Saint Bernard: The big friendly giants of the dog world but they don’t half drool and shed

The history of Saint Bernards stretches back as far as 1050 CE (AD) but they got their name when this breed began assisting hospice monks in finding lost or stranded Alpine mountaineers some 600 years later. They operated from a hospice built by the monk Saint Bernard of Menthon and they are believed to have saved as many as 100 lives.

Remarkably, the dogs would learn their rescue skills from older Saint Bernards and didn’t require human-led training. They also proved vital in carrying supplies to troops in the Italian mountains during World War I.

Famed for their big size and even larger hearts, Saint Bernards are prized pups. That makes it all the more sad that they don’t tend to live beyond 10 years but owners of this breed nevertheless relish every day and week they spent with them.

Akin to giant teddy bears, they’ll be there for you when you need to snuggle and they’ll offer support at the appropriate times. But there are some downsides to owning this large dog breed, which we’ll come to later in this guide.

Do Saint Bernards need a lot of exercise?

Given their giant size, Saint Bernards are not very energetic and they only need a moderate amount of exercise.

“This should be up to 60 minutes per day, which can be taken as one long steady walk or two shorter walks,” says expert vet Dr Rebecca MacMillian.

In any case, don’t over-do things.

“Saint Bernards shouldn’t be over-exerted, and care needs to be taken in warm weather,” Dr MacMillan adds. “Their large size and thick coats mean they are at increased risk of heatstroke.”

Even so, it’s a good idea to include a gentle play session that will help to mentally stimulate this breed but the rest of the time can be spent relaxing which is something Saint Bernards will enthusiastically embrace – they’re not considered to be one of the calmest dog breeds for nothing. Fellow couch potatoes rejoice.

Are Saint Bernards easy to train?

Saint Bernards learn quickly and you don’t need to spent ages each day on their training – usually about 15 minutes each day will suffice. But you do need to start early to ensure bad habits don’t sneak in and you also need to reinforce your lessons throughout their lives otherwise you could run into a bit of trouble.

“Training requires a consistent and positive approach,” says Dr MacMillan. “Saint Bernards are an intelligent breed and they are usually eager to please, though some dogs do have an independent streak. Their large size means you need to start training early as you definitely don’t want an unruly 200-pound dog jumping up and pulling you on the leash!”

Crate training is worth considering although you’ll need a large one! If left alone for too long, Saint Bernards can develop separation anxiety and this can lead them to bark, become destructive and even seek ways to escape. It’s best not to leave a Saint Bernards alone for hours but learning how to crate train a dog or at least considering alternatives to crate training could help.

Do Saint Bernards make good family pets?

You will be hard pushed to find a dog as soft and cuddly as a Saint Bernard and there’s a reason why they are referred to as gentle giants. So long as have been socialized early and have grown to become confident adults, you will find them to be docile yet playful pets who are at once inquisitive, charming and wonderful with children. Still, there is a caveat.

“In my experience, Saint Bernards can make wonderful family dogs but their large size means they can be a bit clumsy around young children,” says Dr MacMillan. And while they are in no way dangerous dogs, they can still be imposing and a little scary for some – although there are distinct family benefits to be had from that.

“These dogs are not known for their aggression and are typically very affectionate, but their size and deep bark will certainly put off many would-be intruders,” Dr MacMillan says.

Do Saint Bernards need a lot of grooming?

You may need to invest in one of the best vacuum cleaners for pet hair if you bring a Saint Bernard home and that’s because they shed. A lot.

“Both long and short-coated varieties have a thick undercoat and shed heavily,” Dr MacMillan affirms so they’ll need brushing at least three times a week to keep on top of the loose hair. It’s also worth taking them to be professionally groomed three or four times a year.

But there’s something else you ought to know. Saint Bernards also happen to be one of the biggest droolers and since they will flip their heads from side-to-side, that slobber is going to get pretty much everywhere.

“All of this hair and slobber can put off many potential owners,” Dr MacMillan says. You also need to make sure their skin folds and ears and regularly cleaned. Low-maintenance dog breed, they’re not.

What are Saint Bernards’ most common health problems?

Saint Bernards commonly present for problems with their eyes, according to Dr MacMillan.

“They are prone to entropion, rolling inwards of the eyelids, which leads to hair rubbing against the surface of the eye,” she says. “Alternatively, they can be affected by ectropion, which is where the eyelids roll outwards. This is very common in dogs with droopy or saggy eyes. Abnormal eyelids can lead to issues with the eye itself such as corneal ulcers and eye infections. Corrective surgery may be required to improve things for these dogs.”

Large, deep-chested dogs like the Saint Bernard are also at increased risk of gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV).

“The dog’s stomach bloats and becomes twisted on itself which can be fatal. Affected dogs need immediate veterinary help.”

What’s more, Saint Bernards are also prone to hip dysplasia, where the hip joint doesn’t develop correctly.

“The ball and socket don’t fit together smoothly, which causes painful lameness and the early onset of osteoarthritis,” says MacMillan. “It is essential to choose a puppy from a reputable breeder who has had their dog screened for this condition before mating them.”

Should I get a Saint Bernard?

You would generally consider a Saint Bernard if you have plenty of room for a large dog and simply love the fact that you’re going to be getting a very cuddly, friendly giant that will turn heads when you take them out for a walk.

You’d also seek a Saint Bernard if you wanted a therapy dog or if you have children and other pets – their emotional intelligence coupled with a level-head makes them a true asset in both regards.

You may want to steer clear if you’re after a high-energy dog to fit your lifestyle or if you live in a cramped apartment, though. House-proud pet parents may also want to look away.

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Want to learn more about this breed? Here are our favorite reasons to love Saint Bernards

Expert comment from

Expert comment from

Dr Rebecca MacMillan

Rebecca is a veterinary surgeon who graduated in 2009 from the Royal Veterinary College in London. She has a wealth of experience in first opinion small animal practice, having done a mixture of day-to-day routine work, on-call emergency duties and managerial roles over the years. Rebecca enjoys medicine in particular and she is proud to have recently achieved a BSAVA postgraduate certificate in small animal medicine (with commendation).

She writes on various feline and canine topics, including behavior, nutrition, and health. Outside of work and writing she enjoys walking her own dog, spending time with her young family and baking!

Edited by Georgia Guerin.