Saint Bernard – a gentle giant with a long history and a big need for closeness

The Saint Bernard is one of the most recognizable dog breeds in the world. Its calm personality, massive size and warm presence make many people dream of having one in the family. But like all large breeds, it’s important to know what you’re getting into — especially when the dog can weigh as much as an adult human.

This article gives you a thorough, practical and honest overview of the breed: its history, temperament, everyday needs, activity level and everything you should consider before bringing a Saint Bernard into your home.

The breed’s history – from Alpine mountain passes to family life

The Saint Bernard originates from the Swiss Alps, specifically the Great St. Bernard Pass. This area is high, rough and dangerous, especially in winter. When the monks at the St. Bernard Hospice needed help locating and rescuing travellers trapped in snowstorms, they began breeding dogs capable of working in extreme terrain.

They wanted a dog that was:

• strong enough to move through deep snow
• robust enough to carry equipment
• calm and steady in stressful situations
• intelligent and cooperative

The Saint Bernard was therefore developed as a working dog with enormous responsibility — not as a decorative companion. They became experts at locating people buried under avalanches, often long before human rescuers could effectively search.

The dogs worked in groups, and when one found a missing person, the others helped alert the monks. The most experienced dogs could work alone. There are many stories of rescues, and although exact numbers vary, one thing is clear: Saint Bernards saved lives.

The iconic barrel – myth or truth?

The image of a Saint Bernard with a small barrel around its neck is almost as famous as the breed itself. According to legend, the barrel contained spirits used to warm up frostbitten travellers.

The truth is likely much less dramatic. There are no reliable historical sources showing that these barrels were actually used. Most evidence suggests that 19th-century artists popularised the symbol — and the world loved it so much it simply stuck.

Today, many owners still give their dogs decorative “rescue barrels”. Myth or not — the symbol lives on.

What is it like to live with a Saint Bernard?

This is a dog that makes an impression — not only because of its size (60–80 kg is completely normal), but also because of its gentle and warm nature. Many describe the Saint Bernard as a big, friendly teddy bear with a heart of gold.

Temperament

Saint Bernards are known for being:

• calm
• patient
• very loyal
• family-oriented
• often excellent with children

They are rarely aggressive and often act like a natural “therapy dog” in the home. This is a dog that loves people and wants to be close to its family. It does poorly if left alone for long periods or kept in a kennel away from daily family life.

Intelligence and training

The breed is smart, but can also be a little stubborn. They respond best to:

• positive reinforcement
• calm, clear instructions
• consistent, moderate training over time

This is not a natural candidate for agility or obedience competitions, but Saint Bernards learn well as long as the exercises feel meaningful and the relationship with the owner is strong.

Activity level – lower than many think, but still important

Saint Bernards do not require intense daily exercise. They are far from as high-energy as border collies or huskies — they are naturally calm, relaxed dogs.

Still, they need:

• daily walks
• some mental stimulation (scent games, simple search tasks, puzzle toys)
• a bit of training or play to stay healthy and balanced

Too little activity leads to overweight, which is a major health risk for such a large breed. Too much heavy exercise as a puppy can damage joints. Balance is crucial, especially during growth.

Important things you MUST know before getting a Saint Bernard

This is a wonderful breed, but not suitable for everyone. Before deciding, be honest with yourself about space, time, finances and expectations.

1. They take up a lot of space

Saint Bernards are enormous. They happily lie across the hallway, in the doorway or right in the middle of the living room — and they don’t move just because you want to walk past.

2. They drool

Some drool a little, many drool a lot — especially after drinking, when warm or when food is nearby.

• you’ll need towels placed around the house
• you’ll wipe mouth and chest frequently
• drool spots on floors, walls and clothes are normal

3. Coat care

Their thick coat protects them from cold and harsh weather. They shed — heavily during shedding seasons — and require regular brushing to keep the coat healthy and prevent matting.

4. Costs

A giant breed means giant expenses:

• large food consumption
• more expensive veterinary care (bigger doses, specialised treatments)
• higher insurance costs
• bigger beds, crates, transport solutions and gear

5. Health

Like many giant breeds, Saint Bernards are prone to certain conditions, such as:

• hip dysplasia
• elbow dysplasia
• heart problems
• bloat (gastric torsion, a life-threatening emergency)
• shorter life expectancy than small breeds (often 8–10 years)

Is a Saint Bernard the right breed for you?

A Saint Bernard can be an incredible companion — but only if your lifestyle matches the breed’s needs.

This breed fits you if you:

• want a calm, loving and social family dog
• have plenty of space at home
• can handle hair, drool and lots of physical presence
• are home often and want a close companion
• prefer relaxed walks and a steady, predictable dog life

This breed is NOT a good match if you:

• want a very active hiking or running partner
• need a spotless, hair-free home
• live small or without easy outdoor access
• travel a lot and often need to leave the dog with others

Summary – a majestic breed with a warm heart

The Saint Bernard is an extraordinary family dog for the right owner. It is patient, affectionate and forms strong bonds with its people. Its history as a rescue dog in the Swiss Alps adds depth, and the iconic barrel around the neck makes it instantly recognizable worldwide.

If you have the space, time, financial stability and love for large, calm dogs, a Saint Bernard may become one of the most rewarding companions you ever bring into your life.