Saint Bernard
Is suitable for city living Can live in cold weather Does shed a lot Does drool a lot Is good with children Is good with other dogs Is good with cats Is good for first-time owners Is affectionate with family Is protective or territorial Is prone to separation anxiety Is prone to allergies Can be used as a therapy or service dog Is recognized by major kennel clubs Calm Draft, search, rescue Friendly Gentle Great with kids High energy dog Lively Loves hot weather Sheds a lot Watchful Working

Saint Bernard

The Saint Bernard is a gentle giant known for its calm and affectionate nature, making them popular as loving companions. With a massive head, drooping ears, and powerful build, they typically weigh between 120-180 pounds and stand at 26-30 inches tall. Originating in the Western Alps, they were bred for rescue purposes and are descended from dogs gifted to monks. Despite a lifespan of 8-10 years, the breed remains beloved for its loyalty, strength, and affectionate temperament. Expect to pay between $1000 to $2000 for a Saint Bernard puppy.

Height 25.5 - 27.5 in (65 - 70 cm)
Weight 130 - 180 lbs (59 - 82 kg)
Lifespan 7 - 10 years
Origin Unknown

Is a Saint Bernard Right For You?

Answer these quick questions to find out:


Is Saint Bernard prone to allergies?

Is Saint Bernard a hypoallergenic breed?

What are common health issues in Saint Bernard?

How much does it cost to raise a Saint Bernard annually?

Does Saint Bernard drool a lot?

Breed Characteristics

The majority of sources suggest that Saint Bernards need around 1 hour of exercise daily, which includes walks, playtime, and off-lead time. While some sources mention a bit lower exercise needs, the consensus leans towards a higher level of exercise for this breed.

How much exercise does Saint Bernard need?

LowHigh
The consensus from the sources indicates that Saint Bernards require regular grooming, including brushing multiple times a week and bathing about once a month. Some sources even suggest weekly baths. The grooming process can be time-consuming, with some mentioning it takes hours to groom a Saint Bernard. Overall, the grooming needs are considered high for this breed.

How much grooming does Saint Bernard need?

LowHigh
Based on the consensus that Saint Bernards are intelligent, eager to please, and quick learners, but training requires consistency, time, effort, and patience. They respond well to gentle techniques and can be taught a variety of activities with a reasonable, consistent training program.

Is Saint Bernard easy to train?

LowHigh
Saint Bernards are described as intelligent, quick learners, and eager to please, but they can also be stubborn. The consensus suggests that they are smart dogs that respond well to training, although their stubbornness may pose some challenges.

How intelligent is Saint Bernard?

LowHigh
While Saint Bernards are not known to bark excessively, there are mixed opinions in the sources provided. Some mention they bark mainly to alert owners or seek attention, while others highlight instances of reactive barking, particularly towards strangers or children. Therefore, a moderate rating of 3 is chosen.

Does Saint Bernard bark a lot?

LowHigh
Based on the consensus from the sources, there is a general agreement that Saint Bernards can exhibit stubborn or independent behavior, although they are also described as intelligent and eager to please. The majority of sources suggest that while they can be stubborn, they are trainable with the right approach and positive reinforcement techniques.

Is Saint Bernard stubborn or independent?

LowHigh
The majority of sources suggest that Saint Bernards benefit from around 30-60 minutes of exercise daily, which can include walks and playtime. While they are not as high-energy as some breeds, they still require moderate exercise to stay healthy and happy.

How much playtime does a Saint Bernard need daily?

LowHigh
Saint Bernards require regular walks and exercise, and it is not recommended to keep them indoors with limited walks. They need outdoor time and physical activity to maintain their health and well-being.

Can Saint Bernard stay indoors with limited walks?

LowHigh
The consensus suggests that Saint Bernards are not highly protective or territorial, with multiple sources emphasizing their friendly and gentle nature. While they may exhibit some protective instincts, they are generally not aggressive or territorial.

Is Saint Bernard protective or territorial?

LowHigh
Saint Bernards are consistently described as extremely affectionate, loyal, and great with kids by multiple sources, making them excellent family dogs.

Is Saint Bernard affectionate with family?

LowHigh

Basic Info

What are the breed characteristics of Saint Bernard?

The Saint Bernard breed is known for its calm and easygoing nature, making them low-energy dogs that are affectionate and demonstrative towards their family. They are friendly towards strangers and good with young children and other dogs. Saint Bernards are loving, placid, and have a steady, benevolent temperament, reflecting their heritage as hospice dogs. They are loyal, affectionate, and incredibly loyal to their family, often described as gentle giants. This breed is prized for its strength, loyalty, and affectionate nature, making them popular pets for those seeking a loving and devoted companion.


What is the average litter size of Saint Bernard?

The average litter size of Saint Bernard dogs typically ranges from 5 to 8 puppies, with some litters having as few as 1 puppy or as many as 12 puppies. However, there have been exceptional cases where Saint Bernards have had larger litters, such as one dog giving birth to 16 puppies. Overall, the breed is known for having relatively large litter sizes compared to other dog breeds.


What does a Saint Bernard look like?

The Saint Bernard is a large, muscular dog with a massive head, drooping ears, and a powerful build. They have a red-brown and white or brindle and white coat that can be short and dense or medium-long, with some having been crossed with the Newfoundland dog to produce a long-haired variety. Saint Bernards are known as gentle giants, with a big size, big heart, and a tendency for slobbery kisses. They typically weigh between 120-180 pounds and stand at 26-30 inches tall. The breed is characterized by a warm, intelligent expression with a wrinkled brow, and they are never solid colored but have patterns of white, red, orange, or brown. Saint Bernards are healthy overall but may be prone to certain health conditions.


What is the typical lifespan of Saint Bernard?

The typical lifespan of a Saint Bernard is 8 to 10 years, which is considered average for a giant breed. Despite being generally healthy dogs, their large size contributes to their shorter lifespan. Repeatedly mentioned points include the average lifespan range, the impact of their size on longevity, and the fact that they are powerful and giant-sized dogs. Additionally, a UK study found a life expectancy of 9.3 years for the breed, slightly lower than the average for purebred and crossbreed dogs.


What is the origin of the Saint Bernard?

The Saint Bernard breed originated in the Western Alps of Italy and Switzerland, where they were originally bred for rescue purposes. They are said to be descended from dogs gifted to monks by families from the cantons of Vaud and Valais. The breed is believed to have originated between 1660 and 1670, with consistent breeding taking place at the hospice during that time. The foundation of the Saint Bernard breed is closely tied to the history of the mountain pass and monastery of the same name. Originally used as farm dogs in the Swiss Alps, the Saint Bernard has a history dating back to the 17th century. Despite not ranking high in AKC registrations, the Saint Bernard remains one of the world's most famous and beloved breeds, known as the genial giant of the Swiss Alps.


What is the average size of Saint Bernard?

The average size of a Saint Bernard varies slightly across sources, but generally, males stand between 28-35 inches tall and weigh 140-180 pounds, while females are around 26-31 inches in height and weigh 120-140 pounds. The breed's overall height ranges from 32-37 inches, with a withers height of 26-30 inches and a body length of 40-47 inches. Some outliers may exceed these averages, with heights reaching up to 36 inches. Saint Bernards are known for their large, powerful, and muscular build, originating from the Southwestern Pennine Alps of Switzerland.


Join Our Pet-Loving Community

Get info from fellow pet owners, and help them by sharing your experiences, and get advice from experts and enthusiasts.

Share your pet's photos and stories
Get personalized breed recommendations
Ask questions and get answers from experts
Connect with local pet owners
Save your favorite breeds and articles

Join Now - It's Free!