The St. Bernard dog breed, known for their gentle demeanor and imposing stature, has long captured the hearts of families worldwide. Renowned for their history as rescue dogs in the Swiss Alps, these gentle giants possess a natural affinity for children, making them an appealing choice for family pets. Their patient nature and protective instincts often lead them to become loyal companions for kids, offering both friendship and security. However, like with any breed, understanding their specific needs and traits is crucial to ensuring a harmonious household. Discover whether this iconic breed is the perfect match for your family dynamic.
Big, fluffy, and full of heart—that’s the Saint Bernard for you. Known for their heroic past of rescuing stranded travelers in the snowy Swiss Alps, these dogs are true legends. With their massive build, soulful eyes, and gentle temperament, it’s hard not to be charmed by these mountain-born giants. Imagine being lost in a blizzard and seeing that iconic, friendly face approach; no wonder they’ve earned such admiration over the years.
While the Saint Bernard isn’t at the top of AKC registration charts, their reputation as loving, watchful companions remains unmatched. But let’s tackle the real question: Are Saint Bernards good with kids? If you’re curious about whether this gentle giant fits into a family setting, you’re in the right place.
In this guide, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about their temperament, care, and why they’re often referred to as “nanny dogs.” Let’s explore what makes this breed so special and whether they’re the perfect fit for your family.
Are St Bernard Good with Kids
Let’s dive straight into the question. Saint Bernards are known for their loving, calm, and patient nature, making them an excellent choice for families with respectful children. Despite their massive size, these gentle giants have a natural warmth that quickly eases any concerns about their imposing stature. While their friendly demeanor makes them approachable, they are also instinctively protective and won’t hesitate to step in if they sense a family member is in danger.
Hills Pet states that their tolerant and understanding personality is one of their standout qualities. Saint Bernards are incredibly patient, often displaying a careful awareness around children, ensuring they don’t accidentally hurt them. This makes them particularly suited for families looking for a dog that can match the energy of kids without being overly boisterous.
Additionally, their eagerness to please makes them relatively easy to train compared to some other breeds. With proper guidance and early socialization, a Saint Bernard can become a loving, reliable companion that enriches any family dynamic.
History and Breed Standards
The Saint Bernard is a legendary working dog, famous for saving over 2,000 lives during its 300 years of service as a rescue and pathfinder at the hospice founded by St. Bernard of Aosta (also known as St. Bernard of Menthon). Located in the Great St. Bernard Pass in the southwestern Pennine Alps, this hospice became home to these incredible dogs in the late 1600s.
Saint Bernards likely descended from mastiff-like dogs brought to Europe by ancient Romans. Britannica mentions that one of the most celebrated dogs, Barry, reportedly rescued more than 40 people before his death in the early 1800s. Beyond their rescue work, Saint Bernards have also served as cattle dogs, draft animals, and guard dogs.
With their powerful, muscular build, massive head, and drooping ears, Saint Bernards are truly imposing yet gentle giants. They stand between 26 and 30 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh around 120 to 180 pounds. Their coats, which can be short and dense or medium-long, typically come in red-brown and white or brindle and white combinations, adding to their iconic and striking appearance.
Traits and Characteristics
A Saint Bernard puppy is full of energy and loves to play, but as they mature, they settle into a calm and laid-back demeanor. With a naturally low prey drive, these gentle giants usually get along well with other animals, especially when they’ve been socialized from a young age.
PetMD states that Saint Bernards are generally quiet dogs but have a natural inclination to dig—likely a nod to their history as search and rescue dogs. To prevent unwanted digging or other mischief, it’s a good idea to supervise them while they’re outdoors.
These dogs thrive on companionship and may experience separation anxiety if left alone for too long. Their people-oriented nature makes them excellent candidates for dog training. Saint Bernards are highly intelligent and respond well to socialization, puppy training, and obedience classes. These sessions are crucial for teaching them essential behaviors, such as staying calm around children, not jumping on visitors, and avoiding counter-surfing for food.
