Saint Bernard
Switzerland
Breed Traits
About
The Saint Bernard is a gentle giant with a calm, kind nature. It is patient with children, friendly with visitors and usually gets on well with other pets. Most Saints are relaxed indoors and enjoy lounging near their family. They are not overly energetic but do need daily walks. Their size is the main challenge, as an excited Saint can easily knock over small children or older adults. They also drool heavily. Living with one means accepting slobber, hair and a dog that takes up a lot of space, in exchange for enormous affection.
Is the Saint Bernard Right for You?
Ideal Home / Owner
The Saint Bernard suits families in cooler regions or homes with good air conditioning and ample space who want a gentle, affectionate giant. It is not ideal for hot homes without cooling, small flats or owners who dislike drool and dog hair.
Saint Bernard History
The Saint Bernard takes its name from the Great St Bernard Pass, a dangerous route through the Alps between Switzerland and Italy. A hospice was founded there around the eleventh century, traditionally credited to Bernard of Menthon, to shelter travellers crossing the pass. Large dogs were kept at the hospice, likely descended from Molosser-type dogs and local Alpine farm dogs.
Records and paintings suggest the monks kept these dogs from at least the late seventeenth century. At first they were guards and companions, but over time they were used to find and guide travellers lost in snow and fog. Their strength, sense of smell and ability to work in deep snow made them valuable rescuers on the treacherous pass.
The most famous of these dogs was Barry, who worked at the hospice in the early nineteenth century and is credited with saving around 40 lives. His preserved body is displayed at the Natural History Museum in Bern. In the 1800s, after losses from harsh winters and disease, the breed was crossed with Newfoundlands, which helped produce the long-haired variety.
Today the Saint Bernard is Switzerland's national dog and a beloved family companion worldwide. It was recognised by the American Kennel Club in 1885. In India the breed is admired for its size and gentle nature, but it is best suited to cooler regions such as hill stations, as its heavy coat and giant build make tropical heat genuinely difficult.
Diet
Saint Bernard puppies grow very fast, and a large-breed puppy food is essential to support steady, healthy growth and protect developing joints. Adults need a quality large-breed diet fed in measured portions, usually split into two or three meals. As a deep-chested giant breed, the Saint is at risk of bloat, so avoid exercise around mealtimes and discourage gulping. Keep your dog lean, as extra weight places heavy strain on joints. Fresh water is vital in warm weather. Ask your vet for exact amounts based on age and weight.
Weather & climate
Gentle Alpine Giant
A calm, kind and patient companion that loves its family but needs cool surroundings and plenty of room.
Training
Saint Bernards are intelligent and eager to please, but they can be slow to respond and occasionally stubborn. Start training and socialisation early, while your puppy is still manageable. Focus on loose-lead walking, polite greetings and settling calmly, as these matter most in a giant dog. Use gentle, reward-based methods, as Saints are sensitive and respond poorly to harshness. Keep sessions short and avoid repetitive jumping or strenuous exercise in puppies, as their joints are still developing. Socialisation helps them stay friendly and confident with people and dogs.
Grooming
Saint Bernards come in short-haired and long-haired varieties, and both shed considerably, especially during seasonal coat changes. Brush the short coat a few times a week and the long coat more often to prevent mats behind the ears and on the legs. Wipe the face and mouth regularly to manage drool and keep the skin folds clean and dry. Clean the ears weekly, as droopy ears can trap moisture, especially in monsoon humidity. Trim nails regularly and check the eyes for irritation, as some Saints have droopy lids.
Health
As a giant breed, the Saint Bernard has a shorter lifespan and some common health concerns, including hip and elbow dysplasia, bloat, dilated cardiomyopathy, eyelid problems such as entropion and ectropion and bone cancer. Choose breeders who screen hips, elbows and heart. In India, heat is a serious risk. A Saint should live indoors with air conditioning or strong cooling in summer, exercise only in the coolest hours and never be left in the sun. Watch for heavy panting, drooling more than usual or weakness, which can signal heatstroke.
