• Hungarian Language
  • English Language

Saint Bernese Information & Dog Breed Facts

Collection of all the general dog breed info about Saint Bernese so you can get to know the breed more.

Group Designer Dogs
Popularity Rank1882
Reviews0
User Ratings
Compare the Saint Bernese With Other Dogs
Select at least one dog breed to make the comparsion.
 
 
Saint Bernese dog profile picture
OriginSwitzerland flagSwitzerland Italy flagItaly
Breed Classification
What type of dog breed is a Saint Bernese? Learn about its genetic classification and breeding category.
Cross Breed St. Bernard and Bernese Mountain Dog mix

Saint Bernese Size and Weight

Size Classification
What size category is a Saint Bernese? Learn how big the Saint Bernese breed typically grows.
LargeGiant
Weight Statistics
How much does a Saint Bernese weigh? Discover typical weight ranges for adult males and females of the Saint Bernese breed.
110-200 pounds (50-91 kg)
Average Weight
What is the average weight of a Saint Bernese?
155 pounds (70.5 kg)
Height
How tall is the Saint Bernese? Saint Bernese height:
Male: 24-28 inches (61–71 cm), Female: 23-27 inches (58–69 cm)
Average Height
What is the average height of a Saint Bernese?
Male: 26 inches (61–71 cm), Female: 25 inches (58–69 cm)

Saint Bernese Price and Availability

Price Range
How much does a Saint Bernese puppy cost? Find current market prices and factors affecting Saint Bernese costs.
$800-$1000
If you choose to purchase the Saint Bernese, you should know that the mentioned amount of money is an average of the collected data from breeders’ sites and puppy finder places. If you have a Saint Bernese for sale, please advertise it on a reliable website to make sure the Saint Bernese gets to a happy place.
Availability
How easy is it to get a Saint Bernese? How many Saint Bernese are there in the world?
Very frequent: The Saint Bernese is quite easy to get. There is a risk of overbreeding, as it is an extremely popular breed.

Inbreeding is common because of its popularity. A new study suggests that inbreeding contributes to the incidence of disease and health problems.

So be careful, buy from a trustworthy place or kennel and seek the help of an experienced person, a professional, to make the right decision.

Saint Bernese Trainability and Intelligence

Intelligence Rating
How intelligent is a Saint Bernese? Discover the Saint Bernese's intelligence ranking and learning capabilities.
Smart: The Saint Bernese dogs have great intelligence. They understand and memorize new commands in 15-25 repetitions.

The Saint Bernese is among the smartest dogs in the intelligence ranking.

Training Difficulty
How easy is it to train a Saint Bernese? Learn about the Saint Bernese's trainability and response to training methods.
Saint Bernese dogs are quite easy to train. Sometimes they can be challenging, but if you're consistent in teaching new commands they will obey for sure.
Watchdog Rating
How good is a Saint Bernese as a watchdog? Learn about the Saint Bernese's alertness and guarding instincts.
Saint Bernese dogs are good watchdogs. Their main job is to observe and they're consistent in their effort. Good vocal cords and a sense of hearing belong to them. Usually, they're territorial and protective about their property, so the Saint Bernese dogs will alert you if they sense something different.
Territorial Protection
Is a Saint Bernese protective of its territory? Learn about the Saint Bernese's guarding instincts and behavior.
Saint Bernese dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. This breed doesn't hesitate to protect its territory so the Saint Bernese can be a good choice if you want an excellent guard dog. Keep calm and the Saint Bernese will take care of unwanted people or animals.

Saint Bernese Personality and Temperament

Personality Traits
What personality does a Saint Bernese have? Learn about characteristic Saint Bernese temperament and behavior traits.
IndependentHappyIntelligentFriendlyAffectionateLoyalGentleGoingSocialQuietFaithful
Sensitivity Level
How sensitive are they? Saint Bernese sensitivity:
Sensitive: Saint Bernese dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.

This breed's emotional level reflects their owner's feelings and they don't handle punishments well.

