Saint Bernard Dog Health: Hereditary Issues & Testing Guide

The Saint Bernard dog, a magnificent large or giant breed originating from the Swiss Alps, is renowned for its historic role as a mountain rescue dog. Known for their strength and gentle nature, Saint Bernards stand as tall as 35.5 inches at the withers and can weigh up to 120kg, with males usually being slightly larger than females. Their coats can be smooth or rough, often rich red or mahogany with striking white markings and occasional black on the face. Despite their imposing size, these dogs are calm, family-friendly companions who are especially patient and trustworthy with children.

Today, Saint Bernard dogs are cherished pets across the UK and beyond. For those considering welcoming this breed into their home, it’s vital to understand the breed's health, longevity, and hereditary risks in detail. This guide covers the essential hereditary health issues affecting Saint Bernards and the recommended health testing to support responsible ownership and breeding.

Understanding Saint Bernard Longevity

The average lifespan of a Saint Bernard ranges from 7 to 10 years. While this may seem short compared to smaller breeds, it is consistent with the lifespan expected for large and giant breeds, which typically face more health challenges due to their size and build. Understanding this helps set realistic expectations for caring for a Saint Bernard throughout its life.

Genetic Diversity and Inbreeding

Maintaining genetic diversity is crucial for the health of any pedigree breed. The coefficient of inbreeding for Saint Bernards is about 5%, which is below the generally accepted threshold of 6.25% for pedigree dogs, indicating a moderate level of genetic diversity. Responsible breeders monitor this carefully to avoid excessive inbreeding that could exacerbate hereditary health issues.

Common Conformation and Physical Challenges

Due to their large frame, Saint Bernards are prone to stresses on joints, muscles, and the heart. Young Saint Bernards, still growing, must be safeguarded against excessive exercise or strain that could worsen joint or bone development problems. Additionally, as deep-chested dogs, they are at risk of life-threatening bloat (gastric torsion), a condition where the stomach twists and traps gas, requiring immediate veterinary attention.

It’s also worth noting that Saint Bernards are prolific droolers, a trait potential owners should be comfortable with when considering the breed.

Recommended Health Tests for Saint Bernard Dogs

Both The Kennel Club and the British Veterinary Association recommend specific health screenings for Saint Bernards to identify and minimise hereditary risks. This includes:

• Hip Score Testing: The breed’s mean hip score is around 22.8, a relatively high figure. Breeding candidates should have scores below this to reduce the risk of hip dysplasia.
• Elbow Score Testing: The ideal elbow score is zero, indicating no signs of elbow dysplasia.

Saint Bernards are listed among the UK Kennel Club's "high profile" breeds, meaning they face a variety of hereditary health problems that can significantly affect life quality and longevity. Regular testing and health monitoring are essential to managing these risks responsibly.

Additional Health Concerns in Saint Bernards

Apart from conformation-related issues, Saint Bernards may present several other hereditary and acquired health challenges, including but not limited to:

• Entropion or ectropion (eyelid abnormalities)
• Lip fold pyoderma (skin infection in lip folds)
• Callus dermatitis (thickened skin on pressure points like elbows and knees)
• Panosteitis (inflammation of bones, often causing lameness in young dogs)
• Primary hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid gland