The Saint Bernard: Gentle Giants with Hearts of Gold

If there is one dog breed that embodies gentleness, loyalty, and courage, it’s the Saint Bernard. Massive but endearing in appearance, these gentle giants have won the hearts of dog lovers around the world. In this blog, we will explore the fascinating characteristics, history, and unique role of Saint Bernard’s in society. So, grab a cup of coffee, sit back, and join us on this journey into the world of the magnificent Saint Bernard.

Where does the Saint Bernard Breed Come From?

My first memory of learning about this beautiful dog is all around how they used to find people buried in the snow. They always carried a little barrel around their neck. If I recall correctly, this contained something warming and alcoholic to treat people who have been rescued.

The official records say that the Saint Bernard breed hails from the Swiss Alps, and were originally bred by monks at the Saint Bernard Hospice back in the 17th century. Just as I was taught as a kid, their primary role was to assist the monks in search and rescue operations. As they have an exceptional sense of smell, are very strong and their endurance is formidable, Saint Bernards became well-known for their ability to locate and save travelers buried in the snow. Incredibly, the St Bernards lineage can be traced back to ancient Molosser-type dogs, typically used for various working purposes throughout history.

What St Bernards Look Like

Saint Bernards are captivating in appearance. Their imposing size and gentle expression make them incredibly endearing. Large and powerful dogs are these, the males reaching heights of 27-30 inches (68-76 cm) at the shoulder and weighing between 140-180 pounds (64-82 kg). Their heads are massive and adorned with expressive eyes and soft, kind expressions that will melt your heart. The coat of a Saint Bernard is a dense, double coat that provides insulation in cold weather. They come in two coat types: smooth and rough. Their coats are typically white with distinct markings of red, brindle, or mahogany.

What Is The Temperament and Personality of a St Bernard?

As can be expected by their impressive exterior which reveals their hearts of gold. Saint Bernards are known for their gentle and friendly nature. You can expect them to be incredibly patient, particularly with children. This makes Saint Bernard an excellent family pet. In spite of their imposing size, they are generally docile and calm. Don’t be fooled though, they also may occasionally display stubbornness. As highly affectionate dogs, they thrive on human companionship, often seeking attention and physical contact. Saint Bernards also make excellent therapy dogs as they have a reputation of comforting and soothing those in need.

How to Exercise & Care For Your St Bernard

Even though this dog is a laid-back breed, they do need regular exercise to maintain their physical and mental well-being. Daily walks, playtime, and mental stimulation are essential to avoid weight gain and boredom. Being large dogs, it is important to provide them with loads of space and a secure, fenced yard.

When it comes to certain health issues, Saint Bernards are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, heart problems, and bloat. Regular veterinary check-ups and a healthy diet are important for their overall well-being.

Do Saint Bernards Need A Lot Of Exercise?

Saint Bernards do require regular exercise to keep them in optimum health and happiness. That said, they are not high-energy or hyperactive. This breed is one for moderate exercise.

Moderate exercise would include daily walks of 30 minutes to an hour per day. They also require mental stimulation and walks provide well for this as it allows them to sniff around and learn more about the world outside of their homes.

Their exercise can also be taken in the form of a brisk walk and playtime in your garden (or another secure fenced-off area – to keep them safe). Other activities that engage their minds such as snuffle mats and kongs would work well too. Additional options are to engage them in obedience training, and interactive play and make puzzle toys available to keep them stimulated and prevent boredom.

Keep in mind that while Saint Bernards do need and enjoy exercise, they are not built for intense and/or prolonged physical activity. They are not considered to be sporting breed. Saint Bernards prefer a slower and more relaxed pace. This means they are not the best choice for a jogging or running companion.

If over-exercised, you can expect health issues with your Saint Bernard. Their size and potential joint issues are very important to take into account. Please avoid excessive running on hard surfaces, this will be hard on their joints. Also, please be aware of overheating, this breed is prone to heat exhaustion due to its magnificent thick coat.

Access to plenty of water and shade during outdoor activities, especially in warm weather is extremely important.

Are Saint Bernards Good Family Pets?

The short answer is a resounding yes! But, there are considerations to take into account.

As already mentioned, these beautiful dogs are known for their gentle and friendly nature, and that makes them generally good with children and other pets.

