Saint Bernard
Popular Dog Breeds
All about the Saint Bernard
Despite their size and appearance, a Saint Bernard is an extremely gentle, calm, loyal and obedient dog that will get along great with children and become a much loved member of the family.
They are a highly intelligent breed so are easy to train, although should begin at an early age when these dogs are a more manageable size. They should be taken control of right from birth as an unruly dog of this size can be a serious problem for any dog owner.
St Bernards drool after they drink or eat, so be prepared! Saint Bernards also have a highly developed sense of smell and also seem to have a sixth sense about impending danger from storms and avalanches.
The Bull Mastiff is on the list of restricted breeds in Ireland according to the Control of Dogs Regulations 1998.
Grooming a Saint Bernard
Hair type: The Saint Bernard’s coat can be either smooth or rough. The smooth coat is close and flat and the rough coat is dense but flat and more profuse around the neck and legs. The coat is typically a red colour with white or sometimes a mahogany brindle with white. Black shading is usually found on the face and ears.
Daily coat care: Both types of coats are easy to groom. Comb and brush with a firm bristle brush and bathe only when necessary. Shampoo may strip the coat of its oily water-resistant properties so use a mild soap. This breed sheds twice a year.
Recommended groom frequency: Saint Bernards should be groomed professionally every 4-6 weeks.
At Petmania Grooming Studios we have a full range of treatments available for your Saint Bernard. If you get a puppy, we recommend our Puppy’s First Visit at around four months, once your puppy has received all his vaccinations.
Diet
Depending on the size and age of your Saint Bernard, you will need to feed between 669g and 880g of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Our pet advisors in-store can help you find the most appropriate food for your dog, while you can find out more about the different dog food brands we stock here.
Activity Level
A long walk each day is needed to keep the Saint Bernard in good mental and physical condition. Puppies should not have too much exercise at one time until their bones are well formed and strong. Short walks and brief play sessions are best until the dog is about two years old.
Where to get a Saint Bernard
There are lots of places offering dogs or puppies for sale in Ireland, but we would always ask that you consider adopting a dog first. Our animal rescue partners have 100’s of rescue dogs and puppies seeking a forever home and would be delighted to introduce you to them.
However, if a rescue dog is not for you, we do recommend that you choose a registered breeder and seek Irish Kennel Club registration papers which will confirm that the dog has been bred to their strict code of ethics.
