# Saint Bernard Pros and Cons: An Honest Look at Life with These Gentle Giants - Canonical: https://33rdsquare.com/saint-bernard-pros-and-cons-an-honest-look-at-life-with-these-gentle-giants/ - Published: 2024-04-14 - Author: Savanna Read - Categories: [Dog](https://33rdsquare.com/category/dog/) --- As a veterinarian and lifelong dog lover, I‘ve had the pleasure of working with many different breeds over the years. But there‘s something truly special about Saint Bernards. These massive, majestic dogs have captured the hearts of dog enthusiasts for centuries with their gentle spirits and iconic appearance. However, before you rush out to bring a Saint Bernard home, it‘s crucial to understand both the joys and challenges of living with this breed. ## A Noble History Saint Bernards have a rich and storied past that‘s intertwined with their role as rescue dogs in the Swiss Alps. For centuries, these powerful dogs served as loyal companions to monks at the Great St. Bernard Hospice, located high in the treacherous mountain passes. The monks trained the dogs to locate and rescue lost or injured travelers, and the Saint Bernards became legendary for their life-saving abilities. The image of a Saint Bernard bravely trekking through the snow, a small barrel of brandy attached to their collar, has become an enduring symbol of the breed‘s heroism and dedication. While the barrel is more of a myth than a historical fact, it speaks to the Saint Bernard‘s reputation as a faithful guardian and helper. ## Saint Bernard Pros ### 1. Gentle, Patient Temperament One of the most appealing qualities of Saint Bernards is their incredibly sweet and patient nature. These dogs are renowned for their gentle disposition, especially with children. They have an innate sense of protectiveness towards their family members and are often described as "nanny dogs" because of their attentive and nurturing behavior towards kids. ### 2. Intelligent and Trainable Despite their large size, Saint Bernards are quite intelligent and relatively easy to train. They are eager to please their owners and respond well to positive reinforcement techniques. With consistent training and socialization from a young age, Saint Bernards can learn good manners and become well-behaved family members. ### 3. Adaptable to Various Living Situations While Saint Bernards do best in homes with ample space to accommodate their size, they can adapt to various living situations as long as their exercise and socialization needs are met. They are not particularly high-energy dogs and will be content with a couple of moderate walks or play sessions each day. ### 4. Keen Sense of Smell Saint Bernards have an exceptional sense of smell, a trait that was crucial in their original role as rescue dogs in the Alps. This ability also makes them well-suited for modern-day search and rescue work, as well as scent-related activities like tracking and nose work. ### 5. Charming, Expressive Faces There‘s no denying the appeal of a Saint Bernard‘s face. With their soulful eyes, wrinkled brows, and droopy jowls, these dogs have an incredibly expressive and endearing appearance. Their gentle gaze and charming smile can melt even the toughest of hearts. ## Saint Bernard Cons ### 1. Size and Space Requirements The most obvious challenge of owning a Saint Bernard is their immense size. These giant dogs can weigh up to 180 pounds and stand over 2 feet tall at the shoulder. They require a significant amount of space to move around comfortably and can inadvertently knock over furniture or small children with a swing of their tail. Before bringing a Saint Bernard into your home, it‘s essential to assess whether you have enough room to accommodate their needs. They will need a large, sturdy bed, plenty of floor space to stretch out, and a securely fenced yard for outdoor time. ### 2. Health Concerns Like many large and giant breeds, Saint Bernards are prone to several health issues that can impact their quality of life and longevity. Some of the most common health problems seen in the breed include: - Hip and elbow dysplasia - Eye problems like cherry eye and ectropion - Heart conditions such as dilated cardiomyopathy - Bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus) - Osteosarcoma (bone cancer) According to the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, nearly 50% of Saint Bernards evaluated have hip dysplasia, making it one of the most significant health concerns for the breed. Responsible breeders will screen their breeding stock for these conditions, but it‘s important for potential owners to be aware of the risks and prepared for potential veterinary costs down the line. ### 3. Relatively Short Lifespan As with many giant breeds, Saint Bernards have a shorter average lifespan compared to smaller dogs. A 2004 study in the UK found that the average lifespan for Saint Bernards was just 7.2 years, although some individuals may live up to 10 years or more with proper care. This shortened lifespan is often attributed to the health problems that disproportionately affect large and giant breeds. While every dog is unique, it‘s important for potential Saint Bernard owners to be prepared for the possibility of a shorter time with their beloved companion. ### 4. Shedding and Grooming Needs Saint Bernards have a