There are, however, other factors to keep in mind when deciding if a Saint Bernard is the right fit for your family:

Their immense size: As very large dogs, their size alone should be a consideration for families with small children or limited living space. Sufficient indoor and outdoor space needs to be provided for them to move around comfortably

As far as exercise and training go, Saint Bernards are active dogs and will require regular exercise to keep them healthy and happy. If yours is a family that enjoys walks and hikes, you will be a good match. That is in addition to playtime in a secure area. Just like us humans, adequate exercise is crucial to prevent obesity. This can be a health issue in this breed. In addition, training and socialization from a young age (whilst they are physically small and learning about the world around them) is important to make sure they become well-behaved adult dogs and members of your family.

Grooming Saint Bernards

Regular grooming is also very important so be sure to either have the know-how to do it yourself or the money to pay a professional groomer for regular grooming. Their dense, thick coat requires regular grooming. The operative word here is regular, please don’t leave it as a grooming session with matted fur can be extremely painful.

They also shed quite heavily, so expect extra cleaning around the house. If you brush and bathe your Saint Bernard regularly, its coat will be healthy and your shed cleanup will be easier too.

Be okay with drooling: Saint Bernards are notorious for drooling. If you’re not comfortable with drool, this may not be the breed for you.

Saint Bernard Health Concerns

As mentioned before, Saint Bernards can be prone to certain health issues – hip and elbow dysplasia, heart problems, and bloat. Please be aware of these health risks and work with a reputable breeder who conducts health tests on their breeding dogs. There are also bound to be Saint Bernard rescue organizations within reach, if you, like us, prefer the adopt-dont-shop approach, the rescue operations will be able to assist.

Ultimately, if you have the space, time, and commitment to providing proper care, exercise, and training, a Saint Bernard can make a loving and loyal family pet.

Will a Saint Bernard Protect Its Owner?

Due to their innate nature, Saint Bernard is not considered a good guard dog as a norm. Despite their large, strong, and often imposing appearance, they are generally known for their friendly and gentle nature.

Saint Bernards are typically sociable, patient, and good-natured with people, and this includes strangers. They are known to be affectionate and tolerant, particularly with children.

A Saint Bernard will bark to alert you of potential intruders, but it is not their natural inclination to guard or protect.

Dogs to consider for guarding purposes would be the likes of German Shepherds, Rottweilers, Doberman Pinschers, or Boxers. They are considered to have protective instincts and train-ability which makes them more suitable for becoming guard dogs.

It really is important to take into account the traits and characteristics of a breed before choosing a dog.

Saint Bernard’s Pop Culture Impact:

Research has proven my primary school teacher right! The Saint Bernard is indeed well-known, in part to its iconic role as a rescue dog in the Swiss Alps. They have also been featured in numerous movies, books, and advertisements, often portrayed with a small barrel of brandy around their necks. (Apparently, this is a myth originating from stories of the dogs providing warmth and comfort to stranded travelers).

As can be expected, this depiction has contributed to the breed’s image as a symbol of courage and rescue.

Conclusion:

The Saint Bernard breed continues to captivate people with its noble presence, gentle nature, and heroic history.

Whether they are rescue dogs, loving family companions, or therapy animals, these magnificent giants leave an everlasting impression on anyone fortunate enough to encounter them.

Their loyalty and affectionate natures, coupled with their instinct to help, make them true heroes of the canine world. The Saint Bernard is an awesome example of the adage “A dog is a man’s best friend”. (as said by King Frederick of Prussia in 1789)

Due to their thick double coat, the Saint Bernard is not considered a suitable breed for warm environments, they are better suited for cooler climates. They originated in the Swiss Alps, where they were bred to work in cold conditions as rescue dogs.

In warm climates, Saint Bernard can easily overheat due to its heavy coat and bulk. They are prone to heatstroke and other heat-related issues. If you live in a warm area, it’s important to provide them with plenty of shade, access to fresh water, and air conditioning or fans to keep them cool. It’s also advisable to limit their physical activity during the hottest parts of the day.

If you’re considering getting a dog and live in a warm climate, it may be more suitable to choose a breed that is better adapted to higher temperatures. There are many breeds that are more heat-tolerant and have shorter coats, which can be more comfortable in warmer environments.

If you have any questions about this gorgeous breed, please pop them in the comment section below and we will do our best to assist.

Thank you for taking the time to read this article.

Much love

Louise and Beth

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