Saint Bernard’s are large, gentle dogs who are well suited for families with children. Saint Bernards were originally bred in the Swiss Alps to be rescue dogs and because of their size, temperament, health care needs, they have become a popular family dog. Saint Bernards need two things to maintain their health: exercise and food. Saint Bernards should not be overfed or under-exercised. They require about an hour of walking each day which could include jogging or running if you have the time for it! Saint Bernards also enjoy playing fetch so don’t forget about that either! Saint Bernards have a thick, weather-resistant double coat so they are ideal for cold climates. Saint Bernard is the largest of the four Swiss Saint breeds. Saint Bernards drool more than most dogs so if you are not interested in being licked to death by your Saint, consider another breed. Saint Bernard coats are short-haired but have longer hair on their chest, legs, and beard. Saint Bernards are brown with white markings or completely white. Saint Bernards have a calm temperament but they will protect their family if needed!
Saint Bernard – Temperament
Saint Bernard’s are affectionate, sweet dogs that crave the company of people (especially children) though they can become destructive if left alone for long periods of time! Saint Bernard’s like to be close to their family and enjoy playing in the snow. Saint Bernard’s are good dogs for families with children but they should be monitored when around young children because Saint Bernard’s can accidentally knock children down! Saint Bernard’s will make a great therapy dog for hospitals and nursing homes. Saint Bernards may become destructive if bored or lonely so they need plenty of attention and two daily walks plus opportunities to run, play fetch, chew on a bone, etc., outside! Saint Bernards drool more than most dogs so you must clean the slobber off of your Saint frequently or it will dry up on furniture and carpeting causing stains that require heavy-duty cleaning products to remove!
Saint Bernard – Health
Saint Bernards have a life expectancy of eight to ten years and are prone to developing hip dysplasia, gastric torsion (bloat), and cystinuria. Saint Bernards drool more than most dogs so their owners must clean the slobber from their Saint frequently or it will dry up on furniture and carpeting causing stains that can be nearly impossible to remove! Saint Bernard’s also tend to have bad teeth because they grow a lot of tartar which causes gum disease and mouth odor! Saint Bernards need regular dental checkups to prevent tooth decay.
Saint Bernard – Care
Being large dogs, Saint Bernards need a big home with a fenced yard which needs a 6-foot fence for containment purposes Saint Bernards should never be chained-up or tied out because Saint Bernards are escape artists and can get out of any tight situation Saint Bernard’s should not be allowed to run free off-leash because Saint Bernards have a strong prey instinct which means Saint Bernards could chase after other animals Saint Bernards should always wear a collar with their name, phone number, and identification tags in case Saint Bernards get lost! Saint Bernards have thick coats so they are able to stay outside during the winter but if you choose to keep your Saint indoors, provide your Saint with plenty of space for exercise and enrichment activities.
Saint Bernard Grooming
Saint Bernards should be brushed once or twice per week depending upon how much you play outside in dirt or mud. Bathe your Saint when necessary using pet shampoo. Trim the nails when necessary and brush the teeth daily to avoid problems with tartar buildup which can cause gum disease and bad breath.
Saint Bernard – Training
Saint Bernards are large dogs so training them is an easy task though they can be gentle giants who have a tendency to drool a lot Saint Bernards will look to the leader of the pack for guidance. Saint Bernard’s raised with children learn to respect them and Saint Bernards always give their paw when asked Saint Bernards are intelligent dogs so training should be an easy task Saint Bernards should never be walked using a retractable leash because Saint Bernards can get tangled in these leashes easily Saint Bernard’s should only be allowed off-leash when in a safe area such as a dog park where other dogs are present though Saint Bernard’s must still wear a collar with tags at all times Saint Bernard’s should not chase other animals including cats, squirrels, etc.
Saint Bernards also need regular dental checkups because they can grow tartar which leads to gum disease and bad breath. Saint Bernards don’t do well when left alone for long periods of time either- if you live in an apartment building, make sure your Saint has plenty of space inside as well as outside!
