LargeSwitzerland

St. Bernard

"A gentle giant with a legendary reputation: The Saint Bernard impresses with its stoic calm and immense loyalty, making it the ultimate protector for any family."

Your Height:

180 cm

Shoulder Height: 80 cm

Age8-10 years

Average life expectancy with species-appropriate husbandry and good health.

Height

Shoulder Height: 70-90cmHead Height: ~92cm (est.)

The standard size measured from the ground to the highest point of the shoulder (withers).

Weight64-90 kg

Ideal body weight for a healthy, adult breed.

Cost/Month€150+

The sum of food, insurance, and basic care per month.

Character Profile

Activity Level

A measure of the daily urge to move and the necessary mental stimulation.

Moderate exercise needs; daily walks are usually sufficient for this massive dog.

Trainability

The willingness of the breed to cooperate with humans and learn commands quickly.

Intelligent and willing to learn, but requires consistent training due to its immense strength.

Family Friendliness

Describes patience and adaptability when dealing with children and family bustle.

Extremely affectionate, patient, and gentle, especially with children.

Sociability

Behavior towards strangers and other dogs/pets.

Generally very peaceful and social with other dogs, as well as friendly towards people.

Beginner Friendly

Indicates how well the breed is suited for first-time owners without much experience.

Due to its strength and size, better suited for owners who can handle a giant breed.

Apartment Friendly

Considers barking behavior, space requirements, and the general need for rest indoors.

Absolutely not suitable for small apartments due to its massive size; a house with a yard is ideal.

Grooming Effort

Time required for brushing, bathing, and nail care. Long-haired breeds often need daily care.

Regular brushing is necessary to remove dirt and loose hair from their dense coat.

Shedding

How much loose hair the breed loses in the house. Important for allergy sufferers and cleaning effort.

Sheds heavily, especially during the twice-yearly shedding seasons.

Did you know?

Keeping a pet of this size costs over 80€ per month on average. Plan your finances wisely.

Character & Training

Despite his imposing stature, the Saint Bernard is the embodiment of tranquility. His nature is defined by unwavering patience and deep-seated kindness, making him an ideal partner, especially when interacting with children. Training requires a delicate touch, as this 'gentle giant' occasionally displays a charmingly stubborn streak. With consistent, affectionate guidance and early socialization, he develops into an obedient companion who instinctively and reliably guards his family without ever showing unnecessary aggression.

Living & Exercise

A Saint Bernard is not suited for apartment living. He requires ample space to flourish and feels most comfortable in a house with a large, secure garden. Due to his sensitivity to heat, cool retreats during the summer months are essential. His exercise needs are moderate; while he greatly appreciates long, leisurely walks, high-intensity athletic activities are not his forte. A ground-level home is crucial to protect the heavy dog's joints and maintain his long-term mobility.

Health & Grooming

Due to their massive build, Saint Bernards are prone to joint issues such as hip dysplasia. The risk of gastric torsion also demands vigilance; rest periods after meals are therefore mandatory. Grooming varies by coat type: while the short-haired variety is easier to maintain, the long-haired coat requires frequent brushing to prevent matting. Special attention should be paid to cleaning the jowls and eye areas to prevent infections. A balanced diet is critical to avoid obesity, which would put additional strain on the skeleton.

History

The Saint Bernard's history is closely linked to the Great St Bernard Hospice. Starting in the 17th century, monks bred these dogs as mountain rescue animals for travelers lost in the snow. The legendary 'Barry,' who saved numerous lives, brought the breed worldwide fame. Originally smaller and more agile, the breed evolved over centuries into the imposing Swiss national dog we recognize today, cherished for its nobility.

Similar Breeds

Based on character, activity level, and grooming needs – not by appearance.