saint bernard

St. Bernard Dogs as Pets:

general health

energy level

Detachability

trainability

intelligence

chewing tendency

size

family and kid friendly

happy/barking

low

separation anxiety

low

preferred temperature

cold climate

exercise needs

low

be friendly with other dogs

ease

Thoroughbred Cost of Ownership

$1,500 (average)

pack of dogs

Serving

male weight

140-180 lbs

female weight

120-140 lbs

key facts

• Saint Bernards do not do well in tropical climates and are best kept in cooler climates.
• They may have short-haired or long-haired coats.
• Although they used to be working dogs, they don't like much exercise.

The Saint Bernard is a large, unusually muscular working dog native to the Western Alps of Italy and Switzerland. Although very intelligent as adults, St. Bernard puppies are known to be slower to mature intellectually than other breeds. Often drooling and bringing dirt into the house, this breed can be a rather messy pet. St. Bernards have thick coats for cold weather and do not do well in hot climates, shedding profusely.

3 Pros and Cons of Owning a Saint Bernard

size and weight

The St. Bernard is a large dog, both in weight and height. Adult female dogs are approximately 26 to 28 inches, while males are 28 to 30 inches.

St. Bernard Health and Recreation

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The frame is supported by a fairly heavy weight. Females can weigh up to 140 pounds, while males can weigh up to 180 pounds.

common health problems

All dog breeds are prone to health problems, including St. Bernards. In particular, this breed is prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, which is caused by abnormal growth of the alveolar bone. Osteosarcoma is a type of bone cancer that most commonly affects the legs of Saint Bernard dogs, although any bone can be affected.

Addison's disease, another common condition in the breed, affects the adrenal glands and prevents the body from producing hormones properly. Veterinarians say most dogs with Addison's disease only live to be 4 years old. Common symptoms are nonspecific and range from weight loss to vomiting to increased urine output.

Dilated cardiomyopathy can be another major problem in these dogs. This heart condition, whether inherited or acquired, causes a decrease in the heart's ability to pump blood around the body, leading to heart failure. The heart tissue thins but still increases in size, thus blocking blood flow. Symptoms may include fainting, difficulty breathing, and abdominal fluid accumulation.

Below is a list of common health problems these dogs suffer from:

• hip dysplasia
• elbow dysplasia
• Osteosarcoma
• Addison's disease
• eye problems
• immune problems
• Dilated cardiomyopathy

temperament

The temperament of the Saint Bernard is, as the name suggests, that of a saint. Calm and gentle, this breed is known for being very patient and rarely aggressive with strangers. However, most people are afraid of these dogs because of their looming stature.

Saint Bernards make excellent family dogs; however, careful consideration is needed if there are young children in the household, as the gentle giant may inadvertently injure a young one.

Although originally bred for work, the St. Bernard is a bit lazy and needs a push when it comes to exercise. Much of the work this breed is involved with these days is therapy work, lifting people's moods with their relaxed demeanor, cute looks, and cuddly coats.

How to Care for a Saint Bernard

No two dogs are the same, and each has a specific set of requirements to keep them healthy and happy. Given Saint Bernards' disdain for exercise and considerable health issues, they require a higher level of care. Here's something to know about caring for this breed.

Best Dog Food for Saint Bernards

The right canine diet will provide these giant hairballs with the specific nutrients they need to live. When considering which dog food to feed your pet, it's important to have a balance of protein, fat, carbohydrates, minerals and vitamins. Dogs are omnivorous, so these dietary needs can be met through plant and animal sources. Dogs should not be fed an all-meat diet as this would lead to nutritional imbalances, whereas they can thrive on an all-plant diet. Food quality and digestibility are key when choosing dog food to feed your dog. St. Bernards should eat a dog food made specifically for larger breeds, and a dog food that supports bone and joint health may help avoid related health problems.

As for the feeding amount of St. Bernard dogs, it is recommended to feed about five to six cups of high-quality food, calculated according to the brand and content. However, it's important to divide meals into two or three servings each day to keep your metabolism stimulated and prevent unwanted weight gain.