thick, dense coat that sheds moderately throughout the year and heavily during shedding seasons. Their coats require regular brushing to prevent tangles and mats, and to help distribute natural oils throughout the fur. In addition to shedding, Saint Bernards are also known for their drooling. These dogs have loose, droopy jowls that can accumulate saliva, especially after eating or drinking. Owners will need to be prepared for some extra cleanup and may want to keep a "drool rag" on hand to wipe their dog‘s mouth as needed. ### 5. Training and Socialization Needs While Saint Bernards are generally good-natured and easy to train, they do require early socialization and consistent training to become well-mannered adult dogs. Like all puppies, Saint Bernards can be mouthy and destructive if not given appropriate outlets for their energy and curiosity. Because of their large size, it‘s crucial that Saint Bernards learn basic obedience commands and good leash manners from a young age. They can be challenging to control on leash if they decide to pull, so positive reinforcement training techniques and the use of a well-fitted harness are recommended. Saint Bernards may also develop separation anxiety if not properly socialized and trained to feel comfortable alone. It‘s important to gradually accustom them to periods of solitude and provide plenty of mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors. ## Is a Saint Bernard Right for You? Deciding to bring a Saint Bernard into your life is a big commitment. These gentle giants have a lot to offer as loyal, loving family companions, but they also come with some significant challenges. Here are a few key factors to consider: - Space: Do you have enough room in your home and yard to comfortably accommodate a giant breed? - Time: Are you prepared to devote time to training, socialization, and daily exercise? - Budget: Can you afford the potential veterinary costs associated with a breed prone to health problems? - Lifestyle: Do you have a relatively calm, stable home environment that would suit a Saint Bernard‘s laid-back nature? If you have the space, time, and resources to dedicate to a Saint Bernard, you may find that the rewards of their companionship far outweigh the challenges. These sweet, gentle dogs have a way of capturing your heart and becoming a cherished part of your family. However, if you have very young children, live in a small apartment, or cannot afford potentially high veterinary bills, a Saint Bernard may not be the best fit for your lifestyle. It‘s important, to be honest with yourself about what you can realistically offer a dog and choose a breed that aligns with your needs and capabilities. ## Bringing Home Your Saint Bernard If you‘ve decided that a Saint Bernard is the right dog for you, congratulations! You‘re about to embark on a wonderful journey with a truly special breed. To ensure a smooth transition and set your new puppy up for success, here are a few tips: 1. Find a reputable breeder: Look for a breeder who performs health screenings on their breeding stock, socializes their puppies, and is willing to answer your questions and provide ongoing support. 2. Puppy-proof your home: Saint Bernard puppies are curious and can be destructive, so it‘s important to puppy-proof your home before their arrival. Remove any hazards, secure cabinets and trash cans, and provide plenty of appropriate chew toys. 3. Enroll in a positive reinforcement training class: Early training and socialization are crucial for Saint Bernards. Look for a training class that uses positive reinforcement techniques and allows your puppy to socialize with other dogs in a controlled setting. 4. Establish a grooming routine: Get your Saint Bernard puppy used to being brushed and having their paws, ears, and mouth handled from a young age. Regular grooming not only keeps their coat healthy but also helps strengthen your bond. 5. Be prepared for some slobber: Saint Bernards are notorious droolers, so it‘s a good idea to keep some clean towels or rags on hand to wipe their mouth as needed. You may also want to invest in some drool-resistant bedding and furniture covers. ## Final Thoughts Saint Bernards are truly special dogs with a lot to offer the right owner. Their gentle nature, loyal companionship, and impressive history make them a beloved breed worldwide. However, it‘s crucial to carefully consider the pros and cons of owning a Saint Bernard before making the commitment. These giant dogs require a significant investment of time, space, and resources, and they are prone to some serious health concerns. But for those who are prepared to meet their needs and embrace the challenges, a Saint Bernard can be an incredibly rewarding and cherished companion. As with any breed, the key to a successful relationship with a Saint Bernard is to do your research, choose a reputable breeder, and be prepared to provide lifelong care and training. With the right combination of love, patience, and commitment, you and your Saint Bernard can forge an unbreakable bond that will bring joy and companionship for years to come. --- Source: [Saint Bernard Pros and Cons: An Honest Look at Life with These Gentle Giants](https://33rdsquare.com/saint-bernard-pros-and-cons-an-honest-look-at-life-with-these-gentle-giants/)