Saint Bernard

Overview

The Saint Bernard is a giant working breed renowned for its gentle temperament, intelligence, and impressive size. Originally bred for rescue work in the Swiss Alps, these dogs are famous for their devotion to their families, making them excellent companions for experienced owners who can accommodate their needs.

Despite their calm and affectionate nature, their large size, health considerations, and grooming needs mean they require a committed and well-prepared home. With proper training and care, a Saint Bernard can be a loyal, loving, and devoted member of the family.

History

The Saint Bernard originated in the Great St. Bernard Pass, a high-altitude alpine route between Switzerland and Italy. In the 17th century, monks at the Great St. Bernard Hospice began breeding these dogs to assist lost travellers in the harsh mountain conditions.

Descended from mastiff-type dogs brought by the Romans, Saint Bernards were selectively bred for strength, endurance, and a keen sense of direction. Their reputation for heroism grew, particularly through Barry, a legendary Saint Bernard credited with saving over 40 lives in the early 1800s.

In the 19th century, Saint Bernards were crossbred with Newfoundlands to enhance their size and coat thickness. While this made them less suited for deep-snow rescue work, it contributed to their modern appearance. Today, they are known as loving family companions, therapy dogs, and even modern search and rescue dogs.

Physical Characteristics

• Size: Giant
• Height: 65–90 cm (males); 65–80 cm (females)
• Weight: 54–82 kg (sometimes more)
• Coat: Two varieties – short-haired (smooth coat) and long-haired (rough coat)
• Colour: White with red, orange, mahogany, or brindle markings, often with a distinctive black mask
• Distinctive Features: Large, blocky head, expressive dark eyes, droopy lips, and a massive, muscular build

Temperament and Personality

Saint Bernards are gentle giants, known for their calm, affectionate, and patient nature. They are incredibly loyal and form strong bonds with their families. Their friendly and tolerant personality makes them excellent with children, and they are often referred to as nanny dogs due to their protective but gentle nature.

Despite their size, they are typically not aggressive, though they can be protective when necessary. They tend to be social and friendly, even with strangers, making them poor guard dogs. However, their imposing presence alone is often enough to deter intruders.

They are intelligent but can be stubborn, requiring consistent, patient training. They generally get along well with other pets if raised with them, though their large size can sometimes be overwhelming for smaller animals.

Training and Exercise Needs

Saint Bernards are moderately active dogs that require regular but not excessive exercise. They are prone to laziness, so keeping them moving is essential to maintain a healthy weight and overall fitness.

Training Considerations:

• Start early – Due to their massive size, early obedience training is crucial.
• Use positive reinforcement – They respond well to praise, treats, and encouragement.
• Be patient – They mature slowly, both physically and mentally.
• Socialise early – Expose them to different people, places, and animals to ensure they grow into confident dogs.

Exercise Needs:

• Daily walks – 30–60 minutes of low-impact activity.
• Play sessions – Gentle games to prevent joint stress.
• Avoid excessive exercise in puppies – Their joints develop slowly, so intense running or jumping should be limited.

Living Conditions

Saint Bernards need space and are best suited to large homes with a yard. They can adapt to indoor life, but apartment living is not ideal due to their size.

They thrive in cooler climates and struggle in hot weather due to their thick coats. In warm regions, they need air conditioning, shade, and plenty of water to prevent overheating.

Health and Lifespan

Saint Bernards have a relatively short lifespan of 8–10 years and are prone to several health concerns, including:

Common Health Issues:

• Hip and elbow dysplasia – Common in large breeds.
• Bloat (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus) – A life-threatening emergency.
• Heart disease – Dilated cardiomyopathy is a concern.
• Eye conditions – Prone to entropion and ectropion.
• Heat sensitivity – Struggles in warm climates.

Grooming

Saint Bernards require regular grooming, particularly the long-haired variety:

• Short-haired variety: Weekly brushing to remove loose fur.
• Long-haired variety: More frequent brushing to prevent matting and manage shedding.
• They shed heavily and are heavy droolers, so regular cleaning is necessary.

Ideal Home

Saint Bernards are best suited to experienced owners with the ability to handle their size and care needs. They thrive in homes with space, and families who are patient, loving, and prepared for grooming and health challenges.

Popularity in Australia

Saint Bernards are not among the most common breeds in Australia, but they have a loyal following. Their size, grooming needs, and climate sensitivity make them more suited to cooler parts of the country.

Adoption and Purchasing Considerations

If considering a Saint Bernard, research reputable breeders or consider adoption. Ethical breeders will health-test their dogs, and there are Saint Bernard rescue groups that rehome dogs in need of families.

Notable Dogs in History & Media

• Barry the Rescue Dog – A real-life Saint Bernard credited with saving over 40 lives in the Swiss Alps.
• Beethoven – The beloved movie dog who introduced the breed to millions worldwide.

Common Behavioural Traits

• Leaning on people – They love to be close to their owners.
• Slow maturity – They remain puppy-like in behaviour for several years.
• Couch potato tendencies – They enjoy lounging but still need regular exercise.

Dietary Needs

• Large-breed diet required – High-quality food with joint support.
• Slow feeding recommended – Helps prevent bloat and overeating.
• Watch for weight gain – Saint Bernards are prone to obesity.

Training Challenges

• Drooling management – They slobber a lot, requiring frequent wiping.
• Leash training essential – Due to their strength, early training is a must.
• Independence and stubbornness – They can be slow to respond.

Conclusion

The Saint Bernard is a devoted, affectionate, and family-friendly breed with a rich history of heroism. However, their size, health concerns, and grooming needs make them best suited to experienced owners who can meet their demands.

At Jordan Dog Training, we provide expert guidance on training, socialisation, and behaviour management for all breeds, including giant breeds like the Saint Bernard. Whether you’re welcoming a new puppy or training an adult dog, our team is here to help you build a strong and rewarding bond with your dog.