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Saint Bernard
Origin
Switzerland
Size
Giant Breed
Ideal Space
House with backyard
Ideal Weather
5º-25ºC
Avg Monthly Expenses
₹5,700
Basic Lifestyle
₹8,550
Premium Lifestyle
Top 5 Traits
Loyal
Protective
Intelligent
Fearless
Energetic
The Saint Bernard has an amazing backstory. They were trained by monks in the Swiss Alps in the 1600s. Their main job was to search and rescue those buried in avalanches.
A Saint Bernard is a gentle giant with a heart as big as its size. It’s gaining popularity in India among families with large homes in cooler climates. The breed is known for its calm, affectionate and protective nature.
They require regular grooming to manage their thick, dense coat and regular exercise to prevent obesity.
According to the American Kennel Club, Saint Bernards are popular family pets as they are known to be loyal and patient. The best part? They are good with children.
They are known for their strength, intelligence, and loving disposition. Despite their large size, they are gentle and thrive in spacious homes.
Barking
Quiet
Loud
Temperament with Kids
Aggressive
Friendly
Playfulness
Silent
Very Playful
Friendliness
Not Friendly
Super Friendly
Compatibility with other dogs
Aggressive
Friendly
Need for attention
Independent
Very Needy
Featured
Monthly Food Expenses
₹ 3,000 - ₹ 4,500
Calories per day
Puppies: 2200 kcal
Adults: 2000 kcal
Essential Nutrients
Carbohydrates
Fats
Protein
Minerals
Vitamins
Fibre
List of foods
Chicken
Home made meals
Dry Dog Food
Fresh Meat
Fresh Fish
Fruits
Mutton
Vegetables
An AAFCO-approved diet is the best for a Saint Bernard. Given their large size and moderate energy levels, their food should include high-quality proteins like chicken, beef, or lamb to support muscle health.
As Saint Bernards are prone to joint issues, their diet should include glucosamine and chondroitin for joint support. Adding omega fatty acids helps maintain their dense coat and overall health.
For those opting for homecooked meals, ensure they are well-balanced and meet the breed’s specific nutritional requirements. Portion control is key, as Saint Bernards are susceptible to obesity.
Avoid anything with these ingredients
Almonds
Alcohol
Dairy
Avocados
Salt
Onions
Mushrooms
Cherries
Cinnamon
Coffee / Tea
Garlic
Grapes
Certain foods with artificial additives like soy, corn, and preservatives can be harmful to Saint Bernards. Don't feed them products with artificial sweeteners, flavors and colors as the breed is prone to obesity. Some of those can also trigger allergies and digestive issues.
Toxic foods like chocolate, garlic, onions, raisins, grapes and xylitol should never be given. Saint Bernards require a balanced diet suited to their size and activity level. Saint Bernards weigh over a 100 pounds and it is very easy for them to become obese and develop joint problems. Overfeeding and excessive treats should be avoided.
Important Note: This information is for general guidance only. Always consult a qualified veterinarian for personalized advice.
Avg Monthly Expenses
₹ 1,500 - ₹ 2,250
Common Health Issues
Bloat
Kennel Cough
Hip Dysplasia
Parasites
Heartworm
Well being
Exercise
Bonding
Games
Socialization
Hiking
Energy Level
Medium
Exercise routine
30 - 60 minutes
Recognising Stress
Changes in appetite
Excessive Barking
Pacing
Excessive Panting
Reluctance to move
Increased laziness
Some common health issues found in Saint Bernards, recognized by PetMD and breed experts, are:
Important Note: This information is for general guidance only. Always consult a qualified veterinarian for personalized advice.
Growth Stage
Core Vaccines
6 - 8 weeks
DHLPP, Bordetella
10 - 12 weeks
DHLPP, Bordetella, Rabies
14 - 16 weeks
DHLPP, Bordetella, Rabies
18-20 weeks
DHLPP, Bordetella, Rabies
1 year
DHLPP, Bordetella, Rabies
A Saint Bernard is considered a senior around 7 years of age. Routine veterinary checkups like blood tests and mobility assessments are needed to monitor health issues.
