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Saint Bernard
A giant, gentle mountain dog historically kept by monks at the Great St Bernard Pass.
♥ Swipe on the Saint BernardQuick facts
- Origin
- Switzerland
- Size
- Giant
- Energy
- Low
- Bred for
- Alpine rescue
- Lifespan
- 8–10 years
- Temperament
- Calm, gentle, watchful
- Exercise
- 45 min/day
- Grooming
- Medium
- Shedding
- High
- Training
- Moderate
- With children
- Great
- Apartment
- No
Where the Saint Bernard comes from
Monks at the Great St Bernard Pass in the Swiss Alps kept these dogs from the 1600s to find travellers lost in snow. Dozens of people were credited to the dogs, though the famous brandy barrel is a myth.
Personality and daily life
Calm, gentle and patient. Saint Bernards are devoted to family and tolerant of children, but they are very big.
Saint Bernards are huge softies that drool and shed. They need space and cool weather.
Exercise, grooming and health
Moderate exercise, cool weather and a lot of space. They drool, shed heavily and need regular grooming. Hip and elbow problems, bloat and heart disease occur, and the lifespan is short.
Is a Saint Bernard right for you?
Homes with space and owners who accept drool and size.
- Needs space, so not ideal for small apartments
- Great with children
- Sheds a lot
Similar breeds
Profiles are general guides. Individual dogs vary, so always meet the dog and talk to a breeder, shelter or vet.