Saint Bernard

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Size: Extra-Large
Other Names: Alpine Mastiff, Bernie, SB, St Bernard, St. Bernard, Saint, Saint Dog
Country of Origin: Italy and Switzerland
Accreditation:
American Kennel Club (AKC): Working
Canadian Kennel Club (CKC): Working
United Kennel Club (UKC): Guardian Dog
Australian National Kennel Council (ANKC): Utility
The Kennel Club (KC): Working Dogs
Kennel Union of Southern Africa (KUSA): Working Dogs
National Kennel Club (NKC): Recognized
New Zealand Kennel Club (NZKC): Utility

The Saint Bernard is a very large, massive, squarely-built, athletic dog, similar to the English Mastiff. He has a broad head, with medium-sized drop ears, and a tail carried level or with a slight upward curve.

A giant hospice dog for a cool house and yard; a heavy coat that sheds, a deep quiet voice, and size that does not belong in a small flat.

The Saint Bernard is one of the heaviest and largest breeds, originally bred for rescue, and as a working dog. His ancestors are the herding dogs of Swiss and Italian farmers, like the Great Swiss Mountain Dog, as well as hunting dogs, rescue dogs and watchdogs. The name "Saint Bernard" originates from a traveler's hospice on the often treacherous Saint Bernard Pass in the Western Alps between Switzerland and Italy, where the name was passed to the local dogs. The pass, the lodge, and the dogs are named for Bernard of Menthon, the 11th century monk who established the station.

Height: 27½-35½ inches
Weight: Male: 160-240 pounds
Color: All shades of red and white; brindle and white; or any shade of brown and white; with white markings on his chest, feet, tip of his tail, nose band, and collar or a spot on the nape of his neck
Coat: Two varieties: short-haired or smooth-coat; long-haired or rough-coat
Lifespan: 8–10 years
Litter size: 6–10 puppies

Temperament

The Saint Bernard is gentle, friendly, and generally fond of children. He is extremely loyal, and eager to please his owners. While generally not as aggressive as dogs bred for protection, a Saint Bernard will bark at strangers, and their size makes them good deterrents against possible intruders.

Training

Due to his large adult size, it is essential that the Saint Bernard receive proper training and socialization, starting while he is still a puppy. An unruly Saint Bernard may present problems for even a strong adult, so control needs to be asserted from the beginning of the dog’s training.

Care and grooming

Proper diet and exercise is required to keep the Saint Bernard healthy.

Shedding

Moderate to heavy; long-coated dogs leave more hair than the smooth variety.

Health

Saint Bernards may develop hip and elbow dysplasia, bloat, entropion, and heart disease. This giant breed should grow slowly and not be exercised hard after meals.

Crosses that include the Saint Bernard

These hybrid pages list this breed as a parent. Open a name to see the other contributing breed.

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