If you’re looking for a big, lovable dog to join your family, you can’t go wrong with a Saint Bernard. These big, slobbery teddy bears are known for their sweet dispositions and loyalty, and they make great companions for both adults and children.
Saint Bernards are also relatively easy to train, and they enjoy being part of the family activities. Whether you’re taking them for a walk in the park or snuggling on the couch, they’re always happy to be by your side.
1. Saint Bernards Were Bred by Swiss Monks
Saint Bernards are one of the most recognizable breeds of dogs, thanks to their shaggy coats and imposing size. But there is more to these dogs than meets the eye. Saint Bernards have a long and interesting history, dating back to the 1600s.
These dogs were originally bred by monks in the Swiss Alps for rescue work along the Italian-Swiss border, and they quickly proved their worth by saving countless lives. One of the most famous is named Barry, who reportedly saved between 40 and 100 lives.
Today, Saint Bernards are one of the most iconic dog breeds. These gentle giants are often portrayed as rescue dogs in popular culture, and their reputation for being loyal and friendly is well deserved.
2. These Cuddly Dogs Make Great Family Pets
Saint Bernards are extremely patient and good-natured. Known for being gentle with children, they will do their best to safeguard your family from any potential danger. In addition, Saint Bernards are incredibly loyal dogs. Once they form a bond with their family, they will do everything in their power to protect them.
This loyalty extends to strangers as well; Saint Bernards have been known to come to the aid of people they don’t even know. This could be due to their ancestry as alpine rescue dogs. They are known to have a hero complex!
3. Be Warned: Saint Bernards Shed. A LOT!
Saint Bernards have low grooming requirements, but boy, do they shed! Be prepared to have tufts of brown and white fur all over your home, especially when they blow coat in the spring and fall. Saint Bernards have thick double coats: a coarser topcoat that repels dirt and grime, and a soft, downy undercoat that insulates them from the cold climates for which they are bred.
You’ll need a soft tip bristle or slicker brush and an undercoat rake. The slicker brush will remove the loose fur from the topcoat while a rake will dig deep into the coat to deal with the undercoat that sheds heavily every spring and fall.
Be prepared to brush your Saint Bernard every day or two to keep the shedding to the minimum, but despite your attentive TLC, a Saint Bernard is still likely to get its fur all over your couch.
Saint Bernards do not do well in warm weather, and you’ll need to watch your pooch during the hotter months to make sure that they don’t overheat or suffer heat-related illnesses.
Lastly, they are notorious droolers and snorers, so be warned, you’re likely to be wiping tons of goo off your couch, and your car is likely to be covered in slobber if you take your pooch out for a ride.
4. Saint Bernards Don’t Require Much Exercise
Contrary to its large size, Saint Bernards have modest exercise requirements. A 30-minute or hour walk a day will keep them happy and satisfied, and they should be content to lounge around the house for the rest of the day.
They are content to spend most of their time indoors, which makes them ideal for families who live in small spaces or don’t have a lot of time for dog walks. They can even do well in apartments as long as they are getting adequate exercise and loads of playtime in between.
5. Saint Bernards Are One-of-a-Kind Dogs
Like many large or giant dog breeds, the Saint Bernard sadly has a relatively short lifespan of eight to 10 years. They are also prone to certain health conditions like dysplasia, Addison’s disease, cancer, eye problems, and bloat.
To keep your Saint Bernard in optimal shape, make sure to feed top-quality dog food meant for large breeds, and add supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin to reduce the risk of joint problems.
In short: Saint Bernards are still revered for their loyalty and strength, and they continue to be popular pets and working dogs around the world. When it comes to finding the perfect family dog, it’s hard to go wrong with a Saint Bernard. These gentle giants have all the qualities that make for great companions, and one will quickly become a cherished member of your household.
So next time you see a Saint Bernard, take a moment to appreciate all that this incredible breed has to offer.
