Saint Bernard

Saint Bernard dogs are large and extraordinarily muscular working dogs originating from the Western Alps in Italy and Switzerland. While highly intelligent adults, Saint Bernard puppies are known to mentally mature more slowly than other breeds. Often drooling and tracking mud into the house, this breed may be a rather messy pet. Saint Bernards have thick coats adjusted to cold weather and do not do well in hot climates, shedding immensely.

3 Pros and Cons of Owning a Saint Bernard

Size and Weight

The Saint Bernard is a large dog, both in weight and height. The female dogs are about 26 to 28 inches as adults, while the males are 28 to 30 inches.

That frame is supported by a rather hefty weight. Females can get as large as 140 lbs., though the males will go even higher to 180 pounds.

Common Health Issues

All dog breeds are prone to health issues, and Saint Bernards are no exception. In particular, this breed is prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, which is caused by an abnormal growth of the bones in the hip and elbow sockets. Osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer, most often impacts the legs of Saint Bernards, though any bone can be affected.

Addison’s disease is another common condition in this breed; it affects the adrenal glands and prevents the body from producing hormones correctly. With proper treatment, most dogs with Addison’s disease can live a normal lifespan. Common symptoms are non-specific, ranging from weight loss to vomiting to increased urine output.

Dilated cardiomyopathy can be another major concern for these dogs. Hereditary or acquired, this heart condition leads to decreased ability for the heart to pump blood to the body, leading to heart failure. Cardiac tissue thins out but still grows in size, which prevents proper blood flow. Symptoms may include fainting, difficulty breathing, fluid in the abdomen, etc.

Here is a list of the common health issues that these dogs suffer from:

• Hip Dysplasia
• Elbow Dysplasia
• Osteosarcoma
• Addison’s disease
• Eye problems
• Immunity problems
• Dilated cardiomyopathy

Temperament

The temperament of a Saint Bernard, much like the name suggests, is saint-like. Calm and gentle, this breed is known to be very patient and rarely aggressive around strangers. However, most people are scared of these dogs because of their looming stature.

Saint Bernards make excellent family dogs; however, careful consideration is required if a family has small children, as the gentle giant may accidentally harm a small infant.

While originally bred to work, Saint Bernards are somewhat lazy dogs, needing a push when it’s time for exercise. Today, Saint Bernards are commonly used as therapy dogs, but they also participate in cart-pulling, drafting, and occasionally in search-and-rescue work.

How to Take Care of a Saint Bernard

No two dogs are alike, each having a specific set of requirements to stay healthy and happy. Saint Bernards require an elevated level of care, considering their disdain for exercise and considerable health concerns. Here are a few things to know about taking care of this breed.

The Best Dog Food for Saint Bernards

The right canine diet will supply these giant furballs with the specific nutrients necessary for life. Balancing protein, fat, carbohydrates, minerals, and vitamins is essential when considering which dog food to choose to feed your pet. Dogs are omnivorous, making it possible to meet these dietary needs through plant and animal sources. Dogs should never be fed an all-meat diet, as it would lead to an imbalance in nutrients, while they are able to thrive on an all-plant diet. Quality and digestibility of food are key when choosing which dog food to feed your dog. Saint Bernards should eat dog food made specifically for large breeds, and one that supports bone and joint health may be beneficial in warding off related health issues.

As for the amount to feed a Saint Bernard, it is advised to feed about five to six cups of high-quality food, varying based on brand and content. However, it is important to divide meals into two or three servings a day, keeping metabolism stimulated and preventing unnecessary weight gain.

Maintenance and Grooming

Saint Bernards can have either a short-haired coat or a long-haired coat. The former are smooth with dense fur, while the latter offer a soft wave, designed for colder weather.

The coloration of their coats is highly distinguishable, featuring a rich ginger-red with white or white with ginger-red, and black accenting their facial structure. Both coat types shed heavily during the spring and fall seasons, and regular grooming is recommended. Ultimately, it may be beneficial to brush your dog thoroughly a couple of times per week to remove any loose hair, helping to keep shedding under control.

Apart from regular brushing, Saint Bernards have heavy ears, prone to ear infections. Always keep an eye out for head shaking or head tilting, common signs of ear issues, and clean your dog’s ears when necessary. Nail maintenance is also important when owning a dog, keeping them short and healthy. Dogs do self-groom, so bathing is only necessary after a good romp in the mud or hardcore play session. To keep their mouths clean, wipe away any excess drool or leftover food particles. Lastly, to maintain healthy dental hygiene, brush your dog’s teeth every other day with dog-safe toothpaste, keeping their breath smelling fresh and decreasing the chances of gum disease in the future.

Training

Large and somewhat stubborn, it is important to begin training your Saint Bernard puppy as early as possible so that they adapt quickly. While these puppies tend to mature more slowly than other breeds, Saint Bernards are highly intelligent and meant to be trained for working purposes, so they are highly trainable. Make sure to include socialization with other dogs and people in your training regimen. Positive reinforcement and treat rewards are beneficial to making training fun and successful!

Exercise

Large and in charge, Saint Bernards do not actually require a whole lot of exercise. So, if you are looking for a jogging buddy, you may want to look into another breed, as Saint Bernards are often resistant to exercising at all. A short, daily walk should suffice for this breed.

Puppies

Saint Bernard puppies are to be taken care of in much the same way as you would take care of an adult Saint Bernard. However, they are fed less and meals are broken down into 4-6 smaller meals, as they do not eat a lot at once. Smaller meals help with the digestive process to avoid vomiting or overindulging.

It is always a good idea to start training your Saint Bernard when he/she is still a puppy. This foundation establishes good habits for easier training as the dog ages.

Children

Even though this is a very friendly dog and is considered to do very well with children, adopting them when you have small children at home is not recommended. Although they are loving and calm, they are large in size and can accidentally hurt your toddlers.

Similar Dogs

• Greater Swiss Mountain Dog: Just like the Saint Bernard, this canine is also loyal and friendly and has a protective nature towards the owner’s family. The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog has a predominantly black coat, and it was bred as a herding dog.
• Bernese Mountain Dog: These dogs are friendly and hardworking, and their lineage can be traced back 2,000 years. They are very loyal to the families that they live with, and they have a fairly similar coloring to that of the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog.
• Entlebucher Mountain Dog: These dogs are strong and alert and have been known as “laughing dogs.” They were originally bred to move cattle and are known to be diligent workers.

Famous St. Bernard Dogs

Probably the most notable Saint Bernard was the lead dog in the 1992 comedy, Beethoven. Wandering into an unsuspecting home, a Saint Bernard puppy, eventually named Beethoven, ends up as the hero of the movie, saving the daughter’s life. Many spin-offs were made because of the adoration millions had for Beethoven, the Saint Bernard.

Another, more morbidly known Saint Bernard was Stephen King’s Cujo. Unfortunately, this friendly canine contracts rabies and terrorizes people all over the town.