Saint Bernard

The story of the Saint Bernard is inextricably linked to the treacherous, snow-covered landscape of the Swiss Alps. Around the year 1050, a monk named Bernard de Menthon established a hospice and monastery to aid travelers crossing the dangerous 8,000-foot pass between Switzerland and Italy. For centuries, this pass, later named the Great St. Bernard Pass, was a perilous journey, and the hospice was a vital sanctuary.  Saint Bernards were originally bred for mountain rescue, alongside other powerful working breeds like the Newfoundland and the Bernese Mountain Dog.

The ancestors of the Saint Bernard were likely powerful Molosser-type dogs brought to Switzerland by the Roman army, crossed with native Alpine dogs. The monks began breeding these massive dogs around the late 17th century, initially to serve as watchdogs and companions. However, they soon discovered the dogs’ uncanny abilities. With their broad chests to clear paths, superb sense of direction, and resistance to the cold, the dogs began accompanying monks on patrols to find and rescue travelers lost in the snow. They could reportedly sense impending avalanches and locate people buried deep beneath snow drifts.

For nearly 200 years, these dogs, then known as Barry Hounds or Alpine Mastiffs, saved an estimated 2,000 lives. The most famous among them was Barry, who lived at the hospice from 1800 to 1812 and is credited with saving more than 40 people. His legacy cemented the breed’s heroic status. It’s important to note that the iconic image of the Saint Bernard with a small barrel of brandy around its neck is a romantic invention, originating from an 1820 painting by Edwin Landseer. The monks have always maintained that the dogs never carried barrels, as the liquid would freeze and the weight would be a hindrance.

After a series of severe winters and avalanches in the early 19th century nearly wiped out the hospice’s breeding stock, the remaining dogs were crossed with other breeds, like the Newfoundland, to preserve their line. This introduced the longhaired variety into the breed. By the late 19th century, the breed was officially named the Saint Bernard and had become a beloved, if massive, companion dog around the world.

The Saint Bernard’s temperament is the very definition of benevolent. They are famously calm, sweet-tempered, and astonishingly patient. This placid nature makes them one of the most trusted breeds with children, earning them the nickname “nanny dog.” They seem to have an innate understanding of their own strength and know to be gentle around smaller family members. While their sheer size means supervision with toddlers is always a must to prevent accidental tumbles, their intent is almost universally kind.

Saints are deeply loyal and form powerful bonds with their families. They are true people-dogs that thrive on companionship and need to live indoors as part of the pack. They are not suited to being left alone in a backyard for long periods. A lonely Saint Bernard is an unhappy one. Despite their history in the cold, they crave the warmth of their family’s presence. They are gentle giants, much like the Great Dane and the Irish Wolfhound.

While they are watchful and their imposing size and deep bark make them an effective visual deterrent, they are not aggressive guard dogs. Their instinct is to be welcoming, but they will protect their family if they perceive a genuine threat. Early socialization is key to ensuring their watchful nature develops into confident discernment rather than shyness or suspicion. Exposing a Saint Bernard puppy to a wide variety of people, sounds, and situations will help them grow into a well-adjusted, steady adult.

Living Space and Exercise

A Saint Bernard needs space. While they are low-energy and often couch potatoes indoors, their massive bodies simply require room to move and stretch out without being constantly underfoot. A small apartment is not a suitable environment. They do best in a home with a securely fenced yard where they can enjoy some fresh air. However, the yard is for leisure, not for living; they must live inside with their family.

Despite their size, their exercise needs are moderate. A long, leisurely walk or a couple of shorter strolls each day is usually sufficient. They are not built for long-distance running or high-impact activities. Over-exercising a Saint Bernard, especially a puppy, can put dangerous stress on their developing bones and joints. The most critical exercise consideration is temperature. Their thick double coats and large body mass make them extremely susceptible to heatstroke. In anything considered warm weather, exercise must be restricted to the coolest parts of the day. A home without reliable air conditioning is not an option for this breed.

Grooming: The Reality of Drool and Shedding

Owning a Saint Bernard means accepting two truths: they shed and they drool, profusely. Both the shorthaired and longhaired varieties have a dense double coat that sheds heavily year-round, with massive “coat blows” in the spring and fall. Weekly brushing with an undercoat rake and a pin brush is necessary to remove dead hair and prevent matting. During shedding seasons, daily brushing is often required to keep up.

The drool is a result of their loose jowls (lips). They drool after eating, drinking, exercising, or simply when they are excited. Owners quickly learn to keep “drool rags” in every room of the house to manage the slobber. Grooming also includes regular nail trims, dental care, and weekly ear checks to clean out wax and debris, preventing infections in their floppy ears.

Diet and Nutrition

Feeding a giant breed dog is a significant financial commitment. Saint Bernards require a high-quality, large-breed dog food formulated to support their musculoskeletal health. It is vital that puppies are fed a large-breed puppy formula that promotes slow, steady growth, as growing too quickly can lead to severe orthopedic problems. To help prevent the life-threatening condition of bloat (GDV), it’s recommended to feed them two or three smaller meals per day rather than one large one, and to avoid vigorous exercise for at least an hour after eating.

Training a Saint Bernard must begin the day they come home. While they are intelligent and generally eager to please, their sheer size makes obedience a non-negotiable necessity. A 180-pound dog that pulls on the leash, jumps on people, or ignores commands is not just a nuisance—it’s a danger. Fortunately, they respond well to patient training that uses positive reinforcement.

Basic obedience classes and early socialization are crucial. They can have a stubborn streak, so consistency and gentle leadership are key. Harsh training methods will only cause this sensitive breed to shut down. Focus on commands like loose-leash walking, “leave it,” “stay,” and a reliable recall. Because of their loving nature, they want to make you happy; the trainer’s job is to clearly and kindly show them how.

The trade-off for their giant size is, unfortunately, a shorter lifespan and a predisposition to certain health conditions. A reputable breeder is essential, as they will screen their breeding stock for genetic issues. Key health concerns include:

• Orthopedic Issues: Hip and elbow dysplasia are very common. Responsible breeders should have OFA or PennHIP certifications for their dogs.
• Bloat (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus): A sudden, life-threatening emergency where the stomach twists. Owners must know the symptoms (restlessness, retching without vomiting, swollen abdomen) and seek immediate veterinary care if suspected.
• Heart Disease: Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a significant concern in the breed.
• Eye Conditions: Entropion (inward-rolling eyelid) and Ectropion (outward-rolling eyelid) are common and may require surgical correction.
• Cancer: Sadly, giant breeds have a higher incidence of cancers like Osteosarcoma (bone cancer).

Regular veterinary check-ups, maintaining a healthy weight, and providing appropriate nutrition and exercise can help mitigate some of these risks and ensure your Saint Bernard lives its best life. They are susceptible to joint problems and bloat, issues also common in giant breeds like the Rottweiler and the Great Dane.