Speak to your vet to understand the best diet to feed your senior Saint Bernards. Gentle exercise like short walks and light play helps maintain mobility without straining their joints. Avoid strenuous running or jumping. Use orthopedic beds and ramps to provide extra support for aging joints.
Regular grooming is essential including frequent brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Routine dental care, daily brushing and professional cleanings help in keeping periodontal disease at bay.
The RSPCA provides helpful guidelines to ensure optimal care for senior dogs.
Important Note: This information is for general guidance only. Always consult a qualified veterinarian for personalized advice.
Avg Monthly Expenses
₹ 1,200 - ₹ 1,800
Shedding Level
High Shedding
Hygienic Checklist
Bathing
Brushing
Ear Cleaning
Eye Care
Teeth Care
Nail Trimming
Benefits of Grooming
Cleanliness
Prevents infections
Odourless
Quality of life
Low Shedding
Prevents Bad Breath
Cost of buying
₹ 25,000 - ₹ 50,000
If You Want a Saint Bernard for Your Home, You Have Two Basic Options: Buying or Adopting
Buying:
When buying a Saint Bernard, it’s crucial to select a reputable breeder who prioritizes the health and well-being of their dogs.
Ensure the breeder follows ethical breeding practices, provides proper health screenings, and offers documentation like health certificates and lineage papers.
Check the living conditions and avoid breeders with signs of neglect or unethical breeding. The cost of a Saint Bernard puppy varies based on factors like pedigree, coat type, and breeder reputation.
Adopt:
Adopting a Saint Bernard is a great choice. Many breed-specific rescues, shelters, and animal welfare groups have Saint Bernards in need of loving homes.
Adoption fees generally include vaccinations, spaying/neutering, and basic medical care, making it a more affordable option than buying from a breeder.
Here are Some Breeds Similar to Saint Bernard:
Newfoundland | Great Pyrenees | Bernese Mountain Dog | Pyrenean Mastiff
Access to Groomer
Space and Environment
Financial Capability
Access to Veterinary
Appropriate Climate
Lifestyle Compatibility
Now that you know what it takes to raise a Saint Bernard, are you ready to take the next step to pet one?
Research: Do thorough research about the Saint Bernard breed, including its size, exercise needs, temperament, health concerns, and compatibility with your lifestyle. Ensure a Saint Bernard is the right fit for your home considering their large size and care requirements.
Find Reputable Sources: Before buying a Saint Bernard puppy, choose a responsible breeder who follows ethical breeding practices. If you’re considering adoption, check local shelters or breed-specific rescues for available dogs.
Visit Breeder/Adoption Centers: Plan a visit to the kennel or adoption center to assess the Saint Bernard’s health, behavior and living conditions. Ask about their vaccination history, medical background, and temperament.
Ask for Documentation: Request health certificates, vaccination records and pedigree documents if buying from a breeder. For adoption, inquire about past medical history and behavioral assessments.
Prepare Your Home: Saint Bernards need ample space due to their large size. Ensure you have the necessary supplies, such as a comfortable bed, large food and water bowls, grooming tools, and sturdy toys. Be prepared for the time, space, and commitment needed to care for this gentle giant.
What is the place of origin of the Saint Bernard breed?
The Saint Bernard breed originates in the Swiss Alps, where they were historically utilized as rescue dogs to find stranded tourists in the snow.
How do I deal with their drooling?
Due to their jowly nature, Saint Bernards are infamous for drooling. Drool can be controlled by keeping a towel nearby and regularly cleaning their mouth. Make sure they have access to clean water in order to stay hydrated.
Can Saint Bernards be left alone for extended periods of time?
Saint Bernards rely on interaction with humans and might develop separation anxiety when left alone for extended periods of time. Avoid leaving them alone for long periods of time, and provide interactive toys to keep their minds engaged.
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