To avoid bone and joint degeneration, immune or heart problems, your St. Bernard will thank you for Purina Pro Plan Large and Jumbo Chicken and Rice Adult Dry and Wet Dog Food .

This breed is formulated for large and giant dogs like your St. Bernard. So you can be sure it's delivering all the crucial glucosamine for pain-free joints and calcium for strong bones. It contains vitamin B1 and thiamine to support that big heart, while its taurine supports the eyes, immune system and heart. In addition, antioxidants and fatty acids can boost the immunity of St. Bernard dogs.

Find Purina Pro Plan Large and Giant Breed on Amazon.

Maintenance and Grooming

St. Bernards have been found with short-haired or long-haired coats. The former is sleek and thickly haired, while the latter offers soft waves designed for colder weather.

The color of their coat is very distinct, with rich ginger red and white or white and ginger red, and black accentuating their facial structure. Both coat types shed profusely in spring and fall, and regular grooming is recommended. Ultimately, it may be beneficial to give your dog a thorough brushing several times a week to remove any loose hair and help control shedding.

In addition to regular brushing, Saint Bernards have heavy ears and are prone to ear infections. Always watch for head shaking or head tilt, common signs of ear problems, and clean your dog's ears if necessary. Nail care is also important when you have a dog to keep them short and healthy. Dogs groom themselves, so a bath is only necessary after a mud romp or hardcore game. To keep your mouth clean, wipe off excess saliva or leftover food residue. Finally, to maintain healthy dental hygiene, brush every other day with a dog-safe toothpaste to keep their breath fresh and reduce the chances of future gum disease.

train

Large and somewhat stubborn, it's important to start training your St. Bernard puppy early so they get used to it quickly. While these puppies tend to mature more slowly than other breeds, St. Bernards are highly intelligent and trained for working purposes, so they are highly trainable. Make sure to incorporate socialization with other dogs and people into your training regimen. Positive reinforcement and rewards help make training fun and successful!

exercise

Large and responsible, the St. Bernard doesn't actually need a lot of exercise. So, if you're looking for a jogging buddy, you might want to look at another breed, as St. Bernards are often completely resistant to exercise. A short daily walk is sufficient for this breed.

puppy

Caring for a Saint Bernard puppy is much the same as caring for an adult Saint Bernard. However, they are fed smaller amounts and each meal is divided into 4-6 smaller meals as they do not eat a lot at one time. Eat small, frequent meals to aid the digestive process and avoid vomiting or overindulging.

It is always a good idea to start training your Saint Bernard when he is a puppy, especially for this breed. This foundation builds good habits that are easier to train as the dog gets older.

children

Although this is a very friendly dog and is known to get along well with children, it is not recommended that you adopt them if you have young children in your home. Although they are cute and calm, they are large and can accidentally injure your toddler.

similar dog

• Greater Swiss Mountain Dog: Like the Saint Bernard, this dog is also loyal, friendly and protective of its owner's family. The coat color of the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is mainly black and was bred as a shepherd dog.
• Bernese Mountain Dog: Friendly and hardworking, these dogs have a bloodline that dates back 2,000 years. They are very loyal to the family they live with, and their coat color is very similar to the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog.
• Entlebucher Mountain Dog: Strong and alert, these dogs are known as "laughing dogs." They were originally bred for moving cattle and are known to be hardworking.

famous saint bernard

The most famous St. Bernard is probably the lead dog in the 1992 comedy Beethoven . A St. Bernard puppy who ends up being named Beethoven wanders into an unsuspecting home and ends up becoming the movie's hero, saving his daughter's life. Many spinoffs were made due to the adoration of St. Bernard Beethoven by millions.

Another more morbid St. Bernard is Stephen King's Cujo . Unfortunately, the friendly canine becomes infected with rabies and terrorizes the entire town.

Popular names for Saint Bernard dogs

Here are some popular names for your St. Bernard:

• austin
• fauvism
• aviation
• Baxter
• anna

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