St Bernards are a giant breed of dog. Although a puppy at birth weighs about 750 g (1.5 lbs) it quickly grows to 70 - 95 kg (150 - 200 lbs) with a few exceeding this weight, bitches slightly less than dogs. Dogs are generally taller, 75 cm (30") plus with bitches from about 68 cm (27") upwards. St Bernards are known as gentle giants and their imposing size is one of the attractions of Saint ownership.
The breed standard calls for the temperament to be steady, kindly, intelligent, courageous, trustworthy and benevolent. These characteristics make the St Bernard an ideal family companion, good with children and other animals with the size and bark to discourage intruders.
The St Bernard originated in Switzerland and was a smooth haired dog developed to rescue travellers from the snow. Around 1830 the monks at the Hospice of the Great St Bernard Pass, who owned and bred the dogs, introduced Newfoundland blood to strengthen the breed. This resulted in the long, or rough-coated Saint which, although more popular today, required regular grooming to ensure knots do not occur in the coat. The smooth also has a devoted following and a brush keeps the coat in good condition, although both coat types moult.
Should you decide the Saint is the dog for you, we suggest you purchase a puppy from a dedicated breeder. Names can be obtained from the Canine controlling body in your state/country (for example the Tasmanian Canine Association) or from Saint Bernard clubs. Make an appointment to visit the kennels and see the dam (mother) and the sire (father) if available. Seeing the parents will give an indication as to how the puppies will look when they are adult. Do not rush in and purchase the first puppy you see. Remember, the puppy is your responsibility for life. It is important that the whole family are in agreement that they wish to share their home and life with a Saint and in particular with the one chosen.
It is a good idea to see as many Saints as possible before making the final decision to purchase one of your own. You can observe how they interact with people and other dogs at dog shows, obedience classes and in people's homes.
It is advisable to discuss whether you want a dog or bitch and rough or smooth coat. Dogs in general are larger and more imposing and are not subject to coming into season, but either sex will respond to your love and affection and repay with loyalty.
When you visit a breeder be prepared for some searching questions as to your suitability to own one of their puppies. Although you are buying a puppy the breeder will be concerned for its future well being and will wish to ensure you can provide the right environment and have the necessary knowledge to look after it.
With a puppy you should receive a diet sheet, advice on worming and vaccination, a registration form (in Tasmania will be either a limited register registration - ie. not sold for showing and/or breeding; or a main register registration - ie. the puppy has showing and/or breeding prospects) and a copy of the pedigree. Some breeders will also require you to sign a contract stating that the puppy is to be returned to them if you are unable to keep it. Some breeders will provide a starter food pack, but you will need to know this before the collection of the puppy. If you are unsure of anything please ask the breeder.
When your puppy arrives at the new home you must provide an area where the puppy can rest without disturbance. Children must be taught to be gentle with the puppy and respect the requirement for rest. Stairs should be out of bounds because joints in the growing puppy are easily damaged causing suffering in later life. Likewise, excessive exercise should be avoided in young St Bernards. Exercise can be limited to play in the garden until the joints have strengthened.
Saints are easy to house train provided they are encouraged to go out when they awake and after feeding. A puppy requires training in order to become an acceptable member of society. You may think a boisterous puppy jumping up or claiming the sofa is acceptable behaviour, but an adult attempting the same behaviour can easily injure somebody. To control a dog that can out-weigh and be stronger than its owner takes firm and patient training, but this need not be heavy handed. A course at the local canine training club will aid you in achieving a trained Saint.
Growing dogs require a diet providing all the nutrients to build a sound animal. If a meat and biscuit diet is used you may have to add supplements, but you must stick to the recommended dosage as too much can harm the puppy's health. There are many complete foods on the market which provide a balanced diet without the need to add supplements. These are often convenient for the owner, but as they are "complete" anything added to them can upset the balance of the diet. Puppies deserve the best you can give as this will pay dividends in later life. Every Saint owner/breeder has his or her own ideas. It is best to follow the breeders' diet sheet for a week or so at least when you get your own puppy as a sudden change in diet can produce problems. Puppies consume more than adults, however it is usually split up into three or four feeds per day. A constant supply of fresh, clean water is a must for puppy and adult.
Potential owners should be aware that dogs are susceptible to certain medical conditions and St Bernards are not exception. Hip dysplasia, ectropian and entropian (eye conditions) and epilepsy are known inherited conditions. The heart condition Cardiomyopathy and gastric torsion ("Bloat") are said to be familial.
The "Beethoven" films certainly showed both sides to owning a St Bernard. Dogs that slobber, then shake their heads, moult, go out and roll in mud, certainly keep the house-proud hard at work. Saints love people and if they can be with their family you will enjoy life that much more.
"The Complete St Bernard" by Pat Muggleton and Michael and Ann Wensley (UK)
"All About the Saint Bernard" by Rachel Beaver (UK)
"The Saint Bernard Classic" by Albert de la Rie (USA)
"This is the Saint Bernard" by Marlene J Anderson & Joan Brearly (USA)
"Saint Bernards From the Stoan Perspective" by Stan Zielinski (USA)
"The New St Bernard" by George & Maureen Gwilliam (UK)
The Saint Bernard Club Inc (New South Wales, Australia)
The Saint Bernard Club of America
FAQs and other St Bernard Information