The Saint Bernard is a powerfully built dog of giant proportions, with a massive head and an intelligent, gentle expression.
Their impressive stature is matched by their kind and benevolent demeanor.
Physical Features
Ears
Medium in size, set high on the head, and are pendant-shaped, dropping to the side of the head.
Eyes
Medium-sized and dark brown, set to the front, giving them a look of friendliness and intelligence.
Nose
Large, broad, and always black, with well-developed nostrils.
Coat & Build
Coat Length
Saint Bernards can have either a short, smooth coat or a long, rough coat. Both are double coats with a dense undercoat.
Coat Color
The typical colors are white with red markings, or red with white markings. The red can vary in shade from brindle to brownish-yellow. Symmetrical markings are preferred.
Tail
Long, heavy, and broad at the base, it hangs low when at rest and is carried with a slight upward curve when the dog is active.
Saint Bernard Temperament
Known as 'gentle giants,' Saint Bernards are exceptionally gentle, friendly, and tolerant, especially with children. They are slow-moving, patient, and eager to please their families.
Their history as rescue dogs has instilled in them a brave and adventurous spirit. They are incredibly loyal and form strong bonds with their human companions.
While they are intelligent, they can have an independent streak. Early socialization and training are crucial to manage their large size and ensure they are well-behaved.
Saint Bernards are good watchdogs due to their imposing size, which is often enough to deter strangers. However, they are not typically aggressive.
These dogs are sensitive and do not do well when left alone for long periods, thriving in a home where someone is usually present.
Temperament Traits
Good With
Health
Saint Bernards have a shorter lifespan of 8-10 years, common for giant breeds. They are prone to several health conditions that potential owners should be aware of.
Common Health Issues
Preventive Care
Regular veterinary check-ups, a proper diet to maintain a healthy weight, appropriate exercise, and screening for hereditary conditions.
How to Care for a Saint Bernard
Saint Bernards are high-maintenance dogs due to their massive size, grooming needs, and potential health issues. They require a dedicated owner who can provide for their specific needs.
Grooming
Saint Bernards have a dense double coat that comes in two varieties: short (smooth) and long (rough). Both types shed heavily, especially during the spring and fall shedding seasons.
Weekly brushing is necessary to remove loose hair and prevent matting. During shedding seasons, daily brushing is recommended.
Bathing should be done as needed. Over-bathing can strip the coat of its natural oils.
Due to their droopy eyes, they can be prone to eye irritation, so the area around the eyes should be cleaned regularly.
Their ears should also be checked and cleaned weekly to prevent infections.
Training
Early socialization and puppy training classes are essential for a Saint Bernard. Their giant size makes it imperative that they are well-behaved and manageable from a young age.
They are intelligent and eager to please, but can also be stubborn. Positive reinforcement techniques work best.
Training should focus on basic obedience commands like 'sit,' 'stay,' 'come,' and leash manners. Preventing jumping is particularly important due to their size.
Diet
A high-quality diet formulated for giant breed dogs is essential. These diets are designed to support controlled growth in puppies and maintain joint health in adults.
To prevent bloat, a life-threatening condition, it's best to feed them two to three smaller meals per day rather than one large one. Avoid exercise around mealtimes.
Monitor their weight closely, as obesity can put extra strain on their joints and lead to other health problems.
Exercise
Despite their large size, Saint Bernards have moderate exercise needs. A long walk or about 30 minutes of daily play is usually sufficient.
They are not built for long-distance running. Care must be taken not to over-exercise them, especially during puppyhood, as this can damage their developing joints.
They thrive in cooler climates and can overheat easily in hot weather. Exercise should be scheduled for cooler parts of the day.
They enjoy activities like drafting (cart pulling) and obedience trials.
Environment
Saint Bernards are not well-suited for apartment living due to their massive size. They need a home with plenty of space, preferably with a securely fenced yard.
They are indoor dogs that need to be with their family. They do not do well if left alone for extended periods.
They are sensitive to heat and require a cool, comfortable indoor environment.
Living Conditions
Space Requirements
A large home with a spacious, securely fenced yard is necessary.
Climate Adaptability
Thrives in cooler climates and is very sensitive to heat.
Apartment Living
Unsuitable for apartment living.
Best Suited For
Ideal for families or individuals who have experience with large dogs and live in a suitable environment with plenty of space.
Training Tips
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Saint Bernards good family dogs?
Yes, Saint Bernards are excellent family dogs. They are known for being gentle, patient, and wonderful with children. However, their large size means they should always be supervised around very young children.
How much do Saint Bernards drool and shed?
Saint Bernards are known for both heavy shedding and significant drooling. Prospective owners should be prepared for this.
Do Saint Bernards require a lot of exercise?
No, they have moderate exercise needs. A daily walk and some playtime are usually sufficient. They are not high-energy dogs.
Are Saint Bernards hard to train?
They are intelligent but can be stubborn. With patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement, they can be trained effectively. Early training is crucial.
Can Saint Bernards live in hot climates?
No, they are not suited for hot climates. They have a thick double coat and can overheat dangerously. They require a cool environment.
Specialized Care Guides
Puppy Care
Focus on controlled growth through a proper diet to prevent skeletal problems. Early socialization and training are critical.
Senior Care
Monitor for joint issues and adjust exercise accordingly. Regular vet check-ups are important to manage age-related health problems.
First-Time Owner Tips
Not recommended for first-time dog owners due to their size, strength, and care requirements.
Looking for a Saint Bernard?
Connect with responsible breeders, rescue organizations, and pet adoption services in your area.