Saint Bernard

• ExerciseLow

  Short strolls and play indoors keep them content.

• GroomingBrush a few times a week

  Brushing several times a week prevents mats.

• Living spaceNeeds space

  Wants plenty of room indoors and out.

• Owner experienceSome experience helps

  A little know-how makes life smoother.

• Commitment8–10 years

  Plan for a long, loving relationship.

Health to watch: Hip dysplasia · Bloat (GDV) · Entropion

The Saint Bernard is the legendary Alpine rescue dog, and today it is a gentle, patient, devoted family giant with a famously sweet, tolerant temperament that is wonderful with children. Calm and only moderately active as an adult, it needs regular but not extreme exercise; puppies must not be over-exercised while their enormous frames grow. It bonds closely and wants to be with its family indoors, and it copes far better with cool weather than heat. Despite its gentleness, its sheer size means early socialisation and training while it is still a manageable puppy are essential. The coat comes in rough and smooth varieties, both of which shed heavily and need regular brushing — and yes, expect a great deal of drool. As a giant breed the Saint Bernard has a short lifespan of around eight to ten years and real health risks: buy from a breeder who screens hips and elbows, guard against bloat with measured meals and rest after eating, and watch for heart disease and the eyelid problems (entropion/ectropion) common to the breed. Feed a proper large-breed diet, keep it lean and cool, avoid over-exercising the growing puppy, and a Saint Bernard will be a devoted, gentle family bear for its precious years.

• How much exercise does a Saint Bernard need?

  Low. Short strolls and play indoors keep them content.

• How much grooming does a Saint Bernard need?

  Brush a few times a week. Brushing several times a week prevents mats.

• Is a Saint Bernard suited to apartment living?

  Needs space. Wants plenty of room indoors and out.

• Is a Saint Bernard a good fit for first-time owners?

  Some experience helps. A little know-how makes life smoother.

• How long do Saint Bernard live?

  8–10 years. Plan for a long, loving relationship.

• What health issues affect the Saint Bernard?

  Keep an eye out for Hip dysplasia, Bloat (GDV), Entropion. These are worth raising with your vet, along with any screening they recommend.

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