Saint Bernard

Some Saint Bernards have smooth, short fur, while others have longer, rough coats. But both have similar grooming needs.  

• Bathing: Saint Bernards can have sensitive skin, so give them a bath once a month (but no more than that). That said, if you live in a humid climate, your vet might recommend that you bathe your dog more often to avoid skin infections. Ask your vet what’s best for your dog.   
• Brushing: Brush weekly with a bristle brush or grooming glove to prevent knots and tangles in your Saint Bernard’s coat. Use a de-shedding tool, like the FURminator, twice a year when they blow their coat; this heavy seasonal shedding can last up to two weeks, and it might be a nice time to call a groomer for extra help then.  
• Dental care: Help keep your pup’s teeth in shape by brushing them daily with a dog toothpaste. Start this routine when your Saint Bernard puppy is young, so they get used to the experience. You’ll also need to get a professional dental cleaning at your vet once a year. 
• Ear care: Check your dog’s ears for debris every day. If there’s redness, swelling, or an odor, your pup may have an ear infection and need veterinary care. Talk to your vet about how to clean your dog’s ears, as a Saint Bernard’s floppy, hairy ears can be prone to infection.  
• Nail care: Saint Bernards need their nails trimmed every two to three weeks. If nails get too long, it can make it painful for your pup walk. You’ll know it’s time for a trim when you can hear their nails tapping on hard surfaces. 

Let’s face it: Your Saint Bernard has no idea how huge they are, so begin training as soon as possible.  

Start with some basic obedience training, like sit and stay, when your Saint Bernard puppy is young. If you bring home an adult Saint Bernard rescue dog, begin training then—it’s never too late for them to start learning good manners. 

During training, use positive reinforcement to reward your dog with special training treats, favorite dog toys, and lots of praise. 

Saint Bernards need a dedicated pup parent who can confidently teach them how to walk nicely on a leash and come when called. If you’d like some help, a certified dog trainer who uses positive reinforcement can work with you and your pup. 

Remember to socialize your dog and introduce them to the great big world. Try car rides and walks that safely expose them to new sounds and smells. Chances are, your Saint Bernard will be enthusiastic about taking in all these new adventures—they’re not only mellow, but they’re also social butterflies.   

Talk to your vet about crate training, too. These friendly pups can get sad when you’re not home—and because they really do want to be your sidekick, they shouldn’t be left alone for long—so a cozy crate with blankets and toys can be a welcome retreat to keep separation anxiety at bay.  

Always make sure to choose the right crate size for your dog—you’re going to need a huge one for a Saint Bernard. The crate should be big enough for your dog to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably.  

The best food for a Saint Bernard must be complete, balanced, and specialized for large or giant breeds. Choose a diet that’s AAFCO-compliant for your dog’s life stage 

Bigger breeds have different nutritional requirements for calcium and phosphorus than smaller dogs. Developing Saint Bernard puppies must be fed a large- or giant-breed puppy formula to ensure the normal growth of bones and joints. Ignoring this advice can result in long-term orthopedic problems. 

A high-quality, large-breed dog food, like Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Large Breed Dog Food and Adult Food can meet your Saint Bernard’s nutritional needs while supporting bones and joints.  

Joint supplements or treats containing glucosamine, chondroitin, and fish oils can also help protect their joint health as they age. Your vet can help you determine the choice for your pup, including serving size and feeding schedule. 

It’s important to take steps to reduce the risk of bloat in your dog when feeding Saint Bernards. To help prevent this dangerous condition: 

• Offer food in a slow feeder dog bowl instead of a traditional bowl 
• Do not raise or elevate your dog’s bowls 
• Don’t let your Saint Bernard exercise for two hours before or after eating 
• Feed your dog at least twice per day instead of giving them one big meal 

If you’d rather linger over a stroll than go to Soul Cycle, you’ve found your dream pup.  

Saint Bernard puppies grow up fast—and that’s probably the fastest thing about them. They’re not known for their speed, and they’re not hoping to run a race or tackle an all-day mountain hike. Instead, think of a friendly neighborhood walk with an affable companion (that’s you!).  

You’ll probably want to spend about 30 minutes a day getting exercise in, though if they begin to pant heavily or lie down mid-walk, they’re too hot and need a break (and to relax in a cooler environment).  

Fall, winter, and spring are a Saint Bernard’s ideal seasons—and when it’s really chilly, they’ll love rolling in the snow.  

Summer is a different story; these dogs struggle in high temperatures. So, get outside early in the morning before the sun gets too high, and don’t forget to bring lots of water. Turn up the AC indoors and keep them cool and cozy inside during the hottest part of the day.  

This loyal, delightful dog is not picky about the particulars of their home as long as they have a devoted person to share it with. City, suburb, or country, this pup is happy to embrace any spot.  

Though, if you’re in a city, your Saint Bernard dog will need a nice park where they can spend a lot of time. All that concrete can be tough on their joints (same for a suburban sidewalk), so make sure they get some soft grass beneath their paws.   

Aside from daily walks, they’ll show off some extra tail wags if they’re allowed to check out the dog park or frolic in a fenced yard. These gentle giants aren’t really interested in chasing bunnies or squirrels, but they would be delighted to stop and smell that rosebush.  

Saint Bernards can live in any climate, but they’re very sensitive to heat. So if you live in a tropical paradise, you’ll need to make sure your dog gets their daily exercise early in the morning and later in the evening during summer.   

These easygoing pups are outgoing and generally get along well with other pets. Their large size does mean they could easily knock over or step on small tots, as well as the family Chihuahua, so your kids and smaller pets should always be supervised with your Saint Bernard to make sure no one’s overwhelmed.