A Comprehensive Guide to the Dog Breed Saint Bernard
Characteristics
- Size: Saint Bernard weigh up to 180 lb and stand 28-35” tall.
- Coat: They have a heavy doublecoat which usually comes in two colors: red and white or white and brindle.
- Eyes: St. Bernard’s have dark brown eyes and an intelligent, alert expression.
Temperament
The Saint Bernard is known to have a gentle, patient and friendly nature. They are people-friendly, devoted to family and make a great companion and protector. Despite their size they are gentle and often goofy, and they are known to show a lot of love.
Saint Bernard’s can be strong-willed, so they need strong leadership and consistent training and socialization. They can be aloof and distant with strangers and jealous of their owners around other people. As they can be very stubborn, they require a lot of patience and plenty of positive reinforcement during training.
Care
Saint Bernard’s need a lot of grooming to stay healthy. They require regular brushing to control shedding and can only be bathed when it’s necessary. Their ears need to be regularly checked for infection and their nails should be trimmed weekly. They should only be exercised on soft surfaces, such as grass, to avoid damage to their joints.
Saint Bernard’s are prone to some health problems, such as hip problems and bloat. They should also be tested for eye diseases and joint dysplasia. With proper care and diet, they can live up to 8-10 years.
The Saint Bernard is an impressive dog breed that makes a great, loyal and loving companion. They require consistent and strong leadership, plenty of exercise and grooming, and proper nutrition and health care. With the right amount of care and attention Saint Bernard’s can live long and happy lives.