St. Bernard

Everything you need to know about St. Bernards

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St. Bernards are giant, moderately active dogs originating from the mountains of Switzerland and Italy.

First bred as working dogs and to assist rescue missions, St. Bernards have a dense, double coat which allows them to stay warm in cold conditions. Their coats are usually red and white, or brown and white in colour.

When it comes to behaviour, each doggo has their own traits and quirks. And we wouldn’t have it any other way. We’re taking a look at everything St. Bernard, bringing you the important facts and things to consider.

Could you give a St. Bernard a forever home?

Caring for St. Bernards

Every dog is different with their own personality and needs. Here are some areas to think about when taking care of a St. Bernard.

Health issues

Before giving a St. Bernard a forever home, consider any possible health issues. Not every dog experiences them, but it’s important to be prepared.

For more advice on potential health issues for St. Bernards, sp...

Before giving a St. Bernard a forever home, consider any possible health issues. Not every dog experiences them, but it’s important to be prepared.

For more advice on potential health issues for St. Bernards, speak to your local vet. Some practices offer ‘pre-purchase consultations.’ These tell you about potential health conditions, management options and an idea of financial costs.

If you’re considering buying a puppy, they can advise you on finding a responsible breeder and testing for genetic diseases.

Any breed of dog needs basic preventative healthcare like vaccinations and flea and worming treatments. Pet insurance is also important to help cover your vet bills.

Why dog insurance is important

Puppy checklist: preparing for your new dog

How to have a happy vet visit

How to perform a health check on your dog

How much food does a St. Bernard need?

Not all St. Bernards need the same amount of food. This depends on their:

age
size
activity levels
fitness
weight

Dog food packets usually provide a good indicati...

Not all St. Bernards need the same amount of food. This depends on their:

age
size
activity levels
fitness
weight

Dog food packets usually provide a good indication of appropriate portion size. But you still need to take your dog’s individual needs into account and adapt where necessary.

Knowing your dog’s body condition can help you decide how much food to give them. You can find out how to determine their body condition through the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WVASA).

If unsure, ask your vet for more advice.

Condition 1 of 3

Signs your dog may be under the ideal body condition

Ribs, vertebrae (spine) and pelvic (hip) bones are prominent or visible and very easy to feel
Not able to feel any fat layer over the ribs
Possible loss of muscle mass
Obviously thin waist

Ideal body condition

Ribs can be felt easily
Minimal or thin layer of fat covering the ribs
When viewed from above, the waist is obviously narrower than the rest of the body
When viewed from the side, the belly tucks in rather than being rounded

Signs your dog may be over the ideal body condition

Ribs are hard or impossible to feel under body fat
Waist is not obvious when viewed from above
Fat deposits at the base of the tail, the neck and on their legs
Rounded abdomen

Select body condition

How much exercise does a St. Bernard need?

St. Bernards are usually moderately active dogs who need regular exercise and stimulation to keep them physically and mentally healthy.

They need daily walks, plus plenty of time and opportunity to explore, burn...

St. Bernards are usually moderately active dogs who need regular exercise and stimulation to keep them physically and mentally healthy.

They need daily walks, plus plenty of time and opportunity to explore, burn energy, and play. Like all dogs, they need training and benefit from daily enrichment.

If you enjoy regular time outdoors, this breed could be a great match for you.

St. Bernards require training like all dogs and benefit from daily enrichment. When exercising your pooch, consider their:

age
health
personality

These factors impact your dog’s needs. Puppies, for example, might need a few short walks. Older, ill, or injured dogs on the other hand may need a personalised plan based on advice from your vet. Some dogs might like quiet walks while others prefer something more sociable or energetic.

Your vet can provide more advice on exercising your four-legged friend.

How to take your puppy for their first walk

Enrichment activities to keep your dog entertained

How to find a good dog walker

How much grooming does a St. Bernard need?

St. Bernards shed heavily. Introduce handling and grooming slowly and in a positive way.

This helps your pooch feel more comfortable with it. Grooming is more enjoyable for everyone if your dog feels relax...

St. Bernards shed heavily. Introduce handling and grooming slowly and in a positive way.

This helps your pooch feel more comfortable with it. Grooming is more enjoyable for everyone if your dog feels relaxed and confident.

What size crate do you need for a St. Bernard?

When inside their crate, your dog should have plenty of space to:

sit and stand up at their full height
turn around without touching the sides
lie down fully stretched out
comfortabl...

When inside their crate, your dog should have plenty of space to:

sit and stand up at their full height
turn around without touching the sides
lie down fully stretched out
comfortably wag their tail.

It's important to build up the time dogs spend in their crate gradually and to help them associate it with good things happening.

Playpen and crate training a puppy

St. Bernard behaviour and training

Although you may have ideas about what St. Bernards are like, it’s important to remember that every dog is different.

What’s the temperament of a St. Bernard?

Like people, each dog is different with their own individual personality and experience. So, the temperaments of different St. Bernards vary.

Dogs learn all about the world as they grow from puppies to adult poo...

Like people, each dog is different with their own individual personality and experience. So, the temperaments of different St. Bernards vary.

Dogs learn all about the world as they grow from puppies to adult pooches. They find out what they do and don’t like and develop responses to situations differently.

For instance, some might enjoy new experiences like meeting other dogs. Others might need to take it a bit slower.

How to understand your dog's body language

Introducing your new dog or puppy to your current dog

Introducing your puppy to the world around them

Are St. Bernards easy to train?

You really can teach any dog new tricks. The key is positive learning. Find out what gets your dog’s tail wagging with excitement. Snacks or toys are popular choices, or even lots of praise. Whatever it is, you can us...

Make sure to work on useful life skills like recall, loose lead walking and settling with your dog. This helps you both feel relaxed and confident in tackling your daily life together.

Top 10 dog training tips

Positive reinforcement – training with rewards

Are St. Bernards good with children?

Each dog’s personality is shaped by their experiences of the world and they respond differently to certain situations.

But there are some universal ways to treat any dog, including St. Bernards...

Each dog’s personality is shaped by their experiences of the world and they respond differently to certain situations.

But there are some universal ways to treat any dog, including St. Bernards, respectfully and behave safely around them. This is an essential skill for the whole family; adults and children.

Why not book one of our family workshops on living happily together? Our family workshops are suitable for children aged seven to eleven. Booking one of these sessions could help your situation.

Getting a dog when you have children