Saint Bernard

Origins and History

The Saint Bernard originated in the Alpine region of Switzerland in the 10th‑century hospice founded by the monks of the Great St Bernard Pass. The monks bred large mastiff‑type dogs to assist in rescuing travelers trapped by snow and avalanches. By the early 19th century the breed had been refined for strength, endurance, and a gentle temperament. The first documented Saint Bernard in a modern kennel club register appeared in 1880 (American Kennel Club) and the breed was admitted to the FCI Working Group in 1954.

General Characteristics

• Massive, muscular build with a broad skull and deep chest; square‑proportioned gait.
• Temperament: calm, affectionate, and tolerant of children; protective without being aggressive.
• Primary purpose historically: mountain rescue and draft work; today primarily a companion and show dog.

Physical Specifications

• Height at withers: Males 70‑90 cm (27½‑35½ in); Females 65‑85 cm (25½‑33½ in).
• Weight: Males 64‑82 kg (140‑180 lb); Females 54‑64 kg (120‑140 lb).

Coat and Color

• Coat: dense, double coat; outer guard hair is straight, medium‑length, and water‑resistant; undercoat is thick and soft.
• Accepted colors: tricolor (black, brown, and white) or bicolor (brown and white). Solid black or solid brown are not permitted under the AKC and FCI standards.

Temperament Considerations

Saint Berns are naturally gentle and eager to please, but their size can make them appear imposing. Early socialization is essential to ensure they remain confident around strangers, children, and other animals.

Training Essentials

• Socialization requirements: expose to a variety of environments, sounds, and people from 8 weeks onward.
• Exercise needs: moderate daily walks (30‑60 minutes) and opportunities for controlled play; avoid excessive high‑impact activity while growing.
• Common training challenges: tendency toward stubbornness, large size requiring consistent leash handling, and occasional food guarding.

Daily Grooming

• Brushing frequency: at least once daily with a slicker brush or undercoat rake to prevent matting.
• Bathing requirements: bathe as needed (typically every 6‑8 weeks) using a mild dog shampoo to preserve natural oils.
• Nail and dental care: trim nails every 3‑4 weeks; brush teeth several times weekly and schedule professional cleanings annually.

Show Preparation

• Pre‑show grooming timeline: start a full coat trim 2‑3 weeks before the show, followed by daily brushing and a final hand‑strip of the forelock 2‑3 days prior.
• Ring presentation tips: maintain a level topline, keep the head high with a relaxed expression, and ensure the coat lies flat without excessive shedding.

Common Health Issues

• Hip dysplasia – recommended orthogonal radiographs and OFA/ PennHIP screening.
• Elbow dysplasia – radiographic evaluation recommended before breeding.
• Gastric dilatation‑volvulus (bloat) – consider prophylactic gastropexy in puppies.
• Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) – DNA testing available.
• Cardiac disease (dilated cardiomyopathy) – annual cardiac exam with echocardiography.

General Care

• Exercise requirements: consistent moderate activity to maintain muscle tone and prevent obesity.
• Nutritional needs: high‑quality protein diet formulated for large‑breed growth; monitor caloric intake to avoid rapid weight gain.
• Lifespan considerations: average 8‑10 years; regular veterinary wellness exams are critical to detect age‑related conditions early.