Dog class - Working
Average height - 25 to 28 inches
Average weight - 170 to 220 pounds
Size - Large
Average life span - 10 years

Saint Bernard's are large dogs, powerful and proportionately tall. They are strong and muscular dogs with big bones and a deep chest.

The Saint Bernard was developed at a hospice near St. Bernard's Pass in the Swiss Alps and used by monks their as a rescue dog. The breed was able to detect avalanches moments before they occurred. While the Shorthaired Saint was the forerunner of the Longhaired, the latter is the more common of the two. The Longhaired variety actually developed out of an attempt to cross-breed the Saint Bernard with a Newfoundland in 1830 under the assumption that the longer coat might prove even more resistant to the cold temperatures of the Alps. However, the mountain hospice dogs were and are still short-haired as it was quickly discovered that ice sticks to the hair of the long-haired variety.

Long walks and family games are ideal activities for you and your Saint Bernard. The dog tends to remain docile indoors, but will sulk if not included in family fun. Be considerate and inclusive to avoid a pouty pooch!

The Saint Bernard is very good with children, and is not very active when indoors. The breed is usually good with strangers and other animals, and wants to please the owner above all else. Because of its loyal nature, the dog responds especially well to patient obedience training. A lot of physical activity and horseplay is not necessary and, in fact, your dog will benefit much more from a long, daily walk. In addition, this dog is often an enthusiastic participant in family activity, and will sulk if not included!

There are several health problems common to the Saint Bernard. Among these are epilepsy, entropion (an eyelid condition), heat stroke, bloat, and Hip Dysplasia.

The Saint Bernard requires a long daily walk, and suffers without lots of companionship, so it is not the ideal pet for a busy owner. A bit of an annoyance is the fact that most dogs of this breed tend to drool and wheeze. Training takes slightly longer with this breed as its mental development is slower than in some other breeds. However, this dog should never be thought of as a guard dog, but does make a nice protector and companion.

Saint Bernard's are the ideal pet for the owner who loves long walks and has time for a loyal companion!

Further Saint Bernard Dog Resources