Saint Bernard
Description
Saint Bernards hail from the Swiss Alps, where monks bred them at the Great St Bernard Hospice in the 11th century. Originally guard dogs, they soon became legendary rescue companions, known for locating stranded travelers in snowy conditions and providing warmth with their massive bodies. Their powerful build and keen sense of smell made them invaluable in avalanche rescue missions. Barry, the most famous Saint Bernard, reportedly saved over 40 lives in the early 1800s. Today’s Saint Bernards come in both smooth and rough coats, with colors ranging from brindle and white to red and white, often marked by a distinctive black mask. Despite their imposing size—typically 120 to 180 pounds—they’re gentle giants, great with kids and calm around strangers. They thrive in cooler climates and prefer relaxed family time over vigorous exercise.
Grooming
Saint Bernards with smooth coats need regular attention to keep their dense, close-fitting fur healthy. Their double coat sheds minimally, but dead hair can cling if not removed. Weekly carding is essential to clear out loose hairs and prevent matting. Use a light slicker brush gently to avoid irritating their skin. Rough-coated Saint Bernards require handstripping every 8 to 12 weeks to maintain coat texture and color vibrancy. Pay special attention to stain-prone white areas, especially around the eyes and mouth, using a damp cloth to clean daily. Their large ears should be checked weekly to prevent debris buildup. Key grooming tips: - Weekly carding to remove dead hair - Gentle slicker brushing - Handstrip rough coats quarterly - Clean white fur stains regularly - Inspect ears weekly Pro tip: Use a rubber curry brush after walks to stimulate natural oils and keep the coat shiny without over-brushing.
Learn the Double routine:
→ Complete Double Grooming Guide
Walking
Saint Bernards don’t require long or intense walks but do benefit from consistent daily exercise to maintain joint health and mental stimulation. Aim for one 50-minute session each day, combining gentle strolls with some sniffing and slow exploration. Their calm nature means they’ll enjoy a relaxed pace rather than fast or strenuous activity. Example routine: - Morning: 10-minute leash walk around the yard for bathroom breaks - Afternoon: 40-minute slow walk in a quiet park, allowing time to sniff and rest Keep walks in cooler parts of the day, especially in warmer months, to avoid overheating. Avoid rough terrain that could stress their large joints. A well-planned walk keeps your Saint Bernard happy and engaged without overexertion.
Boarding
When boarding a Saint Bernard, provide a crate at least 48 inches wide to accommodate their large frame comfortably. They need ample space to stretch and lie down without feeling cramped. Their calm demeanor means they usually enjoy quiet downtime but benefit from two active play sessions daily, combined with scent or brain games to keep their minds sharp. Staff should introduce new dogs slowly and predictably, maintaining a routine that reduces stress. Because Saint Bernards are social and gentle, supervised interaction with other calm dogs can be enriching. Enrichment activities might include puzzle feeders and scent trails to engage their natural tracking instincts. Ensure bedding is thick and supportive to protect their joints during rest. Staff notes should highlight the dog’s preference for cooler environments and the importance of monitoring for any signs of overheating or discomfort.