Saint Bernard
The Good
- Get along well with other pets if raised together
- Good-natured with complete absence of aggression
- Good trainability
- Cold weather tolerance
- Enormous strength
The Real
- Relatively short lifespan
- Heat intolerance
- Need for regular training from early age
- Heavy drooling
Gallery
Breed Overview
The Saint Bernard is one of those breeds that captures hearts instantly - a gentle giant with soulful eyes and an incredibly patient temperament. These magnificent dogs were originally bred by Swiss monks in the 1600s as search and rescue dogs in the treacherous Alpine passes, and that noble heritage still shines through today.
What strikes you first about Saints is their sheer size - males can weigh up to 91 kg and stand 90 cm tall - but it's their gentle nature that truly defines them. They're famously wonderful with children, earning them the nickname "nanny dogs" in many Australian families. Their calm, patient demeanour makes them excellent companions for households with young kids who might accidentally pull ears or step on paws.
In Australian homes, Saints adapt well to family life, though they do need space to stretch out comfortably. They're not high-energy dogs like some breeds, but they do enjoy moderate exercise and absolutely love being involved in family activities. Whether it's a weekend camping trip to the Blue Mountains or just hanging out during a backyard BBQ, your Saint will want to be right there with you.
The breed gained massive popularity after the 1992 film "Beethoven," and it's easy to see why. These dogs have an almost human-like expression and seem to understand exactly what's going on around them. They're incredibly loyal to their families and have a natural protective instinct, though they're more likely to greet intruders with a curious sniff than aggressive behaviour.
History
History
The Saint Bernard's story begins in 1050 at a snowy Alpine pass between Switzerland and Italy, where Archdeacon Bernard of Menthon established a hospice to help pilgrims travelling to Rome. At 2,500 metres above sea level, with snow drifts reaching 12 metres high, crossing this treacherous pass was incredibly dangerous, with avalanches and blizzards claiming many lives.
The monks initially kept large mountain dogs as guardians of the hospice, but they soon discovered these dogs had extraordinary abilities. Their keen sense of smell could locate people buried under snow, and they seemed to have an almost supernatural ability to predict approaching avalanches. Recognising these remarkable talents, the monks began deliberately breeding these rescue dogs.
For three centuries, these heroic dogs saved over 2,000 lives in the Alps. The most famous was a dog named Barry, who rescued 41 people during his lifetime in the early 1800s. His story became legendary throughout Europe, and "Barry" became a common name for all rescue dogs at the pass.
The breed nearly disappeared in the early 1800s due to particularly harsh winters and frequent avalanches that killed most of the monastery's dogs. By 1830, the situation was desperate. To save the breed, the monks crossed their remaining dogs with Newfoundlands, which created the longer-haired variety we sometimes see today.
Originally, all Saints were short-haired - the longer coat actually proved less practical for rescue work as snow and ice would freeze to it. The Saint Bernard Club was established in 1884, and the official breed standard was set in 1888, making these gentle giants Switzerland's national symbol.
Traits & Characteristics
Saint Bernard characteristics and temperament traits.
Caring Guide
Saint Bernards are generally healthy dogs, but like many giant breeds, they're predisposed to certain conditions that Australian owners should be aware of. Their average lifespan of 8-10 years is typical for large breeds, though with proper care, many live full, healthy lives.
The most serious concern is bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus), a life-threatening condition where the stomach fills with gas and can twist, cutting off blood supply. This is a medical emergency requiring immediate veterinary attention. Signs include pacing, excessive drooling, retching without vomiting, and loss of appetite. Australian owners can reduce risk by feeding smaller, more frequent meals and avoiding exercise around mealtimes.
Hip dysplasia is another common issue in this breed. This inherited condition occurs when the hip joint doesn't form properly, leading to pain and arthritis over time. Reputable Australian breeders should provide hip scoring certificates for breeding dogs. Early detection through screening allows for better management with supplements, weight control, and sometimes surgery.
