Saint Bernards, known for their gentle and friendly nature, are a beloved breed among dog enthusiasts. But did you know that there are actually different types of Saint Bernards? These magnificent canines have been divided into two main categories based on their physical appearance: the shorthaired and longhaired Saint Bernards. Both variations possess their unique characteristics and charm, making them ideal companions for individuals and families alike. So, if you’ve ever wondered about the diversity within this iconic breed, let’s embark on a journey to discover the distinctive traits and qualities of different types of Saint Bernards.
Appearance
Size
Saint Bernards are known for their large size. They are among the giant dog breeds, standing tall and impressive. Adult males typically reach a height of 27-30 inches at the shoulder, while females are slightly smaller at 25-28 inches. In terms of weight, males can weigh between 140-180 pounds, while females range from 120-140 pounds.
Coat
The Saint Bernard has a thick and dense coat that provides excellent protection against harsh weather conditions. Their double coat consists of a rough, wiry outer layer and a soft, insulating undercoat. This combination helps them stay warm in cold climates. Their fur tends to be longer on their body and shorter on their head and legs.
Colors
When it comes to colors, Saint Bernards can display various shades. The most common color combination is a white base coat with patches of red or mahogany on their ears, face, back, and tail. However, they can also be found in a variety of other colors such as brindle, brown, and black. The combination and distribution of colors can vary from one dog to another.
Temperament
Gentle
Saint Bernards are known for their gentle and kind nature. Despite their imposing size, they are typically very gentle with both adults and children. Their calm and patient demeanor makes them excellent family pets and therapy dogs. They are also known for their tendency to be gentle and protective towards smaller animals.
Friendly
These dogs have a naturally friendly disposition that is sure to win over the hearts of both strangers and family members. They are generally welcoming and sociable, enjoying the company of people and other animals. Their friendliness makes them great companions for individuals of all ages and backgrounds.
Patient
Patience is a virtue that Saint Bernards possess in abundance. These dogs have a high tolerance for children’s antics, making them great family pets for households with young kids. Whether it’s a playful tug of war or countless hugs, the Saint Bernard’s patient nature means they are willing to endure it all with a gentle grace.
Intelligent
Saint Bernards are intelligent dogs that are eager to please their owners. They are quick learners and respond well to consistent, positive training methods. Their intelligence also enables them to excel in various specialized roles, such as search and rescue work or service dog tasks.
Working Ability
Rescue Dogs
Saint Bernards have a long history as rescue dogs in the Swiss Alps. Their excellent sense of direction and their ability to navigate rough terrains in extreme weather conditions made them invaluable in locating and saving lost or stranded travelers. This working ability is deeply ingrained in their nature and continues to be showcased by modern-day Saint Bernard search and rescue teams.
Service Dogs
Their gentle and patient temperament, combined with their intelligence, makes Saint Bernards well-suited for service dog work. They can be trained to assist individuals with disabilities, providing support in tasks such as retrieving dropped items, opening doors, and providing stability for those with mobility challenges.
Therapy Dogs
The friendly and sociable nature of Saint Bernards makes them ideal candidates for therapy dog work. They have a calming presence and are often used to provide comfort and emotional support in settings such as hospitals, schools, and nursing homes. Their size alone can bring joy and smiles to those they interact with.
Health
Hip Dysplasia
As with many large dog breeds, Saint Bernards can be prone to hip dysplasia. This condition occurs when the hip joint doesn’t develop properly, leading to discomfort, pain, and mobility issues. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and responsible breeding practices can help reduce the incidence of hip dysplasia in Saint Bernards.
Entropion
Entropion is a condition where the eyelids fold inward, causing the eyelashes to rub against the cornea. This can lead to irritation, discomfort, and potential damage to the eye. Regular eye examinations and prompt veterinary care are essential to manage and treat entropion in Saint Bernards.
Gastric Torsion
Gastric torsion, also known as bloat, is a serious condition that can affect large, deep-chested breeds like the Saint Bernard. It occurs when the stomach fills with gas and twists upon itself. This condition is a medical emergency and requires immediate veterinary intervention. Feeding smaller, frequent meals and avoiding vigorous exercise immediately after meals can help reduce the risk of gastric torsion.
Breeding
Purebred
Purebred Saint Bernards are offspring of two dogs of the same breed, with documented lineage. Responsible breeders carefully select breeding pairs to ensure the health, temperament, and conformity to breed standards of the resulting puppies. Purebred Saint Bernards offer predictability in terms of size, appearance, and temperament, and can be registered with official kennel clubs.
Mixed Breed
Mixed breed Saint Bernards, also referred to as Saint Bernard mixes or mutts, are the result of breeding a Saint Bernard with another breed. These dogs can inherit traits from both parent breeds, resulting in a unique combination of characteristics. Mixed breed Saint Bernards can make wonderful companions and often possess the best traits of both breeds.
