Dog breed · Working
Saint Bernard
A famous alpine rescue dog: enormous, slow-moving and deeply tolerant of family life.
Giant8–10 yearsSwiss AlpsNeeds more space
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Breed characteristics
- Group
- Working
- Origin
- Swiss Alps
- Size
- Giant
- Weight
- 54–82 kg (120–180 lb)
- Height
- 65–90 cm
- Lifespan
- 8–10 years
- Coat
- Short or long dense double coat
- Temperament
- GentleTolerantWatchfulPlacid
History
Bred by monks at the Great St Bernard Hospice to find travellers lost in snow.
Appearance
Massive head, red-and-white coat and a kindly expression.
Exercise and activity
Two gentle walks daily; avoid heat and hard exercise during growth.
Care and grooming
Brush two or three times weekly, wipe drool folds and provide orthopaedic bedding.
Health considerations
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Bloat
- Dilated cardiomyopathy
- Entropion and ectropion
- Osteosarcoma
Honest challenges
Before choosing a Saint Bernard
- Treat the breed profile as a starting point, not a guarantee of temperament. Meet the individual and discuss its history, needs and behaviour with the rescue or responsible breeder.
- Check your routine can support the activity described here: Two gentle walks daily; avoid heat and hard exercise during growth. Allow for age, weather, health and recovery rather than imposing a fixed target.
- Ask the breeder or rescue and your vet about problems reported in this breed (such as Hip and elbow dysplasia, Bloat, Dilated cardiomyopathy, Entropion and ectropion, Osteosarcoma), which of them have recognised screening tests, and the parents' results where relevant. Screening reduces some uncertainty but cannot promise a healthy lifetime. Bloat has no screening test: learn its emergency signs and ask about prevention.
- Plan grooming, veterinary costs and care during holidays. Children and other pets still need careful introductions and supervision whatever a breed's typical rating.
Educational reference, not an individual diagnosis or a verified professional review. Read our editorial policy.
Guidance libraries and further reading
These organisations publish relevant guidance. Their links are further reading, not evidence that they have reviewed this page.
- RSPCA — animal care and welfare advice across species
- PDSA — veterinary charity pet health advice
- Dogs Trust — dog care, behaviour and welfare advice