The St. Bernard – a cozy family dog in a large format
Anyone who has a lot of love to give and space in the house for a four-legged friend should take a closer look at the St. Bernard. As the movie "Beethoven" proves, this breed has everything you could wish for in a →large family dog: calmness, friendliness, and a big dog heart.
Dog Breed St. Bernard in Portrait
Origin: Switzerland
Size: 65-90 cm
Weight: 54-82 kg
Life Expectancy: 8-10 years
Character: gentle, calm, child-friendly, friendly
Character and Nature
Big dog, a lot of energy? Not with the St. Bernard. This furry friend is the embodiment of calmness and definitely counts among the →most relaxed breeds out there. Even small children, baby cries, or family hustle and bustle do not bother the calm St. Bernard at all. On the contrary: where the family is, that is where he feels most comfortable.
Cuddling? Absolutely! Physical closeness is a must for the sensitive St. Bernard! He loves to be cuddled and petted. He can also be a bit pushy and underestimate his size.
But the Swiss farm dog can do more than just cuddle - he has a small protective instinct for home and family that may come to the fore in critical situations. However, the St. Bernard is by no means aggressive or loud - he earns respect through a confident demeanor and the occasional sharp glance.
Important note! Especially →cozy dogs like the St. Bernard tend to be overweight, which can lead to certain health issues. Feel free to inform yourself in our →article on very large dog breeds. Also, pay attention to a →healthy diet for your four-legged friend. If you're unsure, you can get →free advice from us.
Mach deinem Hund eine Dose Freude auf!
Training and Care
If you think that such a relaxed dog as the St. Bernard trains itself, you are mistaken! The breed is known for its stubbornness, which is why a →consistent training is important from day one. Fortunately, the four-legged friend is not very argumentative and will quickly understand what he is allowed to do and what not.
Equally important for care is a house with sufficient garden space. This breed is not really suited for the city or even an apartment. Additionally, due to its size and weight, regular stair climbing should be avoided. This helps prevent future joint problems.
The people-oriented St. Bernard should also be firmly integrated into the family. While the furry friend doesn't have to sleep in your bed, a kennel in the garden is not a solution for this breed (or any breed, for that matter)! It may also be that he has some issues with being alone. With a bit of practice, however, you will see success here too!
The Right Activity for the St. Bernard
Did you know that St. Bernards were originally Swiss rescue dogs? Especially as avalanche dogs, they saved many lives in the past. However, due to modern breeding of the breed, many of its athletic traits have been lost, and the St. Bernard has long been replaced by other working dogs.
Nevertheless, the four-legged friend wants exercise and activity. However, he is not suitable for dog sports or other demanding tasks. Long walks through forests and meadows and the occasional swim in the lake are completely sufficient for him.
