Breed Information:The Saint Bernard is a very large dog with a great head ending in a short, wide muzzle. The nose should always be black and the dog has large pendant ears. There are two coat types: short-haired and long-haired. The coat of the short-haired dog is very dense and tough while the long-haired coat is of medium length and slightly wavy, though never curly. The accepted coat colors include white with reddish markings, white with brown/yellow markings, or vice-versa – red with white markings or brown/yellow with white markings. There are certain necessary markings which can be found through the kennel club.Size:Dogs and bitches – Height: 25 ½ - 27 ½ inches/Weight: 120-200 poundsBreed Specific Health Issues:Hip Dysplasia, heart problems, and eye problems are the most common problems with Saint Bernards.Life Expectancy:This breed has an expected lifespan of 10-12 years.Grooming Requirements:Grooming the Saint Bernard is quite easy as it needs only a good brushing with a firm-bristled brush once a week or so. Bathe only when necessary as too frequent bathing removes essential oils from the dog’s skin.

Disposition:

The Saint Bernard is an extremely loyal, loving, and gentle breed of dog. This breed does well with children and other dogs, assuming it has been well-socialized from an early age. Training should start at an early age as well because these dogs get so large and it if they are not trained they could easily do damage – no matter that they wouldn’t mean to. This breed is very intelligent and wants to please its owner, so training is quite easy.

 

Activity Level:

Despite its size, the Saint Bernard does not require very much exercise. A long walk morning and evening is enough to keep this breed happy. They are mostly inactive indoors, so an apartment would be suitable – assuming it could cope with the dogs’ size. A small backyard/garden is ideal, but not necessary if the dog gets exercise in other ways.

Because of the strain that can be put on large breeds’ bones, puppies should not be overly exercised or allowed to play too roughly until about one year old.