The Saint Bernard, a large and powerful dog, has historically been used to rescue lost travelers in the Swiss mountains. With its intelligence and protective nature, it has become an iconic figure in mountain rescue.
✨ Breed Characteristics
- Origine : Suisse
- Hypoallergénique ? Non
📊 Quick Facts
- Weight: 55-90 kg (male), 50-75 kg (female)
- Height: 70-90 cm (male), 65-80 cm (female)
- Lifespan: 8-10 years
- Exercise needs: 1 to 1.5 hours per day
- Apartment living: ⭐☆☆☆☆ (Not suitable for apartment living, needs space and freedom to move)
🧠 Personality (out of 5 stars)
- Intelligent: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (Very intelligent and responsive dog, capable of learning)
- Affectionate: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Very affectionate, often considered an excellent family companion)
- Protective: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (Very protective, but with a gentle and calm nature)
- Playful: ⭐⭐⭐☆ (Playful and lively, especially with children and other animals)
- Vocalizations: ⭐☆☆☆☆ (Very quiet, rarely vocal)
- Obedient: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (Relatively obedient and easy to train with good socialization)
- Hunter: ⭐☆☆☆☆ (Not a hunting dog, but a guard dog)
- Calm: ⭐⭐⭐☆ (Calm, but can be a bit clumsy due to its large size)
- Athletic: ⭐⭐⭐☆ (Not an excessively active dog, but needs enough exercise)
- Independent: ⭐⭐⭐☆ (Can be a bit independent, but remains very attached to its family)
🐾 Compatibility with
- Children: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Exceptional with children, very gentle and protective)
- Other animals: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (May be compatible with other animals, but good socialization is necessary)
- Strangers: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Very sociable with strangers, kind and friendly)
- Apartment living: ⭐☆☆☆☆ (Not recommended, needs more space than an apartment can offer)
🧼 Maintenance & care
- Ease of maintenance: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (Requires regular brushing due to its dense and thick coat)
- Maintenance cost: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (Quite expensive, due to the size of the dog and regular care needs)
- Care frequency:
- Brushing: At least once a week, more frequently during shedding season.
- Specific care: Ear cleaning and regular dental inspection. Checking skin and coat condition.
💰 Budget
- Purchase price: 900-1200 €
- Coût annuel moyen (vétérinaire, accessoires, alimentation) :
🏡 Important note
The Saint Bernard is a majestic dog, with a gentle, protective, and affectionate nature. However, it needs space to move and exercise, making it less suitable for apartment living. It is ideal for families with a large garden or a house with land, and it excels in family environments where it can be close to its owners.
👉 An excellent companion for families, but requires space and regular care. 🏔️🐾