Saint Bernard vs Miniature Saint Bernard
Size
While the traditional Saint Bernard is known for its large size, the Miniature Saint Bernard is bred to be smaller. Miniature Saint Bernards typically stand around 14-18 inches at the shoulder and weigh between 20-55 pounds. They are a smaller version of the traditional breed, designed to be more suitable for families living in smaller spaces.
Appearance
In terms of appearance, the Miniature Saint Bernard closely resembles the traditional Saint Bernard. They have the same distinct facial features, with expressive eyes and a gentle expression. However, their overall proportion is reduced due to their smaller size. Other physical characteristics, such as coat color and texture, are largely the same as their larger counterparts.
Temperament
Similar to the traditional Saint Bernard, the Miniature Saint Bernard is known for its gentle and friendly temperament. They exhibit the same patient and affectionate nature, making them excellent family pets. Despite their smaller size, they still possess the loyalty and protective instincts that are characteristic of the breed.
Saint Bernard vs Bernese Mountain Dog
Origins
The Saint Bernard and the Bernese Mountain Dog both have their origins in the Swiss Alps. The Saint Bernard was bred by monks for search and rescue purposes, while the Bernese Mountain Dog was traditionally used as a farming companion. Both breeds developed in the same region but served different roles historically.
Size
While both breeds are large, the Saint Bernard tends to be larger and heavier than the Bernese Mountain Dog. The Saint Bernard stands taller and generally outweighs the Bernese Mountain Dog by a significant margin. The Bernese Mountain Dog is slightly shorter and stockier in build compared to the elegant and more massive stature of the Saint Bernard.
Coat
The Saint Bernard’s coat is typically denser and longer compared to the Bernese Mountain Dog’s. The Saint Bernard has a rough, wiry outer coat and a soft undercoat, while the Bernese Mountain Dog has a thick, wavy, and glossy double coat. Both breeds require regular grooming to maintain the health and appearance of their coats.
Temperament
The Saint Bernard is known for its gentle and patient temperament, while the Bernese Mountain Dog is especially known for its loving and good-natured disposition. Both breeds are friendly and make excellent family pets. However, the Bernese Mountain Dog may exhibit a slightly higher level of energy and playfulness compared to the more relaxed and calm nature of the Saint Bernard.
Saint Bernard vs Newfoundland
Origins
The Saint Bernard and the Newfoundland share similar origins. Both breeds originally worked as working dogs in the Swiss Alps, helping with various tasks such as herding, guarding, and pulling carts. The Newfoundland originated in Newfoundland, Canada, and was further developed in England, while the Saint Bernard’s origins trace back to the Hospice of Saint Bernard in Switzerland.
Size
Both the Saint Bernard and the Newfoundland belong to the giant dog breed category. However, the Saint Bernard tends to be taller and heavier than the Newfoundland. While both breeds are large, the Saint Bernard’s size is often more imposing.
Coat
The Newfoundland has a thick, water-resistant double coat that provides excellent insulation and protection against cold water. Their coat is typically longer and more abundant compared to the Saint Bernard’s. In contrast, the Saint Bernard has a dense and weather-resistant coat that is not as abundant as the Newfoundland’s.
Temperament
Both breeds are renowned for their friendly and gentle nature. The Newfoundland is often described as a gentle giant, known for its calm and patient temperament. Similarly, the Saint Bernard is also admired for its gentle and patient demeanor. Both breeds are well-suited for families and are known to be excellent partners for children and other animals.
Training and Socialization
Basic Commands
Training a Saint Bernard involves teaching them basic commands such as sit, stay, lie down, and come. The key to effective training is consistency and positive reinforcement. Utilizing rewards, praise, and treats can motivate these intelligent dogs to learn and obey commands.
Obedience Training
Obedience training is crucial for Saint Bernards as they are large and powerful dogs. They need to learn proper leash manners, recall, and how to respond to commands promptly. Comprehensive obedience training helps ensure their safety and the well-being of those around them.
Early Socialization
Early socialization is vital for Saint Bernards to develop into well-rounded and friendly dogs. Introducing them to various people, animals, environments, and situations from a young age helps them become confident and adaptable. Puppy classes, controlled interactions, and exposure to different stimuli are all important aspects of early socialization.
Finding Different Types of Saint Bernards
Breeders
If you are interested in getting a purebred Saint Bernard, reputable breeders are the best source. Research breeders who prioritize the health, temperament, and ethics of their breeding practices. Responsible breeders will be knowledgeable about the breed, ensure proper socialization of puppies, and provide necessary health clearances for the parent dogs.
Rescue Centers
If you are open to the idea of adopting a Saint Bernard or a Saint Bernard mix, rescue centers can be a great option. These organizations save and rehabilitate abandoned and neglected dogs, offering them a chance at finding a loving forever home. Contact local rescue centers or search online databases to find Saint Bernards or mixes in need of a new family.