Saint Bernards are also prone to certain cancers, particularly osteosarcoma (bone cancer) and lymphoma. Regular vet checkups are crucial for early detection. Other conditions to watch for include wobbler syndrome (a neurological condition affecting the neck and spine) and entropion (eyelid abnormality).
Eye problems, including tear staining and various inherited conditions, can occur. Regular cleaning and veterinary ophthalmologist evaluations help maintain eye health. Given Australia's climate variations, it's worth noting that Saints handle cold weather beautifully but struggle in extreme heat, which can exacerbate health issues.
Feeding a Saint Bernard properly is crucial, especially given their massive size and specific nutritional needs. These gentle giants should be fed high-quality large or giant-breed dog food formulated for their life stage, whether that's puppy, adult, or senior.
Saint Bernard puppies need special attention - they should stay on large-breed puppy formula until 18-24 months old, as their bones and joints are still developing. The controlled calcium and phosphorus levels in these foods help prevent developmental orthopaedic problems that can plague giant breeds.
To prevent bloat, which is a serious concern for this breed, Australian owners should follow specific feeding guidelines. Feed two or three smaller meals daily rather than one large meal, keep food bowls on the floor (not elevated), and avoid exercise one hour before and after meals. If you have multiple dogs, feed them separately to reduce stress and competition.
Portion control is essential - Saint Bernards can easily become overweight, which puts additional stress on their joints and organs. Follow feeding guidelines on quality dog food packages, but always consult your Australian vet for personalised recommendations based on your dog's age, activity level, and body condition.
Fresh water should always be available, and many Australian vets recommend joint supplements and omega-3 fatty acids for these large dogs to support healthy joints and reduce inflammation. Given their size, Saints can be expensive to feed - budget around $100-150 monthly for quality food, depending on your location and chosen brand.
Avoid feeding table scraps, especially dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, onions, and cooked bones. Slow-feeder bowls can help if your Saint tends to gulp their food too quickly.
Saint Bernards come in two coat varieties - short-haired and long-haired - but both require similar grooming routines. The good news is that despite their size, they're not overly demanding in the grooming department, though you'll need to stay on top of regular maintenance.
Both coat types have a thick double coat that sheds moderately year-round, with heavier shedding periods in spring and autumn - perfect timing for Australia's changing seasons! During these peak shedding times, you'll need to brush daily to keep loose hair under control. Otherwise, brushing once or twice weekly with a metal comb and slicker brush will keep their coat healthy and your house relatively hair-free.
The most noticeable grooming challenge with Saints is their drooling. Those big jowls produce quite a bit of saliva, especially after drinking, eating, or exercising. Keep clean towels handy and wipe their mouth area regularly. Many Australian owners keep designated "drool towels" in every room!
Bathing should be occasional - only when they're genuinely dirty or smelly. Their coat produces natural oils that protect against moisture, so over-bathing can strip these beneficial oils. When you do bathe them, use dog-specific shampoos and ensure thorough rinsing.
Pay special attention to their ears, especially after swimming at Australian beaches or lakes. Their large, floppy ears and love of water make them prone to ear infections. Clean ears every 2-3 weeks with vet-recommended ear cleaner, and always after water activities.
Regular nail trimming is essential - those big paws carry a lot of weight, and overgrown nails can cause discomfort and affect their gait. Don't forget dental care either; regular teeth cleaning helps prevent the dental issues common in large breeds.
Saint Bernards are intelligent dogs with a strong desire to please, making them relatively easy to train with the right approach. However, their size means early training and socialisation are absolutely non-negotiable - a 90kg dog that hasn't learned manners can be genuinely dangerous, even with the best intentions.
Start training early and consistently. Puppy classes are essential, followed by basic obedience training. Focus on teaching them not to jump on people (imagine a Saint Bernard greeting your elderly neighbour!), not to pull on the lead, and to have good recall. Their natural gentleness makes them excellent candidates for therapy dog work, and many Australian Saints excel in this role.