Affection Level
How affectionate are they? Is a Saint Bernese a good family dog?
Average to High: Saint Bernese dogs are highly affectionate dogs. They like being involved in the family's life. This breed isn't considered an aloof dog.
Social Needs
How much social interaction does the Saint Bernese need? Saint Bernese social needs:
Saint Bernese dogs are a social breed. They enjoy being around people or other animals. This breed doesn't tolerate being left alone.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
How likely is the Saint Bernese to run away? Does this breed explore or wander a lot? Does Saint Bernese roam?
Saint Bernese dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. They have low to average wanderlust potential. Exploring the world is not the best activity they can imagine.
Prey Drive
Do this canine have a strong prey drive? Does Saint Bernese have high prey drive?
Saint Bernese dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen. Training can help to achieve good behavior.

Saint Bernese Activity and Playfulness

Barking Frequency
Does a Saint Bernese bark a lot? Learn about typical Saint Bernese vocalization patterns and triggers.
Low to Average: The Saint Bernese rarely barks. This breed could be a good choice if you're looking for a quiet breed. They don't bark unless there is a good reason.

Top reasons for barking: protection, alarm, fear, boredom, attention-seeking, greeting, separation anxiety, compulsive barking.

Playful Nature
How playful is a Saint Bernese? Understand the typical play drive and energy level of the Saint Bernese breed.
Average: Saint Berneses, like any other dog breed, like playing. Sometimes they bark in excitement for playing, but they are not the most playful dog breed.
Apartment Adaptability
Can a Saint Bernese live in an apartment? Learn about the Saint Bernese's suitability for apartment living.
It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep Saint Bernese indoors.

Saint Bernese Adaptability and Independence

Lifestyle Adaptability
How adaptable is a Saint Bernese to lifestyle changes? Learn about the Saint Bernese's flexibility to new situations.
Saint Bernese dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments. They don't mind moving from one place to another with their owner.
Alone Time Tolerance
Can a Saint Bernese be left alone? Learn about the Saint Bernese's tolerance to solitude.
Saint Bernese dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.

Saint Bernese Bite Characteristics

Bite Risk Assessment
What is a Saint Bernese biting potential? Learn about the Saint Bernese's bite risk factors.

Low 🔽

The Saint Bernese has a low chance of biting somebody. Top reasons for dog bite: protection, pain, excitement, herding instinct, being provoked. (Data based on the available online bite statistics.)
Mouthing Tendency
Is a Saint Bernese mouthy? Learn about the Saint Bernese's tendency to use mouth during play.
Saint Bernese dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. It's a common habit during puppyhood, not aggressive behavior. These "bites" don't hurt, but Saint Bernese dogs need to be taught a good attitude.
Bite Strength Rating
How strong is a Saint Bernese bite? Learn about the Saint Bernese's bite force measured in PSI.

Above 400 PSI 🔼

Saint Bernese bite force: The Strongest. The Saint Bernese bite force is among the strongest in the canine world. The bite force Saint Bernese measurements are typically quite high, which is a testament to their powerful and large stature. The bite force of Saint Bernese dogs is impressive, and their Saint Bernese bite PSI is reflective of their powerful nature.

The Saint Bernese PSI bite should be respected, and appropriate precautions should be taken when interacting with these dogs. The PSI of a Saint Bernese bite is high, making them one of the strongest breeds in terms of bite force.

They are very protective of themselves and their families, therefore a dog bite from them could be exceptionally dangerous with their PSI being above 400.

To ensure a well-behaved and controlled dog, it's important to learn how to train a Saint Bernese puppy not to bite from an early age. It is important that they’re trained to be around others safely.

