Saint Bernard

The Saint Bernard is a very impressive and well-recognized breed who is a gentle, sweet, and tender giant. The breed’s ancestry can be traced back to the Western Alps of Switzerland and Italy. Many centuries ago travelers would attempt to cross the Saint Bernard Pass in the Western Alps and would often not survive. These areas were extremely treacherous since they were over 8,000 feet above sea level with precarious weather conditions. Archdeacon Bernard de Menthon built a hospice and monastery in this area to assist these travelers. It was noted that even Napoleon had traversed on this dangerous pathway. Though the Saint Bernard was originally used to guard the property at the monastery they noticed that the breed was also an excellent search and rescue dog. As time went on they were bred specifically to fine tune the attribute of rescuing lost travelers, and subsequently thousands of wayfarers were saved by the breed. Fortunately the Saint Bernard is also exemplary for handling the harsh climate of the Western Alps which is perfect for this type of work. In 1833 the breed became known as the Saint Bernard Dog, and in 1880 the Swiss Kennel Club recognized this working breed. The Saint Bernard name was derived from Archdeacon Bernard de Menthon, the founder of this safe haven. The breed has a gorgeous double coat which is excellent for insulation and protection from the cold. They can have a short, soft and thick coat, or a long and slightly wavy coat. The breed is typically red and white, or brown and white. However, they can also be chestnut and white, brindle and white, or even orange and white. Due to the breed having a double coat they do not do well in the heat, and can suffer from heat exhaustion and heat stroke. This breed does shed a lot especially in the spring and fall. It is wise to brush their coat at least 3x/week, or even more frequently. They do not need to be bathed often but when doing so, it is wise to bathe them outside. If you bathe them outside, do so only when the weather is warm. It is important to keep the area under their eyes clean. It is also vital to keep their ears from collecting debris, and to trim their nails 1-2x/month. It is suggested that you brush their teeth a few times a week or even daily to avoid dental issues. Though the Saint Bernard is a very large breed, it is loyal, affectionate, and docile. This intelligent breed is fairly easy to train but they do have a stubborn streak which can make training them a challenge. They are a wonderful breed with children but again supervision is advised due to their size, but they do adore children. Early socialization is suggested so they get used to many different experiences, people, sights and sounds. They are not a good breed for a novice dog owner but are a wonderful family dog, and are great with other pets especially when they are raised together. Saint Bernards do not like to be left alone for too long or they may experience separation anxiety. They are a heavy drooling breed so if you enjoy a meticulous home be aware of that trait. Their exercise needs are moderate, and a good 30 minutes a day walk is essential. They also love to play fetch, tug of war, and swim. The Saint Bernard breed is wonderful as a service animal, and is an excellent psychiatric service dog due to their empathetic nature. The Saint Bernard is typically 26-35 inches tall at the shoulder, and normally weighs 100-200 pounds, with a lifespan of 8-10 years. With routine veterinary care and much love you will have a happy and healthy Saint Bernard.

Each dog breed can be prone to develop certain diseases or conditions, be sure to research your specific breed before making a purchase to ensure you´re prepared for any challenges that may arise. This information is only a generalization and we make no guarantees on any breed related to personality, appearance, or typical health characteristics.