The Saint Bernard breed
Saint Bernard
St. Bernard: the rescuer of the Alps
The St. Bernard is a placid giant with a huge heart, famous for its historic role as a rescuer in the Swiss Alps. Its gentleness makes it a reference family companion, provided you can offer it the space it needs.
Origins of the St. Bernard
Developed at the Great St. Bernard Pass by the monks of the hospice, it was long used to rescue travellers lost in the snow. The famous Barry, in the 19th century, is said to have saved around forty people.
Temperament and personality
The St. Bernard is known for:
- Legendary gentleness with children
- Great calm and unfailing patience
- Strong attachment to its family
- Quiet alertness, without aggression
It is a steady dog, not a barker, that lives at its own pace.
Training and socialization
Despite its docile nature, its adult size demands early and consistent training. Everything must be learned young because correcting an 80 kg dog is very difficult. Physical demands must be limited during growth.
Health and care
It is a giant breed with a short life expectancy (8 to 10 years) and several predispositions:
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Gastric torsion (bloat)
- Dilated cardiomyopathy
- Entropion / ectropion
It exists in short-haired and long-haired varieties, both brushed once or twice a week. It drools heavily and tolerates heat poorly.
The St. Bernard in the family
It is an outstanding family dog, gentle with children and tolerant with other pets. It needs space, ideally a house with a garden, and a family able to bear the costs linked to its size.
đ Summary
Gentle, calm and deeply attached to its people, the St. Bernard is a giant of heart whose fragile health and size require a real commitment.