Saint Bernard
Complete Breed Guide

Overview

Temperament and Behavior

The Saint Bernard is the epitome of “man’s best friend.” These dogs are sweet, lovable, and good-natured, but they’ll defend their owners and territories if threatened. This loyalty (along with their mammoth size) makes them common choices for family watch dogs. When they aren’t keeping an eye on things, you can find Saint Bernards playing the day away, napping next to you, and showing their love through a healthy helping of slobber.

Coat & Grooming

The Saint Bernard’s coat is typically white with black, red, brindle, and/or tan markings. Most dogs have black ears, and show dogs may have white hair on their legs, chest, collar, tail tip, and blaze (the vertical line between their eyes). Saint Bernards shed twice a year to get rid of their summer and winter coats. During that time, keep a brush and a vacuum handy because their sheer size lends itself to a lot of fur.

Lifestyle & Living Conditions

Saint Bernards are friendly with children, other dogs, and pets. They are quite large, even as puppies, so it’s wise to keep an eye on them around small kids and dogs to prevent accidents. Because of their size, Saint Bernards are better suited for homes with large yards instead of apartments, and they prefer to be indoors. They can develop bad habits (like barking, digging, and stealing food from the table) if they’re bored or left unsupervised for too long, so keep an eye on them even when they’re inside.

Exercise & Activity

Saint Bernards need daily exercise but not as much as you might think. A walk or run each day will keep them satisfied, but exercise should definitely be part of their routine to keep them from getting obese. When walking your Saint Bernard as a puppy, teach them not to pull on the leash. This habit will come in handy as they grow larger and larger. These dogs also love to run free, so the bigger your yard is, the better (as long as it’s fenced, of course).

Health Considerations

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Anne McClanahan, DVM

Four Lakes Veterinary Clinic, Madison, WI

Resident, ACVB · Fear Free Elite Certified

The life expectancy of a Saint Bernard is 8–10 years, which is typical for a giant breed. They’re generally healthy dogs, but Saint Bernards are predisposed to certain medical conditions. It’s important to work with a reputable breeder who only breeds Saint Bernard puppies that are healthy, PennHIP-certified (have undergone a hip evaluation), and represent the breed’s standards. Saint Bernard's can have the following health conditions: Bloat and Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus, Hip Dysplasia, Osteosarcoma, Lymphoma, Cervical Vertebral Instability (Wobbler Syndrome), and Entropion.

Breed descriptions and health information are provided for educational purposes only and should not replace consultation with a licensed veterinarian. Individual dogs may vary in temperament and health.