St. Bernard: The Gentle Giant of the Alps
I’ve always been drawn to large dog breeds, and the St. Bernard holds a special place in my heart. With their massive size, gentle eyes, and reputation for kindness, I knew I had to learn more about these incredible dogs. After careful research and preparation, I welcomed a St. Bernard into my life, and it has been an incredibly rewarding and sometimes comical experience.
What is a St. Bernard?
The St. Bernard is a giant breed of dog originating from the Swiss Alps. Originally bred for mountain rescue work, they are known for their immense strength, gentle nature, and a touch of goofiness. St. Bernards are recognizable by their large build, droopy jowls, and sweet, expressive eyes.
Is a St. Bernard the Right Dog for Me?
Before adding a St. Bernard to your life, it’s essential to consider the following:
- Space Requirements: They are not suited for apartment living – these dogs need room to roam.
- Exercise Needs: While not overly energetic, they require regular walks and play to prevent boredom.
- Specialized Care: Drool is a fact of life, and shedding is heavy! Prepare accordingly.
- Training Importance: Their size means training is essential for a polite and manageable companion.
- Potential for Short Lifespan: Sadly, St. Bernards have one of the shortest lifespans of dog breeds.
St. Bernard Temperament: Affectionate and a Bit Goofy
St. Bernards are truly gentle giants. My experience has been that they are patient, kind, and deeply devoted to their families. They possess a playful side that emerges in goofy bursts of energy and a love for toys. However, be prepared for some stubbornness, especially in puppyhood!
Living with a St. Bernard
Here’s what to expect when sharing your life with a St. Bernard:
- Drool Central: Stock up on drool towels – they come with the territory!
- The Joy of Shedding: Regular brushing is essential to manage their thick coat and reduce shedding. .
- Big Dogs, Big Appetites: A high-quality, breed-appropriate diet and controlled portions are key.
- Gentle with Kids: Their natural patience makes them wonderful companions for respectful children.
My Experience with a St. Bernard
My St. Bernard, Finn, is the definition of a gentle giant. I’ve discovered it’s best to buy furniture that complements the ever-present dog hair and embrace the puddles of drool as a sign of affection. He’s clumsier than he should be for his size but makes up for it in pure sweetness and a zest for playing fetch.
Caring for a St. Bernard
- Grooming: Regular brushing is a must and professional grooming may also be needed.
- Exercise: Daily walks and play sessions to prevent boredom and maintain a healthy weight.
- Training: Start young, use positive reinforcement, be consistent, and expect some stubborn moments.
- Diet: High-quality food formulated for giant breeds to support their growth and health.
- Health Considerations: St. Bernards are prone to hip dysplasia, bloat, eye issues, and a sadly short lifespan.
Should You Consider a St. Bernard?
If you have the space, can handle the drool and hair, and are seeking a devoted family companion with a touch of endearing clumsiness, a St. Bernard might be the perfect fit. Be prepared for their specific care needs and the potential for a shorter lifespan.
Raising Awareness about the St. Bernard
It’s important to raise awareness about the needs of this breed to prevent them from being surrendered to shelters when people underestimate the commitment. Misconceptions about them being overly protective or aggressive are harmful to the breed. I believe responsible ownership includes advocating for St. Bernards and educating the public about their gentle and loving nature.
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Training a St. Bernard: Patience is Key
St. Bernards can be stubborn and easily distracted, but their intelligence and desire to please mean training can be a rewarding experience. Here’s what I’ve learned about training my big boy, Finn:
- Start Young: Early training and socialization are crucial for managing their size and fostering good manners.
- Positive Reinforcement: St. Bernards respond best to praise, treats, and positive motivation.
- Keep it Short and Fun: Short, playful sessions prevent boredom and frustration.
- Patience is a Virtue: Their size means it takes a while for them to master skills. Don’t get discouraged!
- Leash Manners: Teaching polite leash walking is essential due to their strength.
Training Finn has been an exercise in patience and finding creative ways to keep him engaged. While he’s mastered “sit” and “stay,” he is still working on his leash manners and a habit of “counter-surfing” driven by his exceptional sense of smell.
Potential Challenges with Owning a St. Bernard
While St. Bernards are beloved for their kind hearts, some challenges must be considered:
- Short Lifespan: Sadly, their average lifespan is about 8-10 years, making heartbreak a potential reality sooner than some other breeds.
- High Cost of Care: Their large size means higher costs for food, vet care, and potential boarding.
- Drool Factor: It’s part of owning a St. Bernard! Cleaning up drool becomes second nature.
- Can be Destructive: Untrained puppies and adolescents, with their size and clumsiness can easily cause unintentional damage.
- Health Issues: Prone to hip dysplasia, bloat, and other health concerns which can be costly.
I’ve embraced that the St. Bernard experience involves accepting a certain level of chaos and lots of dog hair. Regular vet care for Finn helps to catch any health issues early.
The Rewards of Owning a St. Bernard
Here’s why St. Bernards are one-of-a-kind companions:
- Unwavering Loyalty: They form incredibly strong bonds with their families.
- Gentle with Children: Their patient nature makes them amazing companions for respectful kids.
- Goofy Playmates: Their bursts of silly energy and love of toys are pure joy.
- A Touch of Mischief: Their playful antics and occasional stubborn streak keep things interesting.
- Unconditional Love: St. Bernards provide endless affection and love, reminding us of the power of the human-animal bond.
FAQs
Does St. Bernard shed?
Oh, do they ever! My St. Bernard sheds year-round, with heavier periods during seasonal changes. I’ve learned that investing in a good vacuum and lint rollers is key. Regular brushing not only reduces shedding slightly but has become a special bonding time between me and my giant furball.
How long does a St. Bernard live?
