St Bernard
The legendary Alpine rescue dog - massive, gentle and warm-hearted, with a calm nature that belies its enormous size.
Personality Traits
History and Origins
The St Bernard was developed by monks at the Great St Bernard Hospice in the Swiss Alps, where travellers crossing the treacherous mountain pass between Switzerland and Italy needed rescue from avalanches and blizzards. The dogs' extraordinary sense of direction, resistance to cold and ability to sense approaching avalanches saved an estimated 2,000 lives over three centuries.
The most famous St Bernard, Barry, is credited with saving over 40 lives in the early 1800s. Today's St Bernard is primarily a companion dog, though the breed retains the gentle, nurturing temperament that made it such an effective rescue animal. The monks at the hospice still keep St Bernards, though modern rescue operations use helicopters.
Appearance
The St Bernard is one of the largest dog breeds, standing 65-90 cm at the shoulder and weighing 54-82 kg or more. There are two coat varieties: short-haired (smooth) and long-haired (rough). Both have a dense double coat in white with red, mahogany or brindle markings. The massive head is broad and imposing with a gentle, intelligent expression, deep-set eyes and pronounced dewlaps. The body is powerful and muscular with heavy bone.
Is a St Bernard Right for You?
St Bernards suit owners who have space, patience and the physical ability to manage a giant breed. They are gentle, tolerant dogs that are excellent with children and other animals. They need minimal exercise compared to their size but their food bills, veterinary costs and space requirements are substantial.
They drool considerably, shed heavily and have a shorter lifespan than smaller breeds. Potential owners should be prepared for these realities. In return, they offer unmatched gentleness, loyalty and a calm, reassuring presence.
Living with a St Bernard
Living with a St Bernard is like sharing your home with a very large, very gentle teddy bear. They are calm, patient dogs that seem to instinctively understand the need for gentle behaviour. They are wonderful with children, often becoming protective guardians who watch over the youngest family members with careful attention.
They drool. A lot. Strategic towel placement becomes second nature. They also take up a surprising amount of space and their tail can clear a coffee table with one sweep. Despite their size, they are not demanding dogs and are content with moderate exercise and family companionship.
Training Tips
- Start training and socialisation early - they grow rapidly and are hard to manage if untrained
- Teach loose-lead walking while they are still small enough to handle
- Control growth rate in puppies - slow, steady growth protects developing joints
- Provide air conditioning or cool spaces in warm weather
- Feed from raised bowls and avoid exercise around mealtimes (bloat prevention)
Temperament
St Bernards are gentle, patient and affectionate. They are one of the most tolerant of all breeds, accepting children, strangers and other animals with calm equanimity. They have a quiet, reassuring presence and seem to understand their own size, moving carefully around smaller beings.
They are not aggressive or territorial. They may bark to alert but are more likely to greet visitors with a wagging tail than any display of protectiveness. They are loyal to their family without being clingy and are generally calm and easy-going.
Exercise Needs
Around 45 minutes to one hour of moderate exercise daily. St Bernards are not high-energy dogs and should not be over-exercised, particularly while growing. Gentle walks at a steady pace suit them well. They should avoid strenuous exercise in warm weather due to their susceptibility to overheating. Swimming is an excellent low-impact exercise option. Puppies need carefully controlled exercise to protect developing joints.
Grooming
Both coat types need brushing two to three times a week, daily during shedding seasons. The long-haired variety needs extra attention to prevent matting behind the ears, under the legs and around the tail. They shed heavily year-round with seasonal increases. Regular face cleaning is essential due to drooling and the deep facial folds. Ear cleaning, dental care and nail trimming are standard requirements. Professional grooming every 6-8 weeks helps manage the coat.
Health
St Bernards have a relatively short lifespan of 8-10 years. Hip and elbow dysplasia are significant concerns and all breeding dogs should be scored. Dilated cardiomyopathy and other heart conditions are important breed health issues. Bloat/GDV is a serious risk in this deep-chested giant breed. Osteosarcoma, entropion/ectropion (eyelid conditions) and epilepsy have been reported. Obesity must be carefully managed as excess weight compounds joint problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do St Bernards drool a lot?
Yes, significantly. The loose flews (lips) and deep facial structure produce considerable drool, particularly after eating, drinking or in warm weather. Strategic towel placement around the home becomes a way of life.
Are St Bernards good with children?
Exceptionally good. They are one of the most patient and gentle breeds with children. Their calm nature and protective instincts make them excellent family dogs. Supervision is advised simply due to their size.
How much does it cost to keep a St Bernard?
Significantly more than average. Food costs are high (they eat 4-8 cups of quality food daily), veterinary bills for a giant breed are greater, and larger equipment (beds, crates, etc.) costs more. Insurance premiums are typically higher.
Can St Bernards live in warm climates?
They struggle in heat. Their thick coat and large body make them susceptible to overheating. Air conditioning, shade and careful management of exercise in warm weather are essential. They are best suited to cooler climates.
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