Saint Bernard Dogs in Burnham-on-Sea, Somerset

Historically, Saint Bernards carried small barrels of alcohol, often brandy, around their necks during rescue missions in the Swiss Alps. This was believed to help revive and warm stranded travellers by providing quick energy and helping to combat hypothermia, though this is more of a popular anecdote than a proven fact.

Saint Bernards are considered moderately to highly maintenance dogs due to their large size which demands ample space and daily exercise. They tend to drool and shed, so regular grooming is needed, along with regular veterinary care to monitor their health, as they can be prone to certain large-breed health issues.

Saint Bernards are prone to health problems common in large breeds, including hip and elbow dysplasia, heart conditions, and gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat), a serious and potentially fatal stomach twisting condition. Regular veterinary check-ups are important to detect and manage these issues early.