A kind, easygoing dog with a steady, calm to lively nature. Saint Bernards are affectionate with their family, usually friendly toward strangers and other dogs, and keep a quiet eye on their home. Early training matters simply because of their size, and they respond well to patient, consistent handling.231
The care rhythm a typical week and year
A typical home-care rhythm for a Saint Bernard. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
BrushingDaily during heavy sheddingevery 3 days
Deshedding spring and autumnExtra brushing while the coat blowsevery day
Double coats insulate against cold and heat, so shaving is not recommended
Bathevery 10 weeks
Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
ExerciseAbout 45 minutes a dayevery day
Heat care summerWalk in the cool morning and eveningevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 6every year
Coat and looks how to spot one
double coat, short-haired or long-haired
Two coat types exist. The short-haired dog has a dense, smooth, close-lying outer coat over plenty of undercoat, with slightly bushier hair on the thighs and tail. The long-haired dog has a straight, medium-length outer coat with feathering on the forelegs, 'trousers' on the thighs and a full, bushy tail. Both have a massive, muscular frame and a large head with a friendly, attentive expression.23
Colourswhite with red patcheswhite with a red mantle (clear to dark red)white with broken red mantlered-brown/brownish-yellow and whitebrindle and whitewhite markings on chest, feet, tail tip, noseband, blaze and collar or nape234
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Low to moderate. Hill's describes a laid-back breed that needs little intense exercise; The Royal Kennel Club suggests up to an hour a day of steady walking. They enjoy cool weather and relaxed outings more than high-speed play.14
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Brush more than once a week (The Royal Kennel Club), and more often during the two heavy seasonal sheds in spring and autumn. Long-haired dogs need extra attention on the feathering and trousers. Keep a towel handy, as many Saint Bernards drool.412
Home where they are happiest
Needs a home with space for a very large dog and a secure garden. The dense coat makes them happiest in cool climates; in warm weather provide shade, fresh water and a cool place indoors. They like to live close to their people.142
Food basics what goes in the bowl
A complete diet made for large or giant breeds, fed in measured portions. Because they are calm and need less exercise, they often need fewer calories per kilo than their size suggests, so avoid overfeeding and keep them lean.1
Company who they like around
Very people-focused and happiest as part of family life; generally sociable with other dogs and visitors.31
The story where it all began
The breed takes its name from the hospice at the Great St Bernard Pass (2,469 m), founded in the 11th century by the monk Bernard of Menthon to shelter travellers crossing the Alps. Large dogs are recorded there from the second half of the 17th century, first as guards and companions to the monks. By the 18th century they were escorting travellers and finding people lost in snow and fog. The most famous of them, Barry (1800-1814), is credited with saving over 40 lives. Harsh winters from 1816 to 1818 cut the kennel's numbers, and from around 1830 dogs from local farms and Newfoundlands were brought in, which also produced the long-haired variety. Heinrich Schumacher began breeding from hospice lines in 1855, the Swiss stud book opened in 1884 with St. Bernards as its first entries, the breed was officially recognised on 2 June 1887 and became the Swiss national dog. The name 'St. Bernard' only became standard in the later 19th century. The Saint Bernard Club of America was founded in 1888. The last recorded rescue by the hospice dogs was in 1955, and since 2005 the Barry Foundation in Martigny has run the historic hospice kennel.276489
Fun facts for the dinner table
1
Barry, the most famous hospice dog, is credited with saving more than 40 people; his preserved body is on display at the Natural History Museum of Bern.9
2
The picture of a Saint Bernard with a little brandy barrel on its collar comes from paintings by Edwin Landseer, not from the hospice's actual practice.4
3
When the Swiss stud book opened in 1884, its very first entry was a St. Bernard named Leon.2
4
The hospice keeps up a tradition of always having one dog named Barry.9
5
The Barry Foundation, which took over the hospice's 300-year-old kennel in 2005, breeds about 20 pedigree puppies a year.8
6
The dogs of the Great St Bernard Pass are credited with saving well over 2,000 people across three centuries.1
7
Famous screen Saint Bernards include Beethoven from the 1992 film and Nana in some adaptations of Peter Pan.6
Where the name comes from the story behind it
The breed is named after Saint Bernard of Menthon, an 11th-century Catholic archdeacon who founded a famous hospice and hostel for travelers at the treacherous Great St. Bernard Pass in the Swiss Alps, where the dogs were later developed by monks for rescue work.10
Famous ones stars of the breed
Barry The most famous St. Bernard rescue dog, credited with saving over 40 lives in the early 1800s.10
Beethoven The titular character of the 1992 family comedy film 'Beethoven'.11
Cujo The rabid St. Bernard antagonist of Stephen King's 1981 novel and 1983 film adaptation.11
Nana The beloved St. Bernard dog who serves as the Darling children's nursemaid in J.M. Barrie's 'Peter Pan'.11
I wake up slowly, heavy and warm on my bed. My human opens the door and I lumber over, tail wagging like a happy metronome. We go for a steady walk, sniffing every bush and lamppost. I greet every dog and person with a gentle nudge. Back home, I find my spot by the window and watch the birds. My family pats my head and I lean into them, a big warm shadow. When the mailman comes, I give a low 'woof' just to say hello. At dinner, I lie nearby, hoping for a stray crumb. At night, I snore softly, dreaming of snowy mountains and long naps.
