Saint Bernard

Published: Last updated: by Kyle J. Larson Saint Bernard

Average size and lifespan

chihuahua silhouette
great dane silhouette
Height: 2ft 1in - 2ft 4in
Weight: 120-180lbs
Lifespan: 8 - 10 Years

Behavior

  • Affection4/5
  • Kid-Friendly4/5
  • Stranger-Friendly3/5
  • Dog-Friendly2/5
  • Barking Amount1/5

Care

  • Grooming Difficulty2/5
  • Shedding Amount3/5
  • Easy to Train3/5
  • Can Be Alone3/5
  • Exercise Need3/5

Environment

  • Cold Tolerance5/5
  • Heat Tolerance1/5
  • Apartment-Friendly4/5

Saint Bernard Information

Saint Bernard ThumbRoll over, Beethoven! Many people recognize the Saint Bernard from the 1992 comedy Beethoven. In the movie, Beethoven is a noble dog who protects and loves his family. That is a very accurate description of how the breed is in real life, although they likely won’t ever have the chance to save them from an evil veterinarian running a major scam like Beethoven did. Saint Bernards are known for their size, standing up to 35 inches tall and weighing up to 140 pounds. With their large, muscular build and desire to help, this genial pup used to be used a rescue dog in the Swiss Alps. As a family dog, he is sweet, affectionate and patient and gets along great with children. In fact, he is known as a “nanny dog.” Just make sure he has a fenced in yard and plenty of room to run.

All dogs have their own personality and unique training, causing them to differ slightly from these breed stats. Please let us know if we made an error in the stats.

Breed FAQs

Can Saint Bernards be apartment dogs?

The Saint Bernard does fine in apartments. They don't need lots of space, so they should adapt well to apartment living.

Can Saint Bernards be left alone?

While Saint Bernards prefer to be around their owners, they can do fairly well when left alone if necessary.

Are Saint Bernards good with kids?

Saint Bernards do well with kids. Supervise them closely, as with any dog, but they are unlikely to become aggressive.

Are Saint Bernards friendly with strangers?

Although Saint Bernards can take a bit to warm up, they are mostly friendly with strangers.

Do Saint Bernards get along with other dogs?

Saint Bernards aren't usually friendly with other dogs. They tend not to get along unless they are carefully socialized.

Do Saint Bernards bark a lot?

Saint Bernards don't bark very often, and some may never bark. Most barking is trained or reserved for extreme situations.

Do Saint Bernards shed a lot?

Saint Bernards shed a medium amount. They have seasonal shedding, but they aren't terrible to clean up after.

Do Saint Bernards need a lot of grooming?

Saint Bernards don't require very much grooming. Typical maintenance and baths are enough.

Do Saint Bernards need a lot of exercise?

A Saint Bernard needs a moderate amount of exercise. Plan some walks or a game of fetch during the day.

Are Saint Bernards easy to train?

Although Saint Bernards can be a challenge to train, they can learn with dedicated work or some professional help.

Can Saint Bernards handle cold weather?

If you live in a cold climate, Saint Bernards will do extremely well and may even enjoy being outside in chilly weather.

Can Saint Bernards handle hot weather?

It's best not to keep a Saint Bernard in hot temperatures for long, because it can be dangerous.

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