Saint Bernard
Published: Last updated: by Kyle J. LarsonAverage size and lifespan
Weight: 120-180lbs
Lifespan: 8 - 10 Years
Behavior
- Affection
- Kid-Friendly
- Stranger-Friendly
- Dog-Friendly
- Barking Amount
Care
- Grooming Difficulty
- Shedding Amount
- Easy to Train
- Can Be Alone
- Exercise Need
Environment
- Cold Tolerance
- Heat Tolerance
- Apartment-Friendly
Saint Bernard Information
Roll over, Beethoven! Many people recognize the Saint Bernard from the 1992 comedy Beethoven. In the movie, Beethoven is a noble dog who protects and loves his family. That is a very accurate description of how the breed is in real life, although they likely won’t ever have the chance to save them from an evil veterinarian running a major scam like Beethoven did.
Saint Bernards are known for their size, standing up to 35 inches tall and weighing up to 140 pounds. With their large, muscular build and desire to help, this genial pup used to be used a rescue dog in the Swiss Alps. As a family dog, he is sweet, affectionate and patient and gets along great with children. In fact, he is known as a “nanny dog.” Just make sure he has a fenced in yard and plenty of room to run.
All dogs have their own personality and unique training, causing them to differ slightly from these breed stats. However, please let us know if we made an error in the stats, we appreciate your help!
Breed FAQs
Can Saint Bernards be apartment dogs?
The Saint Bernards does fine in apartments. They don't need lots of spaces so they should adapt well to apartment-living.
Can Saint Bernards be left alone?
While Saint Bernards prefer to be around their owners, they can do fairly well when left alone if necessary.
Are Saint Bernards good with kids?
Saint Bernards do well with kids. As with any dog they should be monitored closely, they're unlikely to become aggressive.
Are Saint Bernards friendly with strangers?
Although Saint Bernards can take a bit to warm up to a stranger, they are mostly friendly with others.
Do Saint Bernards get along with other dogs?
Saint Bernards aren't usually friendly with other dogs. They tend to not get along unless carefully socialized.
Do Saint Bernards bark a lot?
Saint Bernards don't bark very often of may never bark. Most barking is trained or in extreme situations.
Do Saint Bernards shed a lot?
Saint Bernards shed a medium amount. They will have seasonal shedding, but aren't terrible to clean up after.
Do Saint Bernards need a lot of grooming?
Saint Bernards don't require very much effort for grooming. You'll just need to provide typical maintenance and baths.
Do Saint Bernards need a lot of exercise?
A Saint Bernard will need a moderate amount of exercise to be happy. You'll need to plan some basic walks or fetch during the day.
Are Saint Bernards easy to train?
Although Saint Bernards can be a challenge to train, they can be taught with some dedicated work or by hiring some training help.
Can Saint Bernards handle cold weather?
If you live in a cold climate, Saint Bernards will do extremely well and may even enjoy being outside in the chilly weather.
Can Saint Bernards handle hot weather?
It's best not to have a Saint Bernard in hot temperatures for long as it can be dangerous to their health.
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