The St. Bernard, often affectionately referred to as saint Bernard, is a large and gentle breed that has captured the hearts of many pet owners in New Zealand. Known for their impressive size and friendly demeanor, these dogs are often considered gentle giants. St. Bernard dogs are characterized by their thick, fluffy coats and distinctive markings, which make them both striking and lovable. They are well-suited for family life, as they are known for being affectionate and patient with children. In New Zealand, St. Bernards thrive in homes where they can receive plenty of love and attention, and they adapt well to various living environments. Their calm nature and loyalty make them excellent companions, often forming strong bonds with their families. Due to their history as rescue dogs in the Swiss Alps, they are also known for their intelligence and ability to work closely with humans, making them not only great pets but also capable working dogs.
DID YOU KNOW? The breed was named after Saint Bernard de Menthon, the patron saint of mountaineers and skiers.
ALSO KNOWN AS: St. Bernhardshund, Bernhardiner, Alpine Mastiff
The need-to-know
- Dog suitable for experienced owners
- Extra training required
- Enjoys active walks
- Enjoys walking an hour a day
- Giant dog
- Heavy drool
- Requires grooming daily
- Non hypoallergenic breed
- Chatty and vocal dog
- Guard dog. Barks, alerts and it's physically protective
- May require training to live with other pets
- May require training to live with kids
