Other names: Bernhardiner, Saint Bernardshund, St. Bernard Dog
The Saint Bernard is a large mountain dog who is distinguished as much by his impressive stature as by his great intelligence. Massive and powerful in appearance, it displays an attentive expression and a body that is both muscular and harmonious. Its very thick coat and its physical constitution make it a particularly robust animal.
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 Hair type |
Long or short |
|---|---|
 Origin |
Swiss |
 Template |
Giant |
 Head shape |
Square |
 Weight and size |
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| Sex | Weight | Cut |
|---|---|---|
| Female | From 50 kg to 75 kg | From 65 cm to 80 cm |
| Male | From 55 kg to 90 kg | From 70 cm to 90 cm |
History of the breed
The Saint-Bernard breed owes its name to the Grand-Saint-Bernard pass in Switzerland , at the top of which was a hospice. The monks raised these dissuasive and robust dogs there for guard and defense, but also for the rescue of travelers and pilgrims lost in the snow.
His reputation as a rescue dog was notably reinforced by the accounts of Bonaparte’s soldiers who had crossed this pass in 1800. 67 years later, the Bernese Heinrich Schumacher was the first to draw up the genealogy of his dogs.
The Swiss Saint Bernard Club was established on March 15, 1884 in Basel and the breed standard was established in 2003.
Saint-Bernard Pictures
See all photos of Saint-Bernard from Woopets members
Physical features
Its coat : can be long or short (double), depending on whether it belongs to one or the other of these two varieties. The second is less common. The coat can be smooth or slightly wavy.
Its color : white with red-brown patches, red-brown coat on the back and sides, ideally with charcoal at the top.
His head : imposing and large, very expressive. The upper part of the skull is slightly domed, and the forehead falls steeply to the base of the nose.
His ears : are medium in size, set high and wide. The pavilion, flexible and rounded, ends in a triangle.
Her eyes : display an expression that is both intelligent and peaceful. They are medium in size and vary in color from dark brown to nutty.
Her body : massive and harmonious. The withers are well marked, the back is broad and firm. The rump is long and slightly sloping.
Its tail : long and heavy, it is drooping or slightly curved at rest, carried higher when the dog is attentive.
Behavior and character
| Affectionate | |
|---|---|
| Calm | |
| Protective | |
| Independent | |
| Hunter | |
| Barks / howls |
Behavior with others
| Cohabitation with children | |
|---|---|
| Sociable with other animals | |
| Love strangers |
The Saint-Bernard
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Education
| Clever | |
|---|---|
| Obedient |
Living conditions
| Suitable for apartment living | |
|---|---|
| Good for new masters | |
| Love it hot | |
| Love the cold |
The Saint-Bernard is not made for apartment life . He needs space to move and run. Its heightened sense of territory can be a problem in small-sized dwellings. It is therefore aimed more at families with a garden in which he must, at a minimum, be able to walk as he pleases and even to trot.
Health
| Solid | |
|---|---|
| Ease of gaining weight |
The Saint Bernard is quite resistant , but its eyes must be particularly watched because of the risks of excessive tearing , entropion (turning the eyelid forward) and ectropion (turning back).
Attention should also be paid to the dog’s bone health due to its strong and rapid growth. It is therefore advisable to give him a balanced diet and to make him exercise. Hip and elbow dysplasias are also possible, as in all large dogs.
Hypoallergenic breed
No
Litter size
Between 6 and 8 puppies
To protect you from these risks and insure your companion in the event of health problems, Woopets recommends insurance for Saint-Bernard dogs .
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Life expectancy
Minimum: 8 years
Maximum: 10 years
The life expectancy of a Saint Bernard is, on average, between 8 years and 10 years.
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Maintenance and hygiene
| Ease of maintenance | |
|---|---|
| Cost of maintenance | |
| Hair loss |
| Drool level | |
|---|---|
| Ease of grooming |
The Saint Bernard being a large dog with generous fur, it requires regular maintenance both in terms of its coat and its eyes . Its toilet requires some effort, but the result is clearly worth it, because the Saint Bernard is a particularly majestic dog.
The Saint-Bernard requires daily brushing . Particular emphasis will be placed on the areas located in the ears, panties, tail and armpits. The hair is very fine in these parts of the body.
Price and budget
Purchase price
The purchase price of a Saint-Bernard is between 900 € and 1200 €.
Annual maintenance cost
The annual maintenance cost of a Saint Bernard is between € 2,200 and € 2,250.
No name is currently proposed. Use our tool to find the name of your Saint Bernard!
Food
The Saint Bernard can be prone to stomach twists . It is therefore advisable to pay attention to his physical exercise before and after his rations. Its diet must be adapted to its very rapid growth between birth and 2 years. It goes from less than 1 kg to over 60 in 24 months. Therefore, croquettes specially designed for him are mandatory to give him all the necessary energy and his bone and muscle development. Do not hesitate to approach a veterinarian.
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Physical activity
| Athletic | |
|---|---|
| Energy level | |
| Potential to play |
Despite his calm temperament, the Saint Bernard needs daily outings like all other dogs. These walks are all the more important as they allow you to control your weight and therefore preserve your health. It is therefore recommended to decorate these outings with races and games.
Others
| Master character <span class="btnTooltip qTip2" title="- Calm: the master must be gentle and know how to show patience. – Active: the owner must be energetic and dynamic to live in harmony with his dog. – Hyperactive: the owner must be stimulating and very restless to suit the temperament of his dog.”> |
Calm |
|---|
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Help us get our little bitches Saint Bernard La Belle and …
Help us get our little bitches Saint Bernard La Belle and …
Help us get our little bitches Saint Bernard La Belle and …
Do you have a question about the Saint-Bernard?
Do not hesitate to ask Woopets visitors for advice on the forum!
FCI Information
FCI No.
61
FCI Group
Group 2: Pinscher and Schnauzer – Molossoid and Swiss Mountain and Cattle Dogs and other breeds
Recognized by FCI
Since 1954
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