Saint Bernard As A Family Dog

Are you looking for some facts and information about the majestic Saint Bernard dog breed? Wondering if Saint Bernard is a good family dog? Here are all the facts that you need to know.

If you want a dog that gives you attention then get yourself a Saint Bernard. A brave, majestic dog, Saint Bernard is known all around the world for its heroism. They were bred as high adventure rescue dogs working in the Alps. These massive dogs have a great desire and instinct to seek out, search and help people. They also have a great sense of smell and is said that they can detect a person buried 20 feet deep in snow.

Saint Bernard is a huge dog with an average weight ranging from 65 to 120 kilograms. They also grow to a height of 28 to 35 inches.  Naturally a gentle giant. They come in the red shade with white or a mahogany brindle with white. Their ears and face have generally shades of black. Saint Bernard drools a lot. So make sure to keep a towel with you always. Because of the shape of the jaws and the jowls, there is loose skin around the facial area. If you have a Saint Bernard then be prepared to get wet.

Saint Bernards are believed to have descended from the mastiff family. Whether short or long-haired, Saint Bernards require a lot of grooming and shed two times a year. They have a very oily water-resistant coat. It is advisable to not bathe them regularly or too often as it will strip the coat of all the natural oils. Saint Bernards prefer colder climates to live in. Warm weather may not be quite suitable for them. They are very large dogs, so make sure you have space and money to feed them.

Saint Bernards have a lot of health issues. Because of its sheer size, Saint Bernards can suffer from painful growth spurts and joint and heart problems. You may want to consider this point, as you will need to spend a lot on vet appointments.

Training at an early age is required. Being massive in size, Saint Bernards can run out of juice quite early. But they are always ready to please. Saint Bernards are nicknamed the babysitter and as such, they are spectacular family dogs.

Saint Bernards or the gentle giants as they are called have a truly compassionate spirit earning a place in our hearts. With the right training and right healthy habits, this is a great dog to have for your family. Remember to socialize them at the earliest with people and other dogs to prevent them from fearfulness, aggression, or territoriality. As with all big dogs, Saint Bernard also needs to be kept in check with playing with the kids. They will never bite them but due to their big size, your kids might get knocked over, leading to injuries. Overall, Saint Bernard is a calm, sweet, gentle, loyal, and affectionate breed. If you think their sheer size is no problem then it’s best to welcome this giant breed into your family.