Saint Bernard

The Saint Bernard does well on a high-quality dog food, ideally one formulated for large breeds. Commercial or home-prepared diets both work, with home-prepared meals made under your veterinarian's supervision. Match the diet to your dog's life stage: feed puppies a large- or giant-breed puppy formula until 18 to 24 months, then transition slowly to adult food. Keep clean, fresh water available at all times.

Some Saint Bernards gain weight easily, so watch calorie intake and body condition. Treats help with training, but too many lead to obesity. Follow the feeding guidelines on the packaging, ask your vet to set the right portion for your dog's ideal weight and life stage, and measure each meal so you do not overfeed.

Like many large breeds, the Saint Bernard can experience bloat, where the stomach distends and twists. The causes are not fully understood, but several feeding habits may lower the risk:

• Feed two or three smaller meals a day rather than one large one.
• Put the food bowl on the floor rather than elevated.
• Feed multiple dogs separately to reduce stress.
• Avoid exercise for an hour before and after a meal.
• Do not add water to dry food, especially if it contains citric acid.
• Use a slow-feeder bowl if your dog eats quickly.

Because full-grown Saint Bernards weigh well over 100 pounds, your vet may recommend a joint supplement and an omega-3 fatty acid supplement to support the joints and help manage inflammation.

Saint Bernards come in long-haired and short-haired varieties, and both coats take the same care. Brush once or twice a week to remove dirt and loose hair, working out tangles with a slicker brush or metal comb. During the two shedding seasons each year, brushing becomes a daily job. An occasional bath keeps the coat fresh, and the short coat is easier to manage since it mats and tangles less.

Trim the nails regularly. Overly long nails can be painful and make walking and running difficult, and they grow quickly if exercise does not wear them down. Provide regular dental care with at-home teeth brushing and professional cleanings.

Clean the ears with a vet-recommended cleaner every two to three weeks, and after every bath and swim, to help prevent infections. Saint Bernards can develop normal tear staining; use a warm washcloth or a dog-safe eye wipe to remove buildup around the eyes. Watch for changes in the eyes or vision, such as redness, squinting, or pawing at the face, which can signal a problem like entropion, and talk to your vet about anything concerning.

That big head also produces a lot of drool, so keep the area around the mouth clean.

Despite its size and strength, the Saint Bernard needs only moderate exercise. One long walk or a half-hour play session a day keeps it healthy and happy, with at least one 30-minute walk as a daily baseline.

Saint Bernards can join longer walks, hikes, backpacking trips, and camping trips. Some enjoy pulling children in a cart, and some compete in carting and drafting. They prefer activities alongside familiar people.

Begin socialization and puppy training classes early because Saint Bernards grow large and strong. Obedience training teaches the Saint not to jump on people, knock into small children, or steal food from the table, so start early to keep your dog safe and manageable.

Saints are kind-hearted and eager to please. They usually start responding to commands as soon as they understand what is expected, which makes them very responsive to positive-reinforcement methods. Teaching them not to jump is a priority, and steady obedience work handles it.

Saint Bernards are social and typically do well with children. They can develop separation anxiety and destructive behavior when left alone for long periods, so they may not suit households that are away most of the day.