Dogs are known for many things; some are great family pets while others make terrifying guard dogs, some excel at agility and others show their love through acts of bravery. However, the Huge Saint Bernard is known for being a gentle, patient giant. Saint Bernards are large dogs who should not be treated as lapdogs. They may very well climb onto your lap if they so choose, but their sheer size makes them impossible to have to lie on top of you without feeling quite uncomfortable. The key to owning a Saint Bernard is understanding how to treat and interact with them. If you’re looking for an affectionate dog who can be kept indoors, they’re not the right breed for you.
How Big and Heavy is a Full-Grown Saint Bernard?
Saint Bernards are incredibly large dogs which makes them a great deterrent for thieves, but also means that they must be treated with respect. The average weight of a full-grown Saint Bernard is somewhere around 125 pounds (56 kilograms). Females tend to weigh 10-20 pounds less than males at full maturity. They stand anywhere between 24 and 28 inches tall at the shoulder. The biggest ever recorded was over 300 pounds – that’s 20 stone!
Their neck and shoulder muscles are strong and muscular, they have a large head and their chest can grow to enormous size. These dogs didn’t become popular because of their kind and gentle nature; they were bred as rescue dogs for those caught in avalanches in the Alps. The sheer size of these dogs is what makes them such good search and rescue workers (it’s worth noting that they can also smell people buried under snow, which is a huge advantage over most other breeds).
So you must always treat your Saint Bernard with respect. They are not pets to be kept in the house or on a leash if possible – they need space and lots of it! However, there is no denying that this breed has a kind and affectionate nature. If you treat them with respect, they will return it tenfold, but they must be taught to do so from a young age in order to teach them the right boundaries.
Charming, but Hungry, How Much Does a Saint Bernard Eat?
Because of how large their stomachs are, you must feed your dog three times a day. A full-grown Saint Bernard should eat between four and six cups of food – per meal! Not only is this expensive, but it also means that the thought of leaving them alone for ten or twelve hours at a time while you’re at work will likely be too much for them to cope with. Of course, there are many other things that go into owning a Saint Bernard – they need regular grooming to control shedding, they require plenty of exercise, and they should never be left alone in the house if possible.
They eat a variety of things, including table scraps – but must be fed a well-balanced diet. It’s also worth noting that because the breed is so large, Saint Bernards have big appetites. They can’t be given human food simply because it will cause them to become overweight, or even ill if they eat too much. If you are looking for a dog that will be content with a few scraps and to lie around the house all day, they are not the best choice. With a little effort you can find a mix of dog food and treats that they will love, but make sure to keep an eye on their waistline.
Is a Saint Bernard a Good Family Dog?
Saint Bernards are patient and gentle dogs, but they can be big, so care should always be taken when they are around young children. However, their patience is one of the reasons that they have become a family dog in many cases. They’re very tolerant and great with kids! This means that if you live with a large family, they are a great choice. However, if you have young kids at home, it’s worth remembering that they are bigger than your average dog so accidents can happen more easily. The breed is also known to be great with other pets and animals, but they do like to chase furry creatures so it’s important to keep them leashed or in a fenced-off area when you let them out.
See also: Big Dogs That Don’t Shed
And: Lazy Large Dog Breeds for Couch Potato Owners
Patient and Watchful, the Gentle Giant
Saint Bernards are typically patient with people which makes them a great breed for families who have children. They’re also very protective of their owners – especially children – so it’s worth considering adoption if you’re looking for a guard dog. Of course, to have the right kind of relationship with your Saint Bernard they must be trained from an early age. If not, they will run riot or become aggressive either towards other dogs or people.
Towards their owners, they are gentle giants, but they have a wonderful protective instinct. They will do anything to protect those they care about from danger, but due to their size, it means that they may accidentally hurt someone without meaning to. It’s worth considering how much room you have for a dog of this size before getting one – not only because of where you live but also for the sake of your home and family. If you have enough room to accommodate a Saint Bernard then they can become wonderful members of your family, but if not, consider asking yourself whether another breed is more suited to your lifestyle. Saint Bernards are a good family dog for those who have the space to accommodate them. They need plenty of exercise and attention, but if you provide that then they will shower your family with love in return. This large breed is not ideal for everyone – so be sure to consider whether or not this type of dog would work well before adopting one. The right owner will see Saint Bernards as members of their family, rather than just pets. They’ll be loyal and good with children, but they need a lot of time and space to run around. If you can provide that then it’s well worth considering adopting a Saint Bernard.
Featured image: Saint Bernard Rescue Dog
