Overview
The St. Bernard was kept by the monks of the Great St Bernard Pass to find travellers lost in snow, and it still looks the part: massive bone, a broad head and a coat built for a mountain winter. Modern dogs are companions rather than rescuers, but the size is undiminished.
They are famously good natured. A well-raised St. Bernard is calm, affectionate and patient with children and other animals. For a walker, the challenges are physical rather than behavioural: a dog of this weight overheats easily, tires quickly and must never be allowed to drag you anywhere.
Exercise and walking needs
Two gentle walks of around half an hour each suit most adults. They enjoy being out and like a steady amble with plenty of pauses, but they have no interest in distance and a brisk hour would be too much for many of them, especially in warm weather.
Puppies and adolescents need particular care. The breed grows fast and the joints are vulnerable, so keep young dogs to short, soft-surface walks and no stairs or jumping until the owner confirms the vet is happy. A St. Bernard is not fully grown until well past two.
On the walk
- Heat: Anything above mild is hot for this dog. Walk early or late in summer, stick to shade, carry water and turn back the moment panting gets heavy.
- Strength: Rarely pulls hard, but if it sees a friend across the road you will not stop it. Use a wide harness and keep the lead short in traffic.
- Other dogs: Gentle and tolerant, though simply being stepped on by a dog this size upsets smaller ones. Keep greetings slow and controlled.
- Drool: Constant, and more so after drinking or in heat. Keep a towel to hand and expect it on your clothes.
Tips for professional walkers
- Pick flat, shaded routes close to the van or the house so you can cut the walk short without a long way back.
- Carry a collapsible bowl and offer water at every stop; a dog this big dehydrates faster than you expect.
- Watch how the dog gets into and out of a vehicle; a ramp saves its joints and your back.
- Note any stiffness or lameness after a walk in the report, since joint problems are common in giant breeds.
What to ask the owner
- Any hip, elbow or heart conditions, and what has the vet said about exercise limits?
- At what temperature do you want the walk shortened or cancelled altogether?
- Does the dog cope with stairs and getting into a vehicle, or does it need a ramp?
- Is there a particular harness or lead the dog is used to, and does it ever lunge toward other dogs?