A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.
Recognised by the official bits
FCI
Standard No. 61 (St. Bernard), Group 2, Section 2.2 Molossian type, mountain type; short-haired and long-haired varieties; definitive acceptance 28 Aug 1954; current standard published 4 Apr 20165
Swiss Kennel Club (SKG)
Officially recognised as a Swiss breed on 2 Jun 1887 and regarded as the Swiss national dog; the Swiss stud book opened in 1884 with St. Bernards as its first entries2
Working Group; parent club the Saint Bernard Club of America, founded 18887
Popularity Ranked 63rd of AKC-registered breeds in 202512
Treats they will love homemade and simple
Saint Bernard tip
Use kibble from your Saint Bernard's daily meal allowance as training rewards, and avoid fatty snacks or human food to help prevent obesity and digestive upset.
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Saint Bernard, and at what times?
Feed at least two measured meals a day to help prevent bloat and keep weight steady. Puppies need three to four smaller meals. Follow the food label for portions and ask your vet for a plan tailored to your dog's age and activity.113Pet Wiki plan
What should a Saint Bernard eat, and which foods are dangerous?
A complete diet made for large or giant breeds is best, fed in measured portions to keep your dog lean. Avoid chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and other foods listed by the ASPCA as toxic for dogs.114Pet Wiki plan
How often should I bathe a Saint Bernard?
Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath about every 10 weeks, but you can bathe more often if your dog gets dirty. Use a gentle dog shampoo and always rinse thoroughly.15Pet Wiki plan
How often does a Saint Bernard need brushing?
Brush more than once a week, and daily during the heavy seasonal sheds in spring and autumn. Long-haired dogs need extra attention on the feathering and trousers. This helps manage shedding and keeps the coat healthy.412Pet Wiki plan
How do I trim a Saint Bernard's nails, and how often?
Trim nails about every four weeks, or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick (the pink part). If you are unsure, ask your vet or a groomer for a demonstration.15Pet Wiki plan
How much exercise does a Saint Bernard need?
About 45 minutes to an hour of steady walking each day is enough. They enjoy cool weather and relaxed outings rather than high-speed play. Walk in the cool morning and evening during warm weather.14Pet Wiki plan
How do I look after a Saint Bernard's teeth and ears?
Brush teeth two to three times a week using a dog-safe toothpaste, ideally daily. Check and dry the floppy ears weekly to prevent moisture buildup, and never push anything into the ear canal.15Pet Wiki plan
How long does a Saint Bernard live?
Saint Bernards typically live 8 to 10 years. Senior years usually start around age 6, so regular vet check-ups become especially important then.14Pet Wiki plan
Is a Saint Bernard good with children and other pets?
Yes, they are affectionate with family, generally friendly toward strangers and other dogs, and have a calm, steady nature. Early training and supervision with children is important simply because of their size.231
Can a Saint Bernard be left alone?
They are very people-focused and happiest as part of family life, so they do not like being left alone for long periods. If left alone, provide a comfortable space and consider a pet sitter or doggy daycare.31
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
Leonberger
Newfoundland
Bernese Mountain Dog
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Pyrenean Mastiff