Sadly, St. Bernards have a heartbreaking short lifespan of around 8-10 years. It’s something I had to accept when bringing my dog home. I’m committed to maximizing Finn’s quality of life by providing top-notch nutrition, exercise, and lots of love to make the most of every moment.
How much does a St. Bernard cost?
While the initial purchase price of a St. Bernard puppy can vary depending on breeder and lineage, I paid around $2,000 for mine. However, their large size translates into higher ongoing costs. Larger amounts of higher-quality food, potential boarding costs, and routine vet care can add up quickly.
How big can a St. Bernard get?
St. Bernards are massive! My Finn weighs a solid 160 pounds and sometimes forgets he’s not a lap dog. They can reach up to 180 pounds or more, with males typically being larger than females.
How much does a St. Bernard eat?
Giant dogs have giant appetites! My St. Bernard eats a high-quality, breed-specific food, and his daily food intake costs are significant. It’s important to monitor their portions and weight carefully to prevent unhealthy weight gain.
Is a St. Bernard a mastiff?
While both breeds are giant-sized powerhouses with adorable wrinkles, St. Bernards and Mastiffs are distinct. St. Bernards were bred for rescue work, while Mastiffs were primarily guardians. St. Bernards tend to have longer fur, while Mastiffs often have a more pronounced, boxy muzzle.
What does a St. Bernard look like?
You can’t miss a St. Bernard! They are immediately recognizable by their massive size, broad head, droopy jowls, and sweet, soulful eyes. Their coats can be short or long, with colors ranging from various shades of brown and white to a classic “tricolor” pattern.
Can you shave a St. Bernard?
While it might be tempting in hot weather, shaving a St. Bernard is not recommended. Their double coat acts as insulation, helping them regulate their body temperature. Regular brushing and professional grooming help keep their coat healthy and promote shedding.
Compare
St. Bernard vs Bernese mountain dog
Both are large and lovable breeds with gentle temperaments. Bernese Mountain Dogs are tri-colored with longer fur, and they possess a slightly higher energy level and eagerness to please than the more laid-back St. Bernard.
St. Bernard vs Newfoundland
Newfoundlands are known for their exceptional swimming ability and affinity for water. While both drool heavily, Newfoundlands tend to have longer, shaggier fur than St. Bernards. Temperament-wise, they share a sweet, patient nature.
St. Bernard vs Great pyrenees
Great Pyrenees were bred as livestock guardians, resulting in a more independent, strong-willed temperament compared to the people-oriented St. Bernard. Both are impressive, protective breeds, but the Pyrenees typically possess more vocal tendencies.
St. Bernard vs English mastiff
English Mastiffs are truly colossal dogs, making even a large St. Bernard look moderate in size. Mastiffs are generally more reserved and serious than the easy-going St. Bernard and can be a bit more prone to stubbornness.
St. Bernard vs Great dane
Great Danes are nicknamed the “gentle giants” but tend to be more athletic and energetic than St. Bernards. While both breeds have relatively short lifespans, Great Danes are slightly longer-lived on average.
St. Bernard vs Tibetan mastiff
Tibetan Mastiffs are ancient guardians, known for their aloofness and powerful guarding instincts. St. Bernards are more social and less intensely protective, making them a less intimidating breed for family life.
St. Bernard vs Alaskan malamute
Alaskan Malamutes are energetic working dogs, bred for pulling sleds. In contrast, St. Bernards, while strong, are less intensely driven. Malamutes are more prone to a high prey drive and require a great deal of exercise.
St. Bernard vs Cane corso
Cane Corsos are powerful mastiffs with an intensely protective nature. While St. Bernards are guardians, they are far less intensely driven than a Cane Corso, which requires expert handling.
St. Bernard vs Doberman
Dobermans are sleek and athletic, bred for guarding. In contrast, St. Bernards are powerful, but their gentle nature makes them less suited to a strictly protection role. Dobies require intense activity, exceeding the needs of a St. Bernard.
St. Bernard vs German shepherd
Both breeds are known for loyalty, but German Shepherds are prized for their athleticism and eagerness to work. St. Bernards are more laid-back and while trainable, lack the sharp working-dog intensity of a German Shepherd.
St. Bernard vs Golden retriever
Goldies are sporting dogs known for their exuberant, happy-go-lucky personalities. St. Bernards are less demonstrative yet share that love for people. Golden Retrievers typically have longer lifespans and require more intense exercise.
St. Bernard vs Husky
Huskies are high-energy sled dogs with an infamous independent streak. While a St. Bernard can be stubborn, they are far more people-oriented than the often mischievous husky with its strong escape artist tendencies.
St. Bernard vs Kangal
Kangals are powerfully protective livestock guardians. They possess a far higher prey drive, stronger guarding instincts, and are far less suited to family life than a gentle St. Bernard.
St. Bernard vs Labrador
Labs are the most popular dogs for a reason – they are highly outgoing and biddable sporting dogs. St. Bernards are less energetic, and while they enjoy retrieving, lack the intensity of a Lab, especially those from working lines.
St. Bernard vs Leonberger
Leonbergers are another giant breed with similar coat colors. However, they are generally a bit more agile and a touch higher energy than St. Bernards.
St. Bernard vs Pitbull
Pitbull is an umbrella term for various terrier mixes. They are significantly smaller than St. Bernards and possess a much higher energy level and sometimes strong prey drive.
St. Bernard vs Rottweiler
Rotties are powerful guardian breeds, often more aloof with strangers. St. Bernards are more accepting, but less intensely driven than a working Rottweiler, making them more manageable as family pets.
My Life with a St. Bernard
My life with Finn is filled with laughter, love, and lots of slobbery kisses He has his clumsy moments, and his attempts to be a lapdog are comical, but his sweet and affectionate nature makes it all worthwhile. I’m grateful for every day I have with this drooly giant.