Saint Bernese Health and Lifespan

Average Lifespan
How long does a Saint Bernese live? Learn about the typical lifespan of the Saint Bernese breed.
7-11 years
The average lifespan of Saint Bernese: 9 years
Climate Tolerance
How well does a Saint Bernese handle different weather? Learn about the Saint Bernese's climate adaptability.
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. Dogs with a double coat of fur have a layer of fur that insulates their skin and helps protect them from the cold and the heat.
Health Concerns
What health issues are common in a Saint Bernese? Discover typical conditions affecting the Saint Bernese breed.
Very healthy dog breed. The Saint Bernese rarely meets with the veterinarian.
Vet Care Frequency
How often does a Saint Bernese need vet visits? Learn about the Saint Bernese's veterinary care requirements.
Rare
The Saint Bernese should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year). If your dog shows any symptoms, call your veterinarian.
Health Problems
What genetic/health problems does the Saint Bernese breed have? What are the health issues and concerns of the Saint Bernese breed? Most common health risks of Saint Bernese:
Cataracts Hip Dysplasia AllergiesCancerProgressive retinal atrophy (PRA)Von Willebrand's DiseaseBloatEpilepsyEntropionElbow DysplasiaPanosteitisPortosystemic Liver ShuntDilated Cardiomyopathy

Saint Bernese Energy and Activity

Energy Rating
How energetic is a Saint Bernese? Understand daily activity needs of the Saint Bernese breed.
Saint Bernese dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
How much exercise does a Saint Bernese need? How much exercise do Saint Bernese dogs require per day?

Do Saint Bernese dogs need a lot of exercises?

Saint Bernese dogs have an average exercise need. This breed is satisfied with short walks every weekday and a long ones on weekends.
Sleeping Need
How much sleep does the Saint Bernese breed need?
Saint Bernese dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.

Saint Bernese Diet and Weight Management

Obesity Tendency
Is a Saint Bernese prone to weight gain? Learn about the Saint Bernese's obesity risks.
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Saint Bernese's weight, he can easily gain weight. More than one daily walk should be on schedule. To make your dog happy and fit, feed him with quality dry dog food and live an active life together. Try to find the happy medium between exercise and feeding.

If you notice any weight gain, consult your veterinarian and make a diet plan. Reduce unhealthy food and snacks, and measure the Saint Bernese weight regularly.

Food Consumption
How much food does a Saint Bernese need daily? Learn about the Saint Bernese's feeding requirements.
6 to 8 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Saint Bernese Allergies and Grooming

Allergy Friendliness
Is a Saint Bernese hypoallergenic? Learn about the Saint Bernese's suitability for allergy sufferers.
No
Saint Bernese dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions. Some dog breeds are even considered to higher possibility of an allergic response. Coat type isn't necessarily relevant, because most people are allergic to dander (flakes on the dog's skin) or saliva, not actually to dog hair.
Coat Colors
What colors does a Saint Bernese come in? Discover all possible Saint Bernese color variations.
Black Red White Brown Brindle Tricolor
Grooming Requirements
How much grooming does a Saint Bernese need? Learn about Saint Bernese coat maintenance requirements.
Average: The Saint Bernese requires average grooming effort. Cutting the dog's hair by a professional groomer isn't essential.

Brushing the dog's coat is useful to reduce shedding. Ears and eyes should be cleaned regularly to avoid infections.

Don't skip the seasonal flea treatment too. Dog nail trimming and dog bath can be helpful sometimes.

Check the local pet store for dog grooming supplies and find the best dog shampoo to keep its coat healthy and give your dog a pleasant experience of a dog bath.

If you don't have the time, skill, or money to take care of your Saint Bernese, search for a dog groomer or clipping service in your area and book an appointment.

Maybe you're lucky to have a dog boarding service that includes grooming or walk-in dog bath places nearby.

Drooling Tendency
Does a Saint Bernese drool a lot? Learn about the Saint Bernese's drooling habits.
The Saint Bernese is a big drooler, so if you're disgusted by slobber spots on your clothes, you should choose a dog from another breed. Drooling is the unintentional saliva flowing outside of the mouth. It can be completely normal or a sign of a health problem. Certain dog breeds drool much more than others, just like the Saint Bernese.

