Learn More About Saint Bernard

Summary

The St. Bernard is an impressive sight. He is one of the largest dog breeds and his physical size is only surpassed by his generosity and loving character. He belongs to FCI Group 2, the Molossians. His strong, massive physique is typical of this group. His head is expressive with a broad forehead, deep wrinkles and dark, gentle eyes. Its ears are medium sized and hang close to its head. Despite his size, he moves with a certain grace and suppleness.

Character

Saint Bernards are incredibly people-oriented dogs. They are known for their kindness, even-tempered character and devotion to their family. They are very patient and gentle, making them excellent dogs for families with children. At the same time, they are also very attentive and vigilant, which makes them excellent watchdogs. However, they are not aggressive and only intervene when they see their family in danger. Their original role as rescue dogs has led them to have a strong instinct to help and protect people. This also means that they can sometimes have difficulty staying alone. They prefer to always be close to their humans and are happiest when they are included in their daily activities. Although Saint Bernards are not overly active, they do enjoy regular physical activity. They love being outside and can be very playful. They need daily walks and playtime to stay healthy and happy. However, your activity should be moderate so as not to put strain on your joints. Another important aspect of her character is her intelligence. They are very smart dogs and learn quickly. This also makes them good working dogs that can perform various tasks. Despite their intelligence, they can sometimes be stubborn. They need consistent but loving guidance to reach their full potential. As far as the hunting instinct is concerned, it is not particularly strong in St. Bernards. They were originally bred as rescue dogs rather than hunting dogs. However, they can react to smaller animals if they are not used to them from an early age. It is therefore important to teach them how to behave around other animals.

What to Expect

Saint Bernards are large and calm dogs. They can be alert and territorially motivated. Unfortunately, this breed is also affected by many tortuous breeding characteristics. In addition to problems with the musculoskeletal system, epilepsy and cancer are common.

Care

Although Saint Bernards are a large breed, they are certainly suitable as city dogs as long as they get enough exercise and mental stimulation. They are extremely child-friendly and are known to be patient and gentle with children of all ages. Their gentle and calm nature also makes them compatible with other pets, including cats, as long as they are properly socialized.

Training & Education

Saint Bernards are intelligent and quick learners, making them good candidates for a variety of activities and dog sports, from rescue services to agility and obedience training. It is important to start education and training early as their large growth quickly makes them physically strong. Positive reinforcement and consistent training are critical to success. Although St. Bernards are not one of the breeds that tend to be ball-dependent, it is always important to maintain a balance between play and rest periods. This breed also benefits greatly from training sessions that include impulse control and frustration tolerance.

Nutrition & Grooming

As a large breed, the St. Bernard needs a balanced diet high in protein and enough calories to maintain its energy. Due to their susceptibility to gastric torsion, it is important to avoid large meals and instead give them smaller meals throughout the day. It is also advisable to avoid physical activity immediately before or after meals. Grooming a Saint Bernard is relatively easy as their coat is short to medium long and dense, with a thick undercoat. It sheds all year round and especially during the shedding periods in spring and autumn. Regular brushing helps remove loose hair and keeps the coat healthy and shiny. Saint Bernards are adapted to the cold climate of the Swiss Alps and also cope well with the German climate.