Saint Bernard Breed Guide: Temperament, Care and Health

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 17, 20263 min read

The Saint Bernard is a giant Alpine dog with a massive head, a kindly expression and a reputation for finding lost travelers in the snow. It is calm, patient and affectionate, and it needs space, cool air and a tolerance for drool.

Origins and appearance

The breed developed at a hospice in the Swiss Alps, where monks kept large dogs that helped search for travelers. The popular image of a brandy barrel around the neck comes from art, not records. Saint Bernards are huge and heavily built, with a broad head, loose lips, a thick coat in short or long varieties, in red or brown with white, and a long tail.

Temperament

They are gentle, patient and friendly. They love family, including children, and are usually good with other pets. They are calm indoors but may be clumsy. They can be stubborn. They dislike being left alone.

Exercise

They need moderate exercise, such as daily walks. They prefer cool weather. Avoid heavy exercise in heat or while growing. Keep them lean.

Training

They are intelligent but can be slow and stubborn. Use positive methods and early socialization. Teach leash manners before the dog is large. House training can take time.

Coat and grooming

The coat needs brushing several times a week, more for the long variety, and daily during seasonal shedding. See double coat dog grooming guide. Wipe the face and drool, clean ears, trim nails and brush teeth.

Health considerations

Topics include:

• Hip and elbow dysplasia. See hip dysplasia in dogs
• Bloat. See bloat and GDV in dogs
• Heart disease, including dilated cardiomyopathy
• Eyelid problems, such as entropion and ectropion
• Bone cancer. See signs of cancer in dogs
• Heat sensitivity. See dog heatstroke

Living with a Saint Bernard

They suit families with space and cool conditions. They are poorly suited to small homes and hot climates.

A typical day

A Saint Bernard enjoys a walk, a long nap and family time. They like to be near people and lie at their feet.

Puppies and the first year

Puppies are enormous and clumsy. Begin socialization, handling and training. Avoid stairs and heavy exercise while growing. See puppy socialization checklist.

Costs and commitment

Plan for food for a giant dog and significant vet costs. See dog vet cost guide.

Seasons and travel

They love cold and suffer in heat. Travel requires a very large vehicle.

Common mistakes

Common mistakes include exercising in heat, overfeeding puppies, ignoring joint care and underestimating drool and size.

Choosing a puppy or adult

Ask about hip, elbow and heart tests, and lifespans in the lines. Meet the parents.

Growing safely

Giant breed puppies grow quickly, and too much food or exercise can stress the joints. Feed a large-breed puppy diet in measured portions and follow your vet's guidance on growth. See feeding large breed puppies.

Drool and mess

Many Saint Bernards drool heavily, especially after drinking. Keep towels handy, wipe the face often and expect marks on walls.

Daily care checklist

Plan on a gentle walk, brushing several times a week, cleaning of the face and ears, nail trims and measured meals. Provide cool resting places and learn the signs of bloat.

Is it the right breed for you?

A Saint Bernard suits families who want a giant, gentle companion and accept drool, shedding and health costs. It may not suit small homes or hot climates. For a related giant, see the Newfoundland.

The takeaway

Saint Bernards are giant, gentle and patient, and they need space, cool weather and careful health care.