Despite their imposing size, Saints have moderate exercise needs. They're not marathon runners - think more along the lines of a leisurely walk around your neighbourhood or a gentle hike in places like the Dandenong Ranges. One good 30-minute walk daily, plus some playtime, usually keeps them happy and healthy.
These dogs love having a job to do, reflecting their working heritage. They excel at activities like carting (pulling small carts), nose work, and even some dog sports. Many Australian families enjoy taking their Saints camping or caravanning - they're excellent travel companions who love being with their people.
Be mindful of Australia's climate when exercising your Saint. Early morning or evening walks work best during summer, and always ensure they have access to shade and water. Their thick coat means they can overheat quickly in our warmer weather.
Remember, Saints mature slowly and can act quite puppy-like until they're 2-3 years old. Keep training sessions short, positive, and engaging to maintain their interest.
Who is an ideal owner?
Saint Bernards are perfect for specific types of Australian families, but they're definitely not suited to everyone. The ideal Saint Bernard owner is someone who genuinely enjoys having a large, gentle companion who wants to be involved in everything the family does.
These dogs thrive with families who spend a lot of time at home. They can develop separation anxiety if left alone for long periods, so they're not suitable for people who work long hours away from home. FIFO workers or those with demanding travel schedules might want to consider other breeds.
Space is crucial - while Saints can adapt to larger apartments if they get adequate exercise, they're much happier with a house and yard. They need room to stretch out, and those powerful tails can clear coffee tables in suburban living rooms! Rural properties or homes with good-sized backyards work best.
Saints are fantastic with children and make excellent family dogs for households with kids who understand how to interact respectfully with dogs. Their patient nature means they'll tolerate quite a bit, but children should still learn proper dog etiquette.
Ideal owners should be prepared for the financial commitment - these dogs are expensive to feed, their vet bills can be substantial due to their size, and they may need joint supplements or other health support as they age. You'll also need a larger car for transport and should budget for professional grooming occasionally.
First-time dog owners can succeed with Saints, but only if they're committed to proper training and socialisation. These dogs respond beautifully to consistent, gentle guidance but can become unmanageable without proper boundaries.
Interesting facts about the Saint Bernard
The most famous Saint Bernard was Barry, who saved 41 lives in the Swiss Alps during his lifetime in the early 1800s
His preserved body is displayed in the Natural History Museum in Bern.
Interesting Fact
Saint Bernards were first documented working at the Alpine pass in 1707, though they'd likely been there much longer
Interesting Fact
Prior to 1830, all Saint Bernards were short-haired - the long-haired variety came from crossing with Newfoundlands to save the breed from extinction
Interesting Fact
The iconic image of Saints carrying brandy barrels around their necks is actually a myth - they never carried alcohol during rescues
FAQ
Absolutely! Saint Bernards are excellent family dogs, especially with young children. They're incredibly patient, gentle, and protective without being aggressive. Just remember they need proper training from puppyhood because of their size.
Saints need moderate exercise - about 30 minutes of walking daily plus some playtime. They're not high-energy dogs, but they do enjoy longer walks or hikes if you're up for it. Avoid intense exercise in hot Australian weather.
Yes, they're very intelligent and eager to please, which makes training relatively straightforward. They respond well to positive reinforcement with treats and praise. Start early and keep sessions short and engaging.
Expect to pay $1,500-$3,500 from a reputable breeder, with champion bloodlines costing more. You can also find Saints through rescue organisations for lower adoption fees.
Saint Bernards typically live 8-10 years, which is normal for giant breeds. With proper care, nutrition, and regular vet checkups, many live full, healthy lives within this range.
While possible in larger apartments, Saints are much happier with house and yard space. They need room to move comfortably and can struggle with stairs in high-rise buildings due to their size and joint concerns.
They handle cooler weather beautifully but struggle with heat and humidity. In places like Darwin or Brisbane summers, you'll need air conditioning and careful exercise timing. They're much more comfortable in Melbourne or Canberra climates.
Yes, drooling is part of owning a Saint Bernard. Keep towels handy, especially after meals, drinks, or when they're excited. It's manageable but something to consider if you're house-proud.