Saint Bernard is a large, strong breed of dog originating in the Swiss and Italian Alps. They were originally bred as rescue dogs, working hard to save travelers who ventured too far into the snowy mountains with their incredible sense of smell and keen intelligence.

As such, they are known for their intelligence, loyalty, and courageous spirit – traits that have made them beloved by many families worldwide.

Today, Saint Bernards are still utilized as rescue dogs in some regions; however, many also make wonderful companions for those lucky enough to own one.

Saint Bernard Appearance

They have a distinguished look about them with their deep brown eyes, muscular physique, and shaggy double-coat.

Their coats come in several different colors, including red-and-white and black-and-white. The coat is thick and can protect the dog from cold and hot temperatures. The long feathery tail completes the look of this majestic breed.

Saint Bernard Size

Saint Bernards are a large breed that weighs anywhere from 141 to 180 pounds (64 – 82 kg). Males tend to be larger than females on average, but both sexes can reach similar heights, with males growing up to 35 inches tall (90 cm) and females reaching 31 inches (80 cm).

They have a square-like shape, with their body length usually measuring the same as their height at the shoulder.

Saint Bernard Temperament

What truly sets Saint Bernards apart from other breeds is their loyal, loving temperament. They are known for being extremely gentle giants who show immense patience and kindness towards children and other animals.

They are very intelligent and eager to please their owners, making them easy to train if done positively. Early socialization is important with this breed as it helps prevent shy or anxious behavior later in life.

Saint Bernard Health

Saint Bernard dogs are a large breed that can weigh up to 180 pounds. As such, their health needs to be monitored closely.

This breed’s most common health issues include hip and elbow dysplasia, bloat, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), eye problems, and heart disease.

• Hip and elbow dysplasia

Hip and elbow dysplasia is an abnormality of the hips or elbows that can cause pain and lameness in the dog due to misalignment of the joint surfaces.

This condition is genetic, so it’s important to get your Saint Bernard pup from a reputable breeder who screens their puppies for these conditions before selling them.

If left untreated, hip and elbow dysplasia can lead to further complications such as arthritis and other joint issues.

• Bloat

Bloat is a potentially life-threatening condition in which the stomach becomes filled with gas, fluid, or food, causing it to stretch and twist on itself.

This can lead to extreme discomfort for your dog and difficulty breathing. Signs of bloat include restlessness, pacing, drooling, and a swollen abdomen. If you suspect your Saint Bernard has bloat, you should seek emergency veterinary care immediately.

• Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)

Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) is an inherited eye disorder characterized by the slow degeneration of the retina leading to vision loss and eventual blindness.

PRA most commonly affects middle-aged dogs but can occur at any age. Symptoms include cloudiness in the eyes, night blindness, dilated pupils, and red-eye reflex. PRA is untreatable, but breeders should screen their puppies for their condition before the sale.

• Eye problems

Eye problems are also common in Saint Bernard dogs. Cataracts and glaucoma can cause vision loss if not treated quickly.

Other eye conditions include entropion (inward rolling of the eyelids) and ectropion (outward rolling of the eyelids). Treatment for these conditions usually involves surgery or corrective lenses.

• Heart disease

Heart disease is a major concern for Saint Bernards due to its size. Congestive heart failure affects older dogs more often than younger ones, so getting regular checkups from your vet is important if you have an older dog.

Symptoms of heart disease include coughing, difficulty breathing, loss of energy, and a decreased appetite.

If you notice any of these symptoms in your dog, you must get them checked out by your vet as soon as possible.

By understanding the most common health issues for Saint Bernards and taking steps to prevent them, you can help ensure that your furry friend lives a long, healthy life.

Regular checkups with your veterinarian are always recommended for all breeds, especially for large breeds like Saint Bernards.

Talk to your vet about different options for preventive care, such as vaccinations and parasite prevention, to keep your pup healthy and happy.

Additionally, make sure you’re feeding your high-quality pup food, providing them with plenty of exercises, and making sure they get regular mental stimulation.

With proper care and preventative measures, you can help ensure that your beloved Saint Bernard stays healthy for many years.

Saint Bernards Dog Care Tips

It is important to remember that Saint Bernards require a lot of grooming and care. They should have their coats brushed regularly, as they have thick double coats prone to matting.

Their ears should also be checked often for debris or signs of infection. It is recommended to clean the ears with an ear-cleaning solution once a week and trim the hair inside their ears as needed.

Additionally, their nails should be trimmed every two weeks or as needed to prevent discomfort or infections from long nails.

In terms of diet, Saint Bernards need high-quality food formulated for large-breed dogs to maintain their health and weight.

It’s important to consult your vet about how much food your dog needs at each meal, as Saint Bernards tend to become overweight.

It’s also important to provide your Saint Bernard with plenty of fresh water and ensure their bowls stay clean.

Saint Bernards need lots of exercise, at least one hour each day. Exercise can help keep them fit and healthy and will help to prevent boredom or destructive behavior. Your dog may enjoy walks, hikes, swimming, playing fetch or tug-of-war in the yard, etc.

Finally, it is essential for all dogs – including Saint Bernards – to be properly trained and socialized to promote good behavior.

This includes house training, obedience training (such as walking on a leash), and being exposed to different people, animals, and environments safely. All these tips will help ensure your Saint Bernard grows into a happy, healthy companion.

Following these care tips can give your Saint Bernard the best possible life filled with love and care. Your Saint Bernard will remain loyal and loving for many years with proper diet, exercise, grooming, and training.

Conclusion

Saint Bernards make wonderful family pets due to their loyal and loving nature. They can do well in any home, given enough exercise and stimulation to keep them happy.

Although they have some health issues with being a large breed, these dogs can live up to ten years or more when properly cared for.

If you’re looking for an intelligent, loyal companion that is also quite majestic in appearance, Saint Bernard may be the perfect fit for you.