St. Bernard Breed Guide

Dec 10, 2024

The St. Bernard is a beloved giant breed known for its gentle temperament, incredible strength, and iconic role as a rescue dog in the Swiss Alps. With their soulful eyes and affectionate nature, these floofs are the ultimate gentle giants, making them wonderful companions for families with the space and time to meet their needs.

THE BASICS

Category: Working
Size: Giant
Exercise Needs: 1 hour per day
Grooming: Moderate (regular brushing)
Coat Length: Short or long, dense and weather-resistant
Shedding: Moderate to high
Lifespan: 8–10 years

A BRIEF HISTORY: THE ALPINE RESCUER

The St. Bernard originated in the Swiss Alps, where monks at the Great St. Bernard Hospice bred them as rescue dogs. Their powerful build and keen sense of direction allowed them to locate and save stranded travellers in snowy conditions.

Named after the hospice and the mountain pass, St. Bernards became legendary for their lifesaving abilities. By the 17th century, they were famous for their role in rescue work, often depicted with barrels of brandy around their necks—although this detail is more myth than fact. Today, they’re cherished as family pets and symbols of loyalty and bravery.

ST. BERNARD PERSONALITY: GENTLE, LOYAL, AND AFFECTIONATE

St. Bernards are renowned for their calm and loving temperament. They form strong bonds with their families and are particularly gentle with children, earning them the nickname “nanny dogs.” Despite their size, they’re not overly energetic or demanding, but they thrive on companionship and affection.

While they’re friendly and social, St. Bernards can be a bit aloof with strangers, making them reliable but non-aggressive watchdogs. Their intelligence and eagerness to please make them moderately easy to train, though their size and strength require consistent guidance.

HOW MUCH EXERCISE DOES A ST. BERNARD NEED?

While they’re not as energetic as some working breeds, St. Bernards still need regular exercise to stay healthy. A daily walk or play session in a secure area for about an hour is usually sufficient. They enjoy outdoor activities like hiking in cooler weather, but care should be taken to avoid overexertion, especially in hot climates.

Their puppy stage requires careful management to prevent joint issues as they grow—avoid excessive running or jumping during this time.

HOW TO GROOM A ST. BERNARD: KEEPING THEM LOOKING THEIR BEST

The St. Bernard’s dense coat comes in two varieties: short-haired and long-haired. Both require regular brushing, about twice a week, to remove loose hair and prevent matting, especially during shedding seasons.

Their ears should be checked regularly for dirt or signs of infection, and their drool-prone faces may need frequent wiping. Routine nail trims and dental care are also essential to keep your St. Bernard healthy and happy.

HEALTH: SUPPORTING YOUR ST. BERNARD

St. Bernards are generally healthy but, like many giant breeds, can be prone to certain conditions and have a shorter lifespan than smaller doggies.

Hip and elbow dysplasia: Common in large breeds and can affect mobility.
Bloat (gastric torsion): A life-threatening condition requiring immediate attention. Slow and controlled feeding reduces the risk.
Heart conditions: Such as dilated cardiomyopathy.

Routine vet check-ups, a balanced diet, and controlled exercise are crucial to maintaining their health and longevity.

FUN FACTS ABOUT ST. BERNARDS

Rescue Heroes: Bernards have saved over 2,000 lives in the Swiss Alps, according to historical accounts.
World Record Holder: A St. Bernard named Benedictine holds the record as the heaviest dog ever, weighing in at an incredible 357 pounds!
Pop Culture Icons: Bernards have been featured in films like Beethoven and as the legendary dog Barry in Alpine folklore.

LIVING WITH A ST. BERNARD: BIG LOVE AND LOYALTY

Life with a St. Bernard is full of love and devotion. These pooches thrive in homes with plenty of space, whether that’s a large garden or a countryside setting. While they’re adaptable to various living environments, their size makes them less suited to small flats.

Their calm and gentle nature makes them excellent companions for families, especially those with children. However, their size and drooling tendencies mean they’re best suited to owners who don’t mind a bit of mess and can handle their strength.

The Best Food For St. Bernards

Looking for the best food for your big-hearted St. Bernard? We’ve got just what they need! Scrumbles is perfect for this gentle giant, with all-natural ingredients, extra gut-loving perks, and no artificial nasties. Whether they’re lounging around or ready for a fun adventure, we’ve got the nutrition to keep them healthy and happy.

Here’s why we’re the perfect choice for your St. Bernard:

High-Quality Ingredients: St. Bernards are large, loving dogs with a lot of presence, and they deserve the very best. Our food is made with top-quality natural ingredients, free from fillers or artificial additives, so you can feel confident that your St. Bernard is getting a wholesome, nutritious diet.
Variety of Options: We know that St. Bernards are often laid-back but still need a balanced diet to support their large size. Whether your St. Bernard prefers dry kibble or wet food, we’ve got you covered with options for every preference. Plus, we offer grain-free recipes for any dogs with sensitivities.
Digestibility: As a giant breed, St. Bernards can sometimes face tummy troubles. That’s why we ensure all our recipes are formulated for easy digestion, helping your dog get all the nutrition they need without any upset stomachs.
Sustainability: Just like we care for your St. Bernard’s health, we care about the planet too. Our eco-friendly packaging and commitment to sustainability mean you can feel good about your choice in food—and the environment.
Trustworthy Brand: At Scrumbles, we pride ourselves on high standards and transparency. You can trust that when you choose us, you’re providing your St. Bernard with the best possible nutrition for a happy, healthy life.

IS THE ST. BERNARD RIGHT FOR YOU?

The St. Bernard might be your perfect match if:

You’re looking for a gentle, affectionate, and loyal giant breed.
You have plenty of space and time to dedicate to their care.
You’re ready to manage their grooming needs and potential health concerns.

They might not be the best fit if:

You prefer a low-maintenance or small breed.
You’re not prepared for the challenges of owning a giant dog, including drooling and shedding.
You’re away from home for long periods, as they thrive on companionship.