Saint Bernard Dog Breed Characteristics & Information

Saint Bernards are calm, quiet family dogs who are very affectionate towards their owners. They are far from being aggressive and bark only when there is a reason behind it. However, they do need a bigger space owing to their sheer size.

Scroll down to learn more about Saint Bernard dogs' intricate and essential details.

Along with several other breeds, such as the Appenzell Cattle Dog, Entlebuch Cattle Dog, and Bernese Mountain Dog, Saint Bernard originated in the hills of Switzerland. They are believed to be the product of cross-breeding between native dogs of the Alps and mastiff-type dogs. 

The first-ever documentation about them was done in 1705 when the monks found it while searching for the lost travellers. At this time, the travellers realised these dogs were terrific pathfinders and helped them find the missing travellers. With time, they were refined and put to human use.

Some of the characteristics of Saint Bernard dogs are:

• Lifespan: Saint Bernards have a short lifespan of 8 to 10 years.
• Height: Males grow between 28 and 30 inches, while females grow between 26 and 28 inches.  
• Colour: Saint Bernard dogs are mainly seen in four coat colours: brownish-yellow, reddish-brown splash, red & white, and reddish-brown brindle. 
• Weight: Male Saint Bernards weigh 140 to 180 pounds, while females weigh 120 to 140 pounds.
• Temperament: Unlike their vast size, Saint Bernards are very loving and affectionate and known for their patience.
• Energy Level: Saint Bernards are not that active and are known to have moderate energy levels.

The following tips will help you to train your dog effectively:

• Avoid Punishment: Saint Bernards are very sensitive and might get scared if punished during training. This may also discourage them, and they may run away from training sessions. Hence, refrain from punishing your dog. 
• Be Calm and Patient. Saint Bernards can be stubborn and difficult to train. Irritation will only make things worse. Therefore, you must keep calm and persuade them to participate in training sessions. 
• Be Consistent: Consistency is the key to any training. Ensure every family member uses the exact words and cues to communicate with your Saint Bernard. This will make things easier for your pet. 
• Reward Your Saint Bernard: Reward your puppy for showing any wanted behaviour. This will boost their confidence, and they will likely repeat the behaviour to please their owners.

Some of the common health problems seen in Saint Bernard Dogs are: 

• Bloating: Gastric Dilatation Volvulus is a fatal condition in dogs predominantly seen in deep-chested dogs like Saint Bernards. This is mainly caused if your dog consumes large meal portions, exercises after eating, or eats rapidly. Your dog's belly gets distended after gas build-up inside the stomach. 
• Cataracts: Saint Bernards are prone to developing cataracts. Cataracts are an eye problem in which the eye's lens becomes opaque due to protein clumping. They generally occur during old age and can be treated through surgical intervention. 
• Dilated Cardiomyopathy: In this disorder, the heart muscle gets thinner, and the contractility is impaired. This happens when the heart has to work harder, and as a result, it enlarges. The signs and symptoms in Saint Bernards include weakness, weight loss, abnormal heart rhythm, and difficulty breathing. 
• Epilepsy: Epilepsy is mainly concerned with seizures in Saint Bernards. In most of the cases, Epilepsy is an inherited disease. Several events, such as metabolic disorders, brain-affecting infectious diseases, or tumours, trigger episodes of seizures. Treatment includes lifelong medications to control seizures. 
• Elbow Dysplasia: Elbow dysplasia is mainly seen in big dogs like Saint Bernards. It occurs when the three bones at the elbow have different growth rates, eventually causing bone laxity. Signs and symptoms may include painful lameness, and surgery may be required to treat the condition. 
• Entropion: Entropion is diagnosed at six months since the problem sets in and affects the eyelids of your Saint Bernard. This medical condition causes the eyelids to roll inwards, irritating or injuring the eyeball. It can affect one or both eyes of your dog. Surgery is the treatment in this case. 
• Hip Dysplasia: Hip Dysplasia concerns the thigh bones that don’t fit properly in the joint cavity, causing pain and lameness in the rear legs. If left untreated, it can cause arthritis with increasing age. Affected dogs should not be bred further.

Here are 3 tips to take care of Saint Bernard dogs:

• Food and Nutrition: Saint Bernard is a large dog breed, so its nutritional requirements will be higher. Hence, your dog should be fed 5 to 6 cups of dry dog food divided into two meals. Also, monitor his calorie intake to prevent obesity. 
• Grooming: Saint Bernard has two coat variants. Brushing your Saint Bernard thrice a week will remove loose hair and prevent tangling. During shedding season, you can use shedding blades to remove dead hair. You can also use a detangle spray. 
• Exercise: Saint Bernards doesn’t need much exercise to prevent obesity. Exercising them might affect their joints and result in arthritis. Also, they are pretty prone to heatstroke. Hence, they should have proper cooling to prevent severe medical problems. 

Unfortunately, the considerable size of Saint Bernards is one of the primary causes behind their shorter lifespans. They also suffer from various diseases if not properly cared for. That said, the Saint Bernard is one of the most loved breeds worldwide owing to its calmness. They are good-natured and make great family dogs.