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Saint Bernards are often easygoing dogs who are kind and gentle to their owners and other humans. This breed tends to be laid back and relaxed, but can also be playful and affectionate when they feel like it.
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Saint Bernards are often easygoing dogs who are kind and gentle to their owners and other humans. This breed tends to be laid back and relaxed, but can also be playful and affectionate when they feel like it.
Questions To Ask A Breeder
- Are you are registered breeder?
- Can we meet in person?
- Have they been socialised?
Breed Characteristics
Grooming
Exercise
Size Range
The Ultimate Saint Bernard Guide
About Saint Bernard
Saint Bernards are fabled working dogs from Switzerland, rumoured to have saved thousands of lives in the treacherous Swiss Alps. A Saint Bernard needs an owner who can tend to their specific needs and doesn’t mind a little drool every now and then.
Lifespan
8 to 10 years
Weight
120 to 180 pounds
Height
65 to 90 cm
Grooming
Grooming a Saint Bernard can be a daunting task, but is much easier if it is done two to three times a week.
Origins
It’s unclear just how the breed was created, but the Saint Bernard’s origins date back to the 11th century. They were probably a result of crossbreeding between native dogs of the Swiss Alps and Mastiffs.
One man, Archdeacon Bernard de Menthon, founded a hospice in one of the most dangerous passes of the Swiss Alps. The Saint Bernard is named after him, and the dogs bearing his name have guarded the hospice since at least the 17th century.
Saint Bernards became a beacon of hope for lost travellers, as the dogs were used for search and rescue operations along the Saint Bernard Pass.
The breed is now seen more as a family pet than as a working dog, but the original qualities of loyalty, kindness, and gentleness make them desirable companions for many dog lovers.
Key Characteristics Of Saint Bernards
Are Saint Bernards Family-Friendly?
Yes, Saint Bernards are famously gentle and easygoing. They love being around humans and are well suited to being family pets.
Common Health Issues & Considerations
Saint Bernards may suffer from:
Hip and elbow dysplasia
Entropion
Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Nature / Temperament
Kind, Quiet, Calm, Gentle, Friendly
Suitable Environment
The Saint Bernard is a very large dog breed, though their low level of activity means that they don’t need as much space as more energetic dogs.
While they may not be suited to apartment living, they will generally adapt well to medium-sized homes very well. Outdoor space is a must for their exercise needs.
Other Considerations
- Saint Bernards can be prone to drooling.
- While Saint Bernards are generally gentle with children, it is still advisable to supervise any interactions between a child and an adult Saint Bernard, as they are very large and heavy.
- Some Saint Bernards will be slow to mature, and can be as playful and energetic as puppies until they reach 2 years of age.
How can I take good care of my Saint Bernard?
Nutrition
Saint Bernard puppies should always be fed high-quality dog food. While they are not very active dogs, they grow quickly and need the nutrients from a well-balanced diet to develop properly. Clean water should be made available at all times.
Most Saint Bernard puppies will eat as much as you let them. It is a good idea to measure out their meals two to three times a day, taking away any food that they leave behind. You may consult with your vet about your dog’s diet and nutrition, if necessary.
Grooming
Saint Bernards can be difficult to groom because they’re so large. Even a simple brushing can take a while due to how much area there is to cover.
Recommended Grooming Tips
Saint Bernards will tend to ‘blow coat’ and shed more twice a year when the seasons change. Daily brushing during this period can help alleviate some of the shedding.
Baths can be done around once every two months, using a dog-specific shampoo to protect the Saint Bernard’s skin.
Regular tooth brushing can help prevent tooth and gum diseases.
Exercise
Saint Bernards are not high-energy dogs, and will generally only require moderate exercise. Around 30 to 45 minutes of exercise each day is a sufficient amount for most Saint Bernards. Saint Bernard puppies can start exercising outdoors as soon as they are cleared to do so by their veterinarian, but take care not to let them jump or run too much before their joints are fully developed.
Training
Due to their extremely large size and high weight, training is a major part of owning a Saint Bernard.
An untrained Saint Bernard is more than strong enough to overpower a person pulling on their leash, so obedience training at an early age is a must. Most Saint Bernard puppies can be trained shortly after being brought home from the breeder.
If you require more guidance, it may be a good idea to enrol your Saint Bernard puppy in training classes. Make sure that the training methods being used are based on positive reinforcement.
This is general information and should not be relied on for adopting or purchasing advice.
Most Asked Saint Bernard Questions
No, Saint Bernards and Saint Bernard puppies do not tend to be aggressive towards humans or other dogs. They are famously kind and gentle, even to strangers.
Saint Bernards have a very low prey drive, so it is possible that they can get along with cats if introduced properly at a young age. However, they are also very large and strong. Supervise all interactions between your Saint Bernard puppy and your cat.
If you are looking for a Saint Bernard for sale, we recommend that you adopt from ethical, responsible breeders. This helps ensure that the Saint Bernard puppies you get will be well-bred and healthy. The average cost of Saint Bernard puppies for sale will be between AUD $2500 and $4000.
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