If you notice any change in your dog's drooling habit, you should contact a vet as soon as possible.

Stinkiness Rating
Does a Saint Bernese smell bad? Learn about the Saint Bernese's natural odor levels.

High 🔼

The Saint Bernese has a high chance of bad smell. Top reasons for dog stinkiness: infection of bad tooth/ear/skin folds, gas attacks.
Coat Characteristics
What type of coat does a Saint Bernese have? Learn about the Saint Bernese's fur characteristics.
DenseRoughSmooth
Bathing Needs
How often does a Saint Bernese need baths? Learn about the Saint Bernese's bathing requirements.
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup. According to a study, 56% of pet parents don’t bathe their dogs as frequently as they should, and 60% use the sniff test when deciding when it’s bath time.

Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. It’s also a good time to look for unusual scratches, bumps, fleas, and other irregularities. When their hair is wet and flat against their body, these details are more visible.

Shedding Level
How much do Saint Bernese dogs shed? How to control, reduce and prevent the shedding of the Saint Bernese? Do Saint Bernese dogs shed a lot?
Saint Bernese dogs shed above average. It's a natural process of the hair growth cycle. The amount and frequency of hair loss mostly depend on their health status and breed type. If you don't like vacuum cleaning, you might have to reconsider your choice of having a puppy from the Saint Bernese breed.

Saint Bernese Good With

Child Compatibility
Is a Saint Bernese good with children? Learn about the Saint Bernese's behavior around kids of different ages.
Saint Bernese dogs are kid-friendly dogs. This breed is a good choice if you have children.
Pet Compatibility
How well does a Saint Bernese get along with other pets? Discover the Saint Bernese's compatibility with other animals.
Saint Bernese dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Are they aggressive or friendly towards/with strangers? Saint Bernese temperament with other people:
Saint Bernese dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Cat Friendly
How well do Saint Bernese dogs get along with cats? Are they good with kittens? What is this fido's temperament with cats? Can they be good with cats? Can the Saint Bernese breed live with a cat?
Saint Bernese dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Is Saint Bernese good with other dogs? Are they dog-friendly dogs? How well do Saint Bernese dogs get along with other dogs?
Saint Bernese dogs are dog-friendly dogs. If you want more dogs in your family or you'd like to join dog meetups, the Saint Bernese can be a great choice.
Good For First Time Owners
Is Saint Bernese breed good for first-time owners? Do they make a good dog for novice owners? Is Saint Bernese breed suitable for first-time owners?
Yes
Saint Bernese dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Are Saint Bernese dogs good office canines? Do Saint Bernese dogs make good office-friendly pets? Can they be office dogs?
No
Saint Bernese is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Are they senior citizens friendly dogs? How well do Saint Bernese dogs get along with the elderly people? What is the Saint Bernese temperament with senior people? Are Saint Bernese dogs good for elderly owners?
Saint Berneses are usually recommended for elderly people.

Saint Bernese As a Working Dog

Service Dog Capability
Can a Saint Bernese be a service dog? Learn about the Saint Bernese's service work potential.

Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog. A service dog is a term used in the USA to refer to any type of assistance dog specifically trained to help people who have disabilities, such as visual impairment, hearing impairments, mental disorders, seizures, mobility impairment, and diabetes. Service dogs are protected under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).

Saint Bernese breed is a good choice for service purposes.

Therapy Work Suitability
Is a Saint Bernese good as a therapy dog? Learn about the Saint Bernese's therapy work aptitude.

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. A therapy dog is a dog that might be trained to provide affection, comfort, and love to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, disaster areas, and people with anxiety disorders or autism.

Saint Bernese breed is a good choice for therapeutic purposes.

Scent Detection Ability
Is a Saint Bernese good at detection work? Learn about the Saint Bernese's scenting abilities.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases. A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones.

Saint Bernese is not the best breed for detection purposes.

Search & Rescue Potential
Can a Saint Bernese do search and rescue? Learn about the Saint Bernese's SAR capabilities.

