saint bernards
Breed Overview
Browse All saint bernard PuppiesQuick facts
Saint Bernards are large but easy-going companions who get along with everyone and love attention.
Available saint bernard Puppies
Personality & Training
Low
High
- Kids
- Cats
- Other Dogs
- Large Living Spaces
- Seniors
- Watch Dog
- Cold Climates
- Water Activities
Physical Characteristics
Females: 26 - 28 in
Males: 28 - 30 in
Females: 120 - 140 lbs
Males: 140 - 180 lbs
Brush Weekly, Bathe as Needed
High
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About saint bernards
The Saint Bernard is a friendly, affectionate, and easy-going breed that is widely associated with rescue work. This gentle giant was developed centuries ago by hospice monks living at a dangerous crossing in the Alps. The powerful Bernard was able to search for travelers and pilgrims that gotten stranded in the cold.
These intelligent dogs are very large but are beloved family companions and playmates. They are good-natured, mellow, and get along very well with children and other animals. Saints do best in larger living spaces, do well in cold climates, and thrive on love and attention.
saint bernard Health
The Saint Bernard is a large, gentle breed that weighs 120 – 180 pounds. As a large breed dog, they have a shorter life expectancy of 8 – 10 years. While generally healthy, Saint Bernards should be routinely monitored for health issues. Always contact your veterinarian as soon as you notice any physical or behavioral changes.
Potential Health Conditions:
• Canine Hip Dysplasia (CHD)
• Elbow Dysplasia (ED)
• Degenerative Myelopathy (DM)
• Bloat, Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV)
• Bone Cancer, Osteosarcoma (OSA)
• Lymphoma
• Cervical Vertebral Instability, Wobbler Syndrome
• Enlarged Heart, Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM)
• Cataracts
• Inward Turned Eyelids, Entropion
• Heat Stress, Hyperthermia
Suggested Screening
• Hip evaluation
• Elbow evaluation
• Eye evaluation
• Cardiac evaluation
• Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) (Common variant)(DM) – DNA test
Routine care:
• Spay or neuter
• Moderate exercise
saint bernard Care
The Saint Bernard is a moderate shedder and it is recommended to brush them on a regular basis to maintain their coat health. The Saint Bernard is also known for their large hanging jowls which contributes to their high drool level. It is important to not overbathe a Bernard as it can strip a water-protective oil from their coat and will dry out their skin. Bathing should only be done when the coat is dirty and a gentle shampoo should be used. Eyes and ears should be routinely cleaned to prevent infections.