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St. Bernard

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St. Bernard (Lying, Tricolor)
Lying, Tricolor

Breed Information

Popularity

2022: #56

2021: #53

2020: #52

2019: #48

2018: #48

2017: #48

2016: #49

2015: #50

Name St. Bernard (Saint Bernard)
Other names St. Hubert Hound, Chien St. Hubert, Sleuth Hound
Origin

Italy

Switzerland

Breed Group

Working (AKC:1885)

Guardian Dog (UKC)

Size Large to Giant
Type Purebred
Life span 8-10 years
Temperament

Friendly

Gentle

Independent

Intelligent

Out-going

Quiet

Social

Height 25.5-27.5 inches (61-70 cm)
Weight 110-200 pounds (50-91 kg)
Colors

Black

Brindle

Brown

Red

Red-brown

Tricolor

White

Litter Size 6-8 puppies
Puppy Prices

Average $1000 - $2000 USD

Usually, the average price of a Saint Bernard puppy from a reputable breeder is between $1000 and $2,000, while a top-quality Saint Bernard puppy can cost as high as $3,000 and upward. Their price depends upon the pup’s age, sex, quality, pedigree, and breeder’s location.

Breed Characteristics

Adaptability

4 stars

Apartment Friendly

3 stars

The Saint Bernard will do okay in an apartment if it is sufficiently exercised. These dogs are relatively inactive indoors and a small yard is sufficient. They can live outdoors, but would much rather be with their family. They have a low tolerance for hot weather, warm rooms and cars. Can wheeze and snore.

Barking Tendencies

1 stars

Rare

Cat Friendly

5 stars

Child Friendly

4 stars

Good with Kids: This is a suitable dog breed for kids. It is also very friendly toward other pets and friendly toward strangers.

Dog Friendly

5 stars

Exercise Needs

2 stars

A long walk each day is needed to keep the Saint Bernard in good mental and physical condition. Puppies should not have too much exercise at one time until their bones are well formed and strong. Short walks and brief play sessions are best until the dog is about two years old.

Grooming

3 stars

Moderate Maintenance: Grooming should be performed regularly to keep its fur in good shape.

Health Issues

5 stars

Hypoallergenic: NoThe very fast growth rate and the weight of a St. Bernard can lead to very serious deterioration of the bones if the dog does not get proper food and exercise.

Intelligence

3 stars

Ranking: #65 Full Ranking List

Playfulness

2 stars

Shedding Level

4 stars

Constant and Seasonal Shedding: Both varieties shed heavily in spring and fall and need weekly brushing year-round to keep loose hair under control. It’s probably a good idea to brush a longhaired Saint a couple of times a week.

Stranger Friendly

3 stars

Trainability

2 stars

Difficult Training: Saint Bernards should be taught not to pull on the leash when young because they will grow to such large size. Patience must be exercised in training as the Saint Bernard can be stubborn.

Watchdog Ability

3 stars

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St. Bernard Puppy (Walk, Tricolor)
Walk, Tricolor

St. Bernard Names

Rank Boy Names Girl Names
01 Charlie Lucy
02 Oscar Chloe
03 Toby Sadie
04 Bear Zoey
05 Riley Ruby
06 Tucker Nala
07 Sam Gracie
08 Teddy Coco
09 Buster Layla
10 Bandit Maya
100 Cute Puppy Names ›

Overview

The imposing Saint Bernard is powerful and proportionately tall. It is strong and well-muscled — necessary qualities in a dog that must trek through deep snow for miles. Its coat comes in two types: smooth, in which the short hair is very dense and tough, and long, in which the medium-length hair is straight to slightly wavy. Its expression should appear intelligent.

The calm, easygoing Saint Bernard is gentle and patient around children, although it is not particularly playful. It is devoted to its family and is willing to please, although at its own pace. It can be stubborn.

History

The Saint Bernard was founded in 980 AD by St. Bernard de Menthon and bred by monks, most likely by crossing the ancient Tibetan Mastiff with the Great Dane, Greater Swiss Mountain Dog and the Great Pyrenees. The first Saint Bernards were of the shorthaired variety, as the longhaired variety's coat tended to collect icicles. They were used by the Hospice, a refuge for travelers through the dangerous Alpine pass between Switzerland and Italy. In the middle of the seventeenth century, the Saint Bernard became popular as a rescue dog working to save people from avalanches in the snowy passes near the Hospice. The dogs are able to smell a person under many feet of snow. They have saved thousands of people searching out and finding lost or injured travelers. The dogs would work in packs looking for the victims. When found they would lick and lie down with them in order to keep them warm. While a dog or more would lie with the body(s), another dog would head back to the Hospice to alert them that they found the humans. A full rescue team would then be sent out. The Saint Bernard has also been known to be able to predict storms and avalanches. This may be possible because of the dog's ability to hear very low-frequency sounds which humans cannot. The Saint Bernard was recognized by the AKC in 1885. Some of the Saint Bernard's talents are search and rescue, guard dog, watchdog and carting.

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