A generalized description of  the St. Bernard breed would include superlatives such as loyal, intelligent, calm, powerful, and dignified.  A St. Bernard that is well socialized from puppy hood, comes from a good to excellent bloodline (a.k.a. pedigree) and has been trained in at least the basic manners  will be non aggressive, naturally protective, and totally trustworthy.  These dogs tend to be reserved with strangers and they do an excellent job of being watch dogs. St. Bernards should not be expected to be guard dogs due to their non aggressive manner. This does not mean that the St. Bernard is a coward, far from it.  The breed's history demonstrates the valiant and determined power of this dog as pathfinders, load carriers and agile rescuers.  They make for loving and compassionate companions, and are gregarious with those whom they know as friends.
     There has been some instances where adult St. Bernards that are housed with other adult dogs of the same sex do not work out well, or not at all.  This is a situation that should be avoided. Some of these instances have been simply jealousies, growling, picking at the other dog's flanks with the teeth, hiding toys and treasures, to out right fights.  We are speaking of an animal that can weigh 170 to 200 pounds, a male measuring 27 inches or more at the withers.  A fight between animals of that size can be rather intimidating for any dog owner to break up. The females weigh slightly less than the male, but they can measure at least 25 inches or more.  The females are usually of finer, more delicate lines than the males.
     The life span of a St. Bernard varies according to a number of circumstances: the longevity of the kennel bloodlines, nutrition, exercise, regular visits to the Vet, and the medical conditions that the dog's bloodlines are susceptible to.  On average the life span ranges about 10 to 12 years.
      A St. Bernard can have one of two types of coat. The short haired, which is the original look of the St. Bernard, that is almost the length and texture of a hound's coat. The longhaired, or rough coat which dates from around 1830 when the Newfoundland breed was introduced into the St. Bernard's gene pool. There are three types of coloring to the St. Bernard coat. The most commonly known is the orange with white markings on the muzzle, blaze, collar, chest, forelegs, feet and tail end.  There is usually black shading on the face and ears, although this is not a requirement.  There is also a mahogany brindle and a red brindle color accepted for St. Bernards.
     The grooming involved with either type of coat needs to be a daily routine, particularly the combing and brushing of the coat.  This will eliminate the need for bathing except for a couple of times per year, or as needed.  The ears should be checked once a week and cleaned as needed. Checking and cleaning of the ears is also important for the control of ear mites. The toe nails should be clipped once every twelve days.  The dog's veterinarian should check the teeth during regular health visits.
     St. Bernards are known for drooling, some dogs drool a lot, others not so much.  There are no "drool less" St. Bernards.  People who are very proud of their home and possessions, and like to keep everything spotless and in place, may wish to consider a different breed of dog.  Keeping your St. Bernard's ears clean and ear mite free will limit the shaking of your dog's head and the flying drool strings.
     Housing one or more St. Bernards has its challenges.  If you are considering a fenced in yard, make the fences at least 12 feet high.  St. Bernards may be big, but they are also agile.  Run pens are also a consideration, but your St. Bernard will need the run to be at least 20 feet long.  If you are building a run pen do not use concrete, use pea gravel instead.  Concrete will break down the hips and feet of heavy dogs.  Do not chain a St. Bernard to a dog house in the back yard away from people.  The St. Bernard is very people oriented and when denied socialization they may become vicious.
     A St. Bernard living with an apartment dweller may not be the most ideal for the dog or the owner.  It is not impossible but certainly less than convenient.  The owner will need to walk their adult St. Bernard several miles each and every day.  And housebreaking could be difficult, but again, not impossible.
     Exercise for the St. Bernard is very important for their health and well being.  Working your adult St. Bernard up to several miles of walking should be a gradual process.  Check with your veterinarian and/or your breeder about exercising puppies, seniors, or recovering St. Bernards from illness or accident.  DO NOT EXERCISE YOUR DOG IMMEDIATELY AFTER HE/SHE EATS.  Before any exercise, wait at least two to three hours after eating , dogs may go into bloat which is a life threatening medical condition.
     An adult St. Bernard consumes about the same amount of food as an active adult Labrador Retriever. It is best to feed large dogs like a St. Bernard 2 or more times per day.  The practice of less more often is a good way to avoid bloat from occurring in the deep chested large breed of dog.
     Feeding a puppy St. Bernard is another matter.  Puppies are fed 3-4 times daily.  Careful nutrition for these puppies is paramount for their good health and well being in later years of life.  Very rapid growth occurs in St. Bernard puppies, they can gain 3 pounds per week, which is astounding.  The key is to maintain even steady growth during their puppy time.  Some breeders of St. Bernards avoid using the specially formulated puppy food., as it is too high in protein.  Instead, their puppies are fed more often with a high quality adult food.  Communication with your veterinarian and with your breeder, and following their advice, will assure your puppies of receiving the best in nutritional needs and exercise requirements for a long and healthy life.

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