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog. The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and in locating missing people.

The Saint Bernese breed is a good choice for SAR purposes.

Maritime Work Ability
Is a Saint Bernese good on boats? Learn about the Saint Bernese's maritime capabilities.

Not really

Saint Bernese breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.

Boat dogs were typically bred for their strength, stamina, and water resistance, as they were often required to perform tasks such as pulling in fishing nets, and jumping into the water to retrieve ropes or lines, or helping to move cargo.

Sailor dog is a type of dog that was bred to accompany sailors on their voyages. They were typically used for three purposes: as a working dog, a watchdog, and as a companion. A boat dog is a term used to describe a type of dog that was traditionally bred and used as a working dog on boats.

Draft Work Capability
Can a Saint Bernese pull carts? Learn about the Saint Bernese's drafting abilities.

Yes

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. Dogs bred for this work have strong builds and qualities that are needed, strength and determination.

Saint Bernese breed is a good choice for drafting purposes.

Military Service Background
Was a Saint Bernese used in military service? Learn about the Saint Bernese's military history.

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Saint Bernese Reproducibility

Puppy Litter Size
How many puppies does a Saint Bernese usually have? Learn about typical litter sizes.
1-14 puppies, average 8
Pregnancy Duration
How long is a Saint Bernese pregnant? Learn about the Saint Bernese's gestation period.

60-64 days

Reproductive cycle of the female Saint Bernese: The first period called Proestrus lasts for about 9 days.

During this time the females start to attract males. You can notice by swelling vulva and bloody discharge.

The second part is the Estrus when the female is receptive for the male. It lasts for about 3 to 11 days.

The sign of the proestrus part is the soft and enlarged vulva. The discharge decreases and lightens in color.

The third part is the Diestrus. Normally, it occurs around day 14. In this period the female’s discharge changes for vivid red and coming to its end. The vulva returns to average, and she will no longer permit mating.

The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time frame between heat periods normally lasts about six months.

Breeding Frequency
How often can a Saint Bernese have puppies? Learn about safe breeding intervals.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy. It is very important not to buy a dog from a puppy mill, where the needs of the pups and their mothers are ignored. It's an inhumane high-volume dog breeding facility, where puppies born several times a year.

Saint Bernese Recognition

AKC Classification
What AKC group is a Saint Bernese in? Learn about the Saint Bernese's AKC classification.
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Classification
What FCI group is a Saint Bernese in? Learn about the Saint Bernese's international classification.
Not recognized by FCI.

Saint Bernese Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Intelligence Rating: Smart: The Saint Bernese dogs have great intelligence.
  • Health Concerns: Very healthy dog breed.
  • Watchdog Rating: Saint Bernese dogs are good watchdogs.
  • Impulse to Wander or Roam: Saint Bernese dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
  • Lifestyle Adaptability: Saint Bernese dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.
  • Child Compatibility: Saint Bernese dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
  • Cat Friendly: Saint Bernese dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
  • Dog Friendly: Saint Bernese dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
  • Senior Citizens Friendly: Saint Berneses are usually recommended for elderly people.
  • Good For First Time Owners: Saint Bernese dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
  • Service Dog Capability: This breed makes good as a service dog.
  • Therapy Work Suitability: This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
  • Search & Rescue Potential: This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.
  • Draft Work Capability: A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
Cons
  • Allergy Friendliness: Saint Bernese dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions.
  • Shedding Level: Saint Bernese dogs shed above average.
  • Drooling Tendency: The Saint Bernese is a big drooler, so if you're disgusted by slobber spots on your clothes, you should choose a dog from another breed.
  • Stinkiness Rating: The Saint Bernese has a high chance of bad smell.
  • Obesity Tendency: Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Saint Bernese's weight, he can easily gain weight.
  • Alone Time Tolerance: Saint Bernese dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.
  • Office Friendly: Saint Bernese is not the best dog breed for office environment.

Rate The Saint Bernese Breed

Saint Bernese Comments, Reviews and Questions