Breed Description:The Saint Bernard is an enormous, big-boned breed with imposing proportions and a tranquil temperament. These heroic dogs are famous for their ability to sense an impending storm or avalanche and are widely recognized for their work in mountain rescue. This cheerful, loyal dog is patient with children and adapts well to life as a family pet when provided enough space to live comfortably.
Group: Working group
Purpose of Breed: Mountain search and rescue
Country of Origin: Switzerland.
Average Size: Saint Bernard's range from 24 inches to 30 inches and from 110 to 200 pounds depending on sex.
Color(s): Typically are brown and white, red and white, or brindle and white.
Coat Type: The Saint Bernard has a very thick dense coat that comes in either a longhaired or shorthaired variety.
Grooming: Both coat varieties shed out twice a year (spring and fall). The long-haired coat variety requires more grooming to maintain its coat. This breed requires standard care for eyes, ears, pads and nails and is known for drooling, depending on the dogs excitement level, weather and the shape of the individual dog's jowls.
Exercise Needs: Saint Bernards are inactive indoors, but still require a lot of physical space due to their imposing size. A house with a fenced yard is ideal and a moderate amount of daily exercise is sufficient.
Temperament: The Saint Bernard is a gentle and friendly dog that is happiest when in the company of his family. This dog breed can make a good family pet, but it has to be obedience trained early because of its large size. Known for their patience with children, they seem somewhat naturally careful around them. The Saint Bernard is considered steady and even tempered, but will bark at intruders. If they persist, however, he is more likely to welcome them as a trusted friend.
Common Ailments: The Saint Bernard is susceptible to heart problems, entropion, skin problems, and hip dysplasia.
Life Expectancy: Averages 8-10 years
Trivia: The Saint Bernard is a basically placid dog and does not require any more food to maintain itself than other large dog breeds. They generally require less food per pound of body weight than many smaller, more active breeds.
More Information: St. Bernard Club of America, Inc.
I rescued Isaac a year and a half ago. We have bonded in a way that I have never experienced with an animal before. He is gentle, loving, and very devoted. Isaac loves to give a paw and nudge you when he wants to be petted. He also loves to roll around and sleep in piles of leaves!
I got her for Christmas in 2013. She loves to say hey to the mailman that is extremely scared of her lol. She's the nicest dog ever, just a little protective over her fam.
Shiloh is a 5 year old St. Bernard. We had lost our St. Bernard to cancer and a friend called and told us that there was a St.
We got her when she was 8 weeks old. She loves to play hide and seek with my husband or tug of war with the kids.
Cesar (St. Bernard). His name was Cesar. He lived to be 1 and a half years old and was a St. Bernard. I got him in the spring of 2004.
Henry is a 5 year old Saint Bernard. Henry had cancer when he was six months old. After being treated, his owners decided they no longer wanted him, because he dug up the bushes!
I am desperately seeking help with how to keep my settees and walls clean. I have two Saint Bernard's who insist on sitting on my settees and throwing their slime all over my walls. Does anybody have any good tips on how to keep them clean? Thanks.
Well, I think you have to accept what comes with owning these 2 dogs. I have a golden retriever, and there's hair everywhere! It was driving me crazy, until one day I read somewhere that a pet owner was quoted saying that owning a pet comes with consequences, and hair, etc. is one of those consequences!
You can drive yourself crazy, or acknowledge what comes with owning this breed of dog. If you love your dogs, and are willing to keep them, there's no possible way you'll be hair and slime-free!!
I know when I stopped fretting, I could enjoy my beautiful dog more!
My family has an St. Bernard and he been having some skin problems. First of all he has a smell to him and all he does is itch himself all the time! He has red spots on him and his hair falls out were ever he has these problems which is all over his legs and stomach and paws and on his neck. I was just hoping someone could maybe tell me what to try for these skin problems for him! Thanks if anyone at all could help at all!
Skin conditions on dogs are so varied that there are specialists just for them! You really need to see your vet and get a correct diagnosis. You could spend a small fortune trying one thing and another and still have a miserable dog. I'd start with making an appointment, watching his food closely until then, and maybe a bath with no soap to ease his discomfort. Get to the vet ASAP.
I agree! Your dog is miserable & you're prolonging it by trying to be a vet. He deserves better.
I agree I would go to the vet right away. It could be anything from allergies to fleas to deeper problems. If they skin is dry, try adding a Tablespoon of Olive Oil to his dry food. It will help the skin. Be aware when you first start this they need to go out all the time. And make sure your dog has flea protection. But if it is flea infestation the vet will have to give you something.
"COOKIES!? DID SOMEONE SAY COOKIES!?" This is a picture of our baby Angel that was taken in front of my flower garden. Seems she has a one track mind, doesn't it?
