Saint Bernard
- Height at the withers
- 64 to 90 cm
- Weight
- 54 to 82 kg
- Life expectancy
- 8 to 10 years
- Daily activity
- 45 minutes
- Origin
- Switzerland
- FCI group
- 2 · Pinschers, molossers and Swiss mountain dogs
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- a family with young children
- a calm, mostly stay-at-home life
- living with a cat
- close neighbors: it barks little
Less suited to
- an apartment: it needs space
- allergy sufferers: it sheds a lot
- intense heat: be careful in summer
- people put off by drool
Overview
A powerful, giant working breed from the Swiss Alps with distinctive markings and a massive head, originally bred for mountain rescue. Known for its gentle, patient nature and its calm temperament.
History and origins
Developed by the monks of the Great St. Bernard Hospice, on the border between Switzerland and Italy, for rescue work in perilous Alpine conditions. Used to find and rescue travelers lost in the snow and fog.
Health
Life expectancy is 8 to 10 years, and the breed is rather fragile. The most common health problems in the breed:
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat)
- Entropion / ectropion
- Dilated cardiomyopathy
- Osteosarcoma
Choose a breeder who has the parents health-screened for this breed, and ask to see the results.
Coat and care
Medium-length, smooth coat. Heavy shedding, average coat care.
All ratings
Rated from 1 to 5, comparable across breeds. Green marks a strength for most households, orange something to plan for.
Lifestyle
- Energy
- Very calm, 1 out of 5
- Apartment
- Difficult, 2 out of 5
- Home alone
- A few hours, 3 out of 5
Family and sociability
- With children
- Excellent, 5 out of 5
- With other dogs
- Good, 4 out of 5
- With cats
- Good, 4 out of 5
- With strangers
- Open, 4 out of 5
Training and temperament
- Ease of training
- Average, 3 out of 5
- For a first-time owner
- Possible, 3 out of 5
- Guarding instinct
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Prey drive
- Very low, 1 out of 5
- Tendency to roam
- Low, 2 out of 5
Care and neighbors
- Coat care
- Average, 3 out of 5
- Shedding
- Heavy, 4 out of 5
- Drooling
- A lot, 5 out of 5
- Barking
- Quiet, 2 out of 5
Climate and health
- Heat tolerance
- Very low, 1 out of 5
- Cold tolerance
- Excellent, 5 out of 5
- Hardiness
- Rather fragile, 2 out of 5
In our lists
Saint Bernard FAQ
How big does the Saint Bernard get?
The Saint Bernard stands 64 to 90 cm at the withers and weighs 54 to 82 kg. It is a giant dog.
Does the Saint Bernard shed a lot?
It sheds heavily and its coat needs average care. Plan on brushing several times a week, and more during the spring and fall shedding seasons.
Can the Saint Bernard live in an apartment?
It is difficult: it needs space and activity, and a home with a yard suits it better.
How much exercise does the Saint Bernard need each day?
Allow about 45 minutes of activity a day: it is a very calm dog.
Is the Saint Bernard good with children?
Yes: patient and gentle, it is an excellent family dog, even with young children. Never leave a young child alone with a dog, whatever the breed.
How long does the Saint Bernard live?
Life expectancy is 8 to 10 years, and the breed is rather fragile. The main health problems to watch for are hip and elbow dysplasia, as well as gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat).
