St Bernard
Male: 64-82 kg, Female: 54-64 kg
Male: 70-90 cm, Female: 65-80 cm
8-10 years
Switzerland
About the St Bernard
The St Bernard is a dog of immense proportions and even greater heart. Originally bred by the monks of the Great St Bernard Hospice in the Swiss Alps, these dogs became legendary for their ability to find and rescue travelers trapped in the snow. They are the quintessential working dog, characterized by a massive, powerful frame and a kind, intelligent expression that reflects their history as life-savers. Their presence is imposing yet comforting, embodying a unique blend of strength and serenity. In a domestic setting, the St Bernard is a quiet and dignified companion that prefers to be near its human family. Despite their size, they are remarkably gentle indoors and are often referred to as 'nanny dogs' due to their legendary patience with children. They are slow-maturing both physically and mentally, maintaining a puppy-like playfulness for several years. While they are not overly aggressive, their sheer size and deep bark make them effective natural deterrents for home security. Owning a St Bernard is a commitment to a giant lifestyle. They require ample space to move comfortably and a dedicated owner who can manage their significant grooming and hygiene needs. Because of their susceptibility to heat and joint issues, they thrive in cooler climates and homes where their activity and diet are carefully monitored. For those who can accommodate their size and 'slobbery' affection, the St Bernard offers a level of loyalty and gentle companionship that is virtually unmatched in the canine world.
Breed Standard
Key characteristics from the breed standard
In the show ring, the St Bernard must exhibit a massive, blocky head with a deeply furrowed brow that conveys an expression of benevolent wisdom. The movement should be powerful and smooth, with a long reach and strong drive from the hindquarters, showing no signs of clumsiness despite their bulk. Their structure should be harmonious, with a broad, straight back and well-sprung ribs. Their presence is one of quiet, ancient authority.
In Australia
The first recorded St Bernards were imported into Australia in the 1880s, an event that helped establish the breed's presence in Victoria and New South Wales. Among these notable early arrivals was a dog named 'The Monk', which arrived in 1881.
Bred For
Guardianship of the hospice at the Great St Bernard Pass and mountain rescue of lost or injured travelers.
Temperament
Famous for being a 'gentle giant,' the St Bernard is remarkably patient, friendly, and benevolent. They are deeply devoted to their families, possessing a calm and steady disposition that makes them exceptionally tolerant and kind companions.
Health Conditions Reported in the Breed
Hip and , (), (), and (eyelid issues), Osteorcoma, and heatstroke.
Exercise Needs
Moderate daily exercise is required, typically consisting of one or two steady walks of 30-45 minutes. They are not built for high-speed or high-impact activities, especially in warm weather.
Grooming Needs
High. They require brushing at least 2-3 times a week (daily during shedding seasons) and regular cleaning of facial folds and ears. Daily 'drool management' is also a reality for owners.
Living Suitability
Not suited for apartment living. They require a home with a large, secure yard and, most importantly, climate-controlled indoor access as they are highly prone to overheating in Australian summers.
Good with Kids
Excellent. They are famously patient and gentle with children of all ages, though their size means they should be supervised around toddlers to prevent accidental knocking.
Good with Other Pets
Generally very good with other dogs and household pets if socialized early, though they may be unaware of their own strength during play.
Trainability
Moderate. They are intelligent and eager to please but can be independent and slow to respond. Early socialization and consistent, positive-reinforcement training are crucial before they reach their full size.
Coat & Colours
Two varieties: Smooth (dense, tough, and close-lying) and Rough (medium length, straight to slightly wavy with a dense undercoat).. White with red, red with white, or brindle with white. Various shades of red are acceptable, including red-brown; white markings are required on the chest, feet, tip of tail, nose band, and neck.
Exercise needs vary by age, fitness, health, weather and individual temperament. Consult your veterinarian for an exercise plan appropriate for your dog.
