Saint Bernard Puppies

Despite their large size, Saint Bernards are calm, gentle, and easygoing dogs that are friendly and welcoming to just about anyone. They do well with children but are not overly playful or rambunctious. Training a Saint Bernard isn't difficult, but it's important to begin training as early as possible, while the dog is still an easily manageable size. Saints are smart and eager to please but sometimes have a stubborn streak. Like all dogs, Saint Bernards should be socialized at an early age and exposed to many different experiences and environments.

Saint Bernards tend to be healthy, however, they can be susceptible to large breed health issues. Some health issues Saint Bernard owners should be aware of include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, von Willebrand's disease, entropion, epilepsy, dilated cardiomyopathy, cataracts, allergies, and gastric diltation-volvulus (GDV). Because Saint Bernards were bred to withstand cold temperatures, they do not handle heat well and should be watched for heatstroke and heat exhaustion.

Saint Bernards do not need intense or frequent exercise. That being said, despite having low to medium energy levels, Saint Bernards still require exercise to maintain a healthy weight and avoid health issues such as hip and elbow dysplasia. This breed only needs around 1-2 short walks a day and will benefit from having a yard as this gives them more space.

The length of a Saint Bernard's coat doesn't affect the frequency of grooming. No matter their coat length, Saint Bernards should be brushed at least once a week. However, during shedding season Saint Bernards will need to be brushed every day. These dogs are also big droolers but don't need frequent bathing unless dirty. Saint Bernards can develop stains around their eyes. These stains can be avoided by wiping their face and eyes with a damp cloth. Other basic dog grooming applies such as trimming nails, checking and cleaning ears, and brushing teeth.

Saint Bernards have a double coat that can be long or short. Owners should be aware that these dogs are moderate shedders that will shed throughout the year. In addition to its average daily shedding, every spring and fall the Saint Bernard sheds its entire coat.

Saint Bernards have an iconic appearance with their droopy eyes, floppy ears, large stature, wrinkles, pronounced jowls, and distinct markings. These dogs generally are brown and white, red and white, or brindle and white.

Saint Bernards originated in the Swiss Alps, where they were once used by hospice monks in the Middle Ages to find lost travelers and pull carts in the deep snow. In fact, these dogs have been credited with saving over 2,000 travelers during the 1600s and 1700s. During the 1800s, the monks began to breed their Saint Bernards with Newfoundlands in an attempt to increase size. The resulting dogs were bigger but had much longer coats than the former Saints. It was around this time that the breed made its way to other countries, including England and the United States. The Saint Bernard Club of America was formed in 1888. Over the following century, the Saint Bernard became very popular in America, and it became one of the most popular dogs in America during the 1960s and 70s. Today, the Saint Bernard enjoys modest popularity and can be seen in homes, movies, and dog shows across the country.