Saint Bernard: Training, Personality, Health, Grooming

(St Bernard)

Group: AKC and KCGB Working

AKC Ranking: 39

Also Known As: St. Bernard, St. Bernhardschund, Alpine Mastiff, Bernhardiner

About Saint Bernard Origin and History of the Breed The Saint Bernard is a descendent of the Tibetan mastiffs taken to the Alps by the Romans about 1000 AD. The Swiss monks of St. Bernard de Menthon crossed the mastiffs with Great Danes and Great Pyrenees. By the middle of the 1600s its use as a rescue dog was well established.

More than 2,000 people have been saved by St. Bernards. The dogs work in teams to search out and find lost or injured travelers and lick them to get their circulation going and then one dog lies next to them to give them warmth. Another dog goes back to get a human rescue team and leads them back to the traveler and other dog(s). St. Bernard’s sense of smell is so great that he can find a person even under many feet of snow.

The short-haired St. Bernard is more often used for search and rescue as the long-haired version has a problem with his long hair collecting icicles.

A General Appearance of the Dog

The St. Bernard is a very massive, muscular dog with an imposingly large head and equally large paws. His toes are highly arched so that he can walk well in snow and ice. His weight should be in proportion to his size. The St. Bernard’s muzzle is short, his ears are rather high set and hang down. The nose is very wide causing the dark brown eyes to be widely set. His look is of intelligence, wisdom, and the ability to deal with dangerous situations – “Just relax; I’ve got it under control.”

All four of the Saint Bernard’s legs are well-muscled. His chest is moderately deep but does not reach below his elbows. Add to that a broad back and broad, muscular shoulders and you get a powerhouse of a dog. Even his tail is broad and powerful as it helps to propel and balance him when he is climbing.

Coat Color

The base coat color is white, but it is well marked in tan, red, mahogany, brindle, and black. The face and ears usually have shadings of black.

Coat Type

St. Bernards have two different coat types: rough (Long-haired) and smooth (Short-haired). Both coats are dense and warm. The Shorth-haired or Smooth-coated St. Bernard’s coat lies smoothly over his body. The thighs are slightly bushy and the tail appears bushy. The Rough or Long-haired coat is longer than the smooth coat and slightly wavy. With the rough coat there is feathering on the legs and tail.

Height

Male: at least 27.5 inches
Female: at least 25.5 inches

The taller the dog, the more he is valued as long as the weight is in proportion to the height.

Weight

110 – 200 lbs

Personality

Temperament of the Dog

The Saint Bernard is extremely gentle, caring, and sensitive to people’s needs and desires. Desirous to please, he is loyal and obedient.

The St. Bernard makes a great family companion. He is very tolerant of children. HIs instincts provide a natural watchdog warning of anything or anyone approaching, but he is not aggressive. However, his size would deter most would-be intruders. He is a “couch potato” but have plenty of energy and stamina when motivated.

Be sure to provide plenty of socialization for the St. Bernard as a puppy. Make sure he meets all types of people and is exposed to a wide variety of experiences and noises.

The St. Bernard is very intelligent and learns easily and quickly. Because they get so large, they should start obedience training as young as possible. Remember that an unruly 175-pound dog on a leash can present a number of problems, especially in public. Make sure, as the owner, you control the dog and the dog does not control you from the beginning.

Saint Bernards are sure-footed in snow and ice. Their sense of smell is such that they can find people buried under many feet of snow. They also have a sixth sense about impending danger, especially storms and avalanches.

Because St. Bernards have jowls, they drool after they eat or drink.

Better suited to an indoor or outdoor lifestyle?

Saint Bernards love the outdoors but they need time inside with their family. Because of their thick coats, they prefer cool climates. They cannot handle warm rooms or cars or hot weather. Air conditioning is a must if they are in a climate with warm summers.

Are they suited to homes with kids?

St. Bernards love children. Their gentleness and sensitivity to people make them a wonderful family pet. They can be boisterous when young and, because of their size, can knock youngsters down, but they would never hurt a family member or friend.

Activity Level

How Active is the Breed?

The St. Bernard is rather boisterous when young but settles down by age 2. He continues to have energy and stamina throughout his life, but is calmer indoors than outdoors as an adult. He enjoys both mental and physical stimulation.

How Much Exercise Does the Dog Need at every stage of its Life?

Until he is two years old, a St. Bernard needs several short walks or short play times a day. His bones and muscles are still forming. After two years of age, he can survive on one to two long walks a day and a play time in a dog park or fenced yard a couple of times a week. Therefore, he can live in an apartment or a house with a small, fenced yard.

Grooming

Both types of coats are easy to care for – brush with firm bristle brush twice a week. Do not bathe unless absolutely necessary as it strips the oil from the coat. They shed heavily twice a year.

Pay attention to their eyes as they get watery and goopy and need frequent cleaning and may need drops to keep them free of allergens and irritants.

Health and Care

Genetic Problems

Generally, Saint Bernards are a healthy breed. As a large dog, they have a tendency toward bloat and torsion of the stomach so should be fed 2-3 small meals a day. Also, as a large dog, they can have hip and elbow dysplasia. Other problems include “wobbler” syndrome, heart problems, skin problems, and extropion.

Life Span: As one of the largest dogs, St. Bernards have a fairly short life span of 8 – 10 years.

National Breed Clubs

British – English St. Bernard Club – www.englishsaintbernardclub.org
US – Saint Bernard Club of America – www.saintbernardclub.org

Other Recognition: CKC, FCI, AKC, UKC, KCGB, CKC, ANKC, NKC, NZKC, APRI, ACR

Rescue Link: www.saintbernardclub.org/rescue.htm