Are Saint Bernards good family dogs?

Saint Bernards can make wonderful family companions. Contact the rescue organization to learn about a specific dog's temperament and history.

Where can I adopt a Saint Bernard?

Find Saint Bernards for adoption through WeRescue at werescue.pet. We connect you with local shelters and rescue organizations that have Saint Bernards looking for loving homes.

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Saint Bernard: Breed Info, Temperament & Adoption

Summary

The Saint Bernard is a large, friendly and gentle breed, known for its loyalty and protective nature. They are excellent family pets and are particularly good with children. Despite their size, they are quite gentle and patient. They are intelligent and eager to please, which makes them relatively easy to train. However, due to their size, they require a good amount of space and moderate exercise to maintain a healthy weight. Their grooming needs are moderate, and they have a shorter life expectancy compared to smaller breeds. They are generally healthy, but like all large breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues.

Fun Fact

The Saint Bernard breed originally served as an alpine rescue dog in Switzerland, known for locating and saving lost and injured travelers.

Adoption Tips

When adopting a Saint Bernard, consider the space you have available, as they are a large breed. They are best suited to homes with yards where they can move around comfortably. Also, be prepared for their grooming needs and potential health issues. Despite their size, they are gentle and great with families, especially children.

Lifespan & Health

How Long Do Saint Bernards Live?

The life expectancy of a Saint Bernard is relatively short compared to other breeds, typically between 8 to 10 years.

Detailed Info

Size

10/10

Saint Bernards are one of the largest dog breeds. Males can stand up to 30 inches at the shoulder and weigh between 140 to 180 pounds. Females are slightly smaller, typically weighing between 120 to 140 pounds.

Temperament

8/10

Saint Bernards are known for their gentle, friendly, and calm temperament. They are very loyal and protective of their family, making them excellent family pets.

Exercise Needs

5/10

Despite their size, Saint Bernards do not require a lot of exercise. A few short walks and a moderate play session each day should be sufficient. However, it's important to keep them active to prevent obesity.

Grooming Needs

6/10

Saint Bernards have a dense coat that sheds moderately. Regular brushing is required to keep their coat healthy and to minimize shedding. They are not a hypoallergenic breed.

Life Expectancy

3/10

The life expectancy of a Saint Bernard is relatively short compared to other breeds, typically between 8 to 10 years.

Health

6/10

Saint Bernards are generally healthy, but they can be prone to certain health issues such as hip dysplasia, heart disease, and certain types of cancer. Regular vet check-ups and a healthy diet are important for this breed.

Intelligence

7/10

Saint Bernards are intelligent and eager to please, which makes them relatively easy to train. However, their independent nature can sometimes make them stubborn.

Trainability

7/10

Saint Bernards are intelligent and eager to please, which makes them relatively easy to train. However, their size and strength require an owner who can handle them confidently and consistently.

Sociability

8/10

Saint Bernards are friendly and sociable dogs. They get along well with other pets and are generally good with strangers. They are particularly good with children.