Pros & Cons of Saint Bernards

Saints are very intelligent and learn very easily. Once learned, a lesson is never forgotten.

Saints are very intelligent and learn quickly. They are also very independent and will find things to learn and amuse themselves if these are not provided for them. They never forget and can learn a bad habit just as readily as a good one.

Saints are generally very laid back dogs.  Overall they happy go lucky and get along with people and other animals.

Even a small Saint is a very large dog. A Saint who is unsure of themselves may present as aggressive and be particularly scary.  Positive reinforcement and a routine can help these dogs feel more secure.  A good trainer or behaviorist can help immensely in these cases.

Saints are a giant breed.  Although the 200 pound dog that many people think of when they imagine a Saint is rare, a 100+ pound dog is still impressive.  They often attract a lot of attention in public and their size alone can be an impressive deterrent to potential wrong doers.

Saints are “tail-high” to almost all kinds of tables. They do not mix well with fragile knick-knacks. Your dining table, stove, and cabinets are never out of reach. Even their supplies take up more room – beds and bowls have to be larger to accommodate them.  They also require more space in vehicles when traveling.

Saints are not sickly dogs. They do not seem disposed to many of the minor ailments that plague some other breeds. Given sensible care and normal precautions, they are able to live a normal lifespan free from colds, tonsillitis and so on.

Given their size, even routine medical care is more expensive for Saints than smaller breeds.  Some more serious medical issues that are more common in Saints than other breeds are hip dysplasia, bloat, hot spots, eye issues, and like many giant breeds, bone cancer.  A Saint has an average life span of about 10 years, but can live longer given proper care.  Preventing Saints from becoming overweight is very important to their health and can help prevent or lessen joint issues as they age.

Because they are not an active breed, Saints can be kept in almost any situation. In fact, they actually require less room than do many smaller dogs. They are quiet dogs and make good neighbors.

Because they are not active dogs, Saints require an incentive to exercise. Toys may not interest them, so an owner must plan on spending enough time with the dog to see that he stays in good shape. You should also realize that it will not be as easy to keep a Saint’s area clean as it is with a smaller dog. If the area is small, you should be prepared to pick it up at least twice a day. Saints who are bored can be very destructive to your landscaping and it is best that your Saint have a run of his own where he can be safely and comfortably confined if he is to be alone for long periods of time.