Things to Consider
Every breed has its quirks — here's what to know
Prospective owners should be prepared for the 'Saint Bernard Slime'—they are more likely to drool significantly, especially after eating or drinking, which means keeping 'slobber cloths' handy is a way of life. They are predisposed to heavy seasonal shedding, requiring frequent vacuuming and grooming to manage the coat. As a deep-chested giant breed, they are more likely to experience Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (Bloat), a life-threatening emergency; owners should learn the signs and consider a preventative gastropexy. They are also more likely to be sensitive to heat, meaning they cannot be exercised in the middle of the day and must have access to air conditioning during Australian heatwaves. Like many giant breeds, they are more likely to develop hip and elbow dysplasia or heart conditions like DCM; while these are predispositions and not certainties, choosing a breeder who health-tests and providing a joint-supportive fresh diet can help. Additionally, they may be predisposed to digestive sensitivities on standard commercial kibble; many owners find that a fresh, low-residue diet like Majestik Pet Food helps reduce flatulence and promotes firmer stools. Finally, their sheer size means vet bills, preventative medications, and food costs are significantly higher than for smaller breeds, but their devoted nature makes every cent worth it.
Feeding Guide for Your St Bernard
Healthy Weight
54-82 kg
Daily Feeding Amount (general starting estimate)
1350-2460 grams
For a giant breed like the St Bernard, we recommend feeding a fresh, raw diet at approximately 2-3% of their ideal adult body weight. Some owners use smaller divided meals and avoid strenuous activity immediately around feeding. These steps cannot guarantee prevention of gastric dilatation-volvulus. Seek urgent veterinary care if bloat is suspected. Focus on lean proteins like Majestik's Kangaroo or Beef, which provide high-quality amino acids without excessive fat that can lead to obesity.
Feeding quantities are general starting estimates only. Individual needs vary with body condition, weight trends, age, health and activity. Ingredient percentages alone do not guarantee complete and balanced nutrition — consult a veterinarian for individualised dietary guidance.
Ingredient percentages alone do not guarantee complete and balanced nutrition. Seek veterinary or qualified canine nutrition guidance for individualised dietary advice. Raw feeding, specific proteins or fresh foods should not be presented as preventing, treating or managing breed health conditions without veterinary diagnosis and supervision.
Majestik's Recommended Feeding Approach
Breed Diet Notes
A high-quality diet specifically formulated for giant breeds is essential, focusing on controlled growth in puppies to protect developing joints and a low-glycemic, nutrient-dense profile for adults to manage weight and heart health.
For this giant breed, Majestik's Beef and Kangaroo are excellent primary proteins, supplemented with fish like Salmon for Omega-3 fatty acids to support joint and heart health. Raw meaty bones like beef neck or brisket are excellent for dental health but must be supervised. Include pureed green leafy vegetables and berries for antioxidants. Some owners use smaller divided meals and avoid strenuous activity immediately around feeding. These steps cannot guarantee prevention of gastric dilatation-volvulus. Seek urgent veterinary care if bloat is suspected.
These are general breed-level notes only. The appropriate food and serving amount depend on the individual dog's age, health, body condition, activity and tolerance.
Majestik Recommendation
Majestik BARF meals follow our practical 70/10/10/10 approach: approximately 70% quality meat and protein ingredients, 10% edible bone, 10% vegetables and 10% offal. This gives customers a convenient fresh-food option without needing to source and portion every ingredient themselves.
Our Beef, Lamb and Roo BARF meals provide convenient fresh-food options, with suitable proteins chosen or rotated according to the individual dog.
Suitable for different needs
- Healthy adult: Majestik adult Beef, Lamb or Roo BARF meal.
- Puppy: Majestik Premium Puppy.
- Senior: Majestik Senior Blend.
- Working or highly active dog: Suitable Majestik adult meal with quantity adjusted to workload and body condition.
- Protein trial: One Majestik protein at a time.
Recommended Majestik BARF Meals
This is a practical starting recommendation for healthy dogs. Individual needs vary with age, health, body condition and activity.
St Bernard Feeding Calculator
Personalised raw and cooked feeding recommendations based on your dog's profile
Ideal — Ribs palpable without excess fat. Visible waist. Abdominal tuck present.
Have a question about your St Bernard? Dog Health AI
Why Majestik?
Fresh, raw pet food made with integrity in South Australia
Australian Made
Made in Two Wells, South Australia
Freshly Prepared
Real meat, organs, bone & wholefood ingredients
No Fillers
No cheap fillers or artificial preservatives
Family Owned
Locally owned and operated
Local Delivery
Delivery across Adelaide & selected areas
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Secure payment via Shopify checkout
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Breed Records & Facts
Average Litter Size
6-10 puppies
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References & Sources
Breed information verified against recognised breed authorities and veterinary evidence.