Saint Bernard Saint Bernard

Saint Bernard

10
Gentle Patient Watchful Friendly

About the Saint Bernard

The Saint Bernard originated in the Swiss Alps at the Great St. Bernard Hospice, where monks bred these massive dogs for over 1,000 years to locate and rescue travelers lost in snowstorms along the treacherous mountain pass. Males typically stand 28 to 30 inches tall and weigh 140 to 180 pounds, though individuals exceeding 200 pounds are not uncommon. Their coat comes in two varieties — short-haired (smooth) and long-haired (rough) — both in white with red, mahogany, brindle, or brown markings.

Temperament & Personality

Saint Bernards are gentle, patient, and extraordinarily tolerant — their legendary devotion to humans extends to being remarkably careful and nurturing around children despite their massive size. They are friendly with strangers, other dogs, and household pets, possessing a calm, unflappable demeanor that makes them wonderful therapy dogs. While not aggressive, their sheer size and deep bark are often enough to deter unwanted visitors.

Pros

  • Exceptionally gentle and patient — one of the best giant breeds for families with children
  • Calm, low-energy indoor demeanor despite enormous size
  • Friendly and non-aggressive toward people and other animals
  • Imposing presence provides natural deterrent without guard training

Cons

  • Legendary drooling — especially the loose-lipped, heavy-jowled individuals
  • Short lifespan of 8 to 10 years, with some living even less
  • Prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, bloat, osteosarcoma, and dilated cardiomyopathy
  • Enormous food costs and substantial space requirements for comfortable living

Few breeds embody devotion quite like the Saint Bernard — find one in need of a loving home on Puplister.

Saint Bernard Quick Facts

Size
120–180 lbs, 26–30 in
Lifespan
8–10 years
Exercise
Moderate
Grooming
Moderate
Good with Kids
Yes
Good with Pets
Yes

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Available Saint Bernards

Topsy
Baby 1
Topsy
L

Boxer / Saint Bernard

California Labradors Retrievers And More Rescue · San Diego, CA
Turvey
Baby
Turvey
L

Boxer / Saint Bernard

California Labradors Retrievers And More Rescue · San Diego, CA
Hector
Young
Hector
L

Saint Bernard

Evergreen Animal Protective League · Evergreen, CO
Buster
Adult 1
Buster
L

Saint Bernard

Mobile County Animal Shelter · Mobile, AL
Finn
Young 2
Finn
M

Saint Bernard / Cane Corso

All About Rescue And Fixin' Inc. · Cookeville, TN
Pedro
Baby 2
Pedro
M

Saint Bernard / Mixed

Crossed Paws Animal Shelter · Woodsfield, OH
Pearl
Baby 3
Pearl
M

Saint Bernard / Mixed

Crossed Paws Animal Shelter · Woodsfield, OH
Bernie
Adult 1
Bernie
M

Saint Bernard

Menifee County Animal Shelter · Frenchburg, KY

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key traits of a Saint Bernard?
The Saint Bernard is known for being gentle, patient, watchful and friendly.
How many Saint Bernards are available for adoption?
There are currently 8 Saint Bernards available for adoption on Puplister. Browse the listings above to find your perfect match.
How do I adopt a Saint Bernard from Puplister?
To adopt a Saint Bernard, browse the available listings on this page, click on a pet you're interested in, and contact the shelter directly through their profile page.