St Bernard Insurance | Dog Breed Guide

St Bernard dog breed

Originally bred as a rescue dog, the St Bernard is a saint of slopes, bred for working in the Swiss Alps. Learn more about St Bernards and how to care for them with Sainsbury’s Money today.

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St Bernard dog breed information and advice

Larger than life, the St Bernard is an instantly recognisable breed. Loyal, strong and calm, the St Bernard is an eager to please, loyal member of the family.

If you’ve got the floor space, they’re an easy fit into any family thanks to their laid back temperament. Find out more about this gentle giant with our breed guide to St Bernards.

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St Bernard facts
Lifespan	8 – 10 years
How much	£500– £2,000
Size	66 – 76 cm
Weight	52 – 82 kg
Colours	White patches and orange, mahogany-brindle, red-brindle, black shadings
Grooming	Multiple times a week, bathe once a month
Temperament	Kind-hearted, tolerant, gentle
Exercise	One long walk or half an hour play session

Insurance for your St Bernard

St Bernards are generally a healthy breed but, like many other large dog breeds , are prone to certain health problems and diseases that may require treatment, medication or surgery, including:

Canine Hip Dysplasia
Gastric Dilation and Volvulus (GDV)
Entropion

How to care for a St Bernard

St Bernards are big boys and girls, but that doesn’t mean you can feed them just anything – no matter how obliging they might be. Diet, grooming and exercise are an essential part of caring for your pooch.

Feeding and nutrition

If you’ve got a St Bernard puppy, it’s important to follow the breeder’s instructions and try to keep them on a similar diet, if it’s suitable. Generally, you’ll want to use large to giant-breed puppy formula . Remember, puppies grow fast, so they’ll require more calories and nutrients.

It’s always recommended to follow the advice on the back of the food packaging or to consult your vet if you’re unsure about how much food you need to be giving your furry friend. As the breed can be at risk of getting bloated, it’s advised to feed them smaller meals throughout the day, rather than one big one.

St Bernards are large dogs, and obesity is another concern to be aware of. Diets that support bone health and mobility can be beneficial, given their larger-than-average frame.

Grooming

St Bernards need a bit of maintenance when it comes to grooming. You’ll want to brush them at least three times a week, but good the news is they’ll probably let you. They’ll stay for a cuddle too as they love being affectionate with their owners. You could get them professionally groomed every few months too.

Because of their droopy facial features, St Bernards need a little bit of extra care. With a clean, soft, and damp cloth, you should give their eyes and skinfolds a little clean. It’s a good time to check the ears too, which can be hotspots for infections.

St Bernards are also notorious droolers. Try to give them a wipe around the mouth when you can, and prepare for splashes when they give their mouths a shake.

Exercise

St Bernards are pretty relaxed, and do not have huge exercise needs. 30-minutes of playtime or an hour’s walk is enough. But they’re also able to move more so if you’re taking a hike, your Bernie will be happy to come along.

As with many breeds, they can develop some destructive tendencies if they don’t get enough exercise or mental stimulation. Additionally, the risk of obesity rises, which can do damage to your St Bernard’s joints.

Training

St Bernards are easy to train, quick to learn, intelligent and receptive. Due to their large size, you’ll want to train them early. Not because a St Bernard will struggle to pick things up, but they’re big – so, if they’re left to run amok in a home, it can be more noticeable.

Temperament and behaviour

Gentle, kind-hearted and receptive, St Bernards are a joy to have in the home but can be difficult for some people. Not because they’re stubborn, but even the smallest of behaviours reverberate in a big way, simply due to their size.

So, is a St Bernard right for you?

While a St Bernard might fill a room, it’s calm and loving manner makes it feel like part of the home. They’re understanding, patient, and great with children. Despite their power, a full-grown St Bernard’s is eager to please and easy-going. But you’ll need to have the space for them, and they aren’t suited to apartment living.

Frequently asked questions

Is a St Bernard a good family dog?

Yes, St Bernards are a good family dog. They get on well with children and can also be trained easily. You may need to watch them carefully around smaller children, elderly or vulnerable family members though as they can easily bump into them by accident.

Do St Bernards bark a lot?

In comparison to other dog breeds, not as much. The St Bernard’s calm temperament extends to its behaviours, meaning they’re not a vocal breed. Usually, they’ll only bark to alert their owners. They rarely vocalise without a purpose.

Do St Bernards like to cuddle?

Yes, they do. They’re affectionate and cuddly dogs who love to curl up with you on the sofa – if there’s space. Your affection will always be welcomed with open paws by a St Bernard.