Care and Maintenance
The Saint Bernard thrives on social interaction and loves being part of family activities. If left out, these gentle giants are known to sulk, displaying just how much they value their place in the family. Given their massive size as adults, early training is crucial. While they can occasionally be stubborn, their natural desire to please usually helps them overcome this trait once they understand what’s expected of them.
Despite their massive size and strength, Saint Bernards don’t need excessive exercise. A single long walk or a half-hour of playtime each day is typically enough to keep them healthy and content. That said, these gentle giants are always up for more adventure if their owner enjoys hiking, backpacking, or camping—they’ll happily tag along for outdoor excursions.
Saint Bernards also excel in activities like cart pulling, a task they often love, especially if it involves giving children rides in a cart. Some even take part in carting and drafting competitions. At their core, Saint Bernards thrive on spending quality time with their owners, making them happiest when they’re sharing activities together.
Essential Requirements
Owning a Saint Bernard comes with unique challenges, primarily due to their enormous size. These gentle giants need plenty of indoor space to move comfortably and require a large vehicle for safe and stress-free travel. While many Saints prefer lounging on cool, hard surfaces, prolonged time on such spots can lead to callouses. Providing a soft, supportive bed is essential to ensure their comfort and prevent pressure sores.
Caring for such a large breed can also be more expensive. From food and medications to bedding and boarding, the costs of maintaining a Saint Bernard are notably higher than for smaller breeds. Owners should also prepare for emergencies by having a stretcher or other equipment handy to move their dog if needed—an essential consideration for a breed of this size and weight.
PDSA notes feeding a Saint Bernard requires balance. While they need enough food to maintain a healthy weight, overfeeding can lead to excessive weight gain, which puts unnecessary strain on their joints and exacerbates any potential hip or elbow issues.
As with many large breeds, Saint Bernards have a relatively short life expectancy, typically living 8 to 10 years. This makes every moment with these loving and loyal companions even more precious.
Health and Grooming Essentials
Saint Bernards come in both long-haired and short-haired varieties, but caring for their coats involves the same routine. A weekly brushing helps remove dirt and loose fur, keeping their coat clean and shiny. For any tangles, a slicker brush or metal comb works well. During their biannual shedding seasons, daily brushing becomes necessary to manage the extra fur. An occasional bath keeps your Saint Bernard fresh and clean, while regular nail trimming prevents discomfort and issues with walking or running.
As a large, deep-chested breed, Saint Bernards are at risk for bloat, a sudden and life-threatening stomach condition. It’s essential for owners to recognize the warning signs and know how to act quickly.
AKC points out. that other health concerns that may affect this breed include hip dysplasia and certain eye conditions. While Saint Bernards can tolerate warm weather, they need a shady, cool spot and plenty of water to stay comfortable. Be cautious with sudden exposure to high heat after being in air conditioning, as it can cause serious stress for these gentle giants.
Conclusion
Saint Bernard dogs are a gentle giant breed that thrives in family environments, making them an excellent choice for homes with children, especially children who can appreciate their calm and affectionate nature. With proper training and early socialization, these Alpine Mountain Dog breeds are patient and protective, forming strong bonds with their families. However, their size and strength mean that obedience training is essential to ensure they interact safely with small children and other dogs.
Dog ownership entails more than love—it requires a commitment to care and awareness of potential health risks, such as bloat, a life-threatening condition common in giant breeds. Organizations like the Saint Bernard Club and Bernard Rescue can provide resources for new owners. With their loving temperament and loyal nature, Saint Bernards are a rewarding choice for families ready to embrace the unique joys and responsibilities this breed offers.
In conclusion, St. Bernard dogs generally make excellent companions for families with children, thanks to their gentle, patient, and protective nature. Known for their loyalty and calm demeanor, these giant dogs are often tolerant and loving towards kids, making them great playmates and guardians. However, due to their large size, it is crucial to supervise interactions between young children and St. Bernards to ensure safety for both. Early socialization and training are key to fostering a harmonious relationship. Overall, with proper care and guidance, St. Bernards can be a wonderful addition to a family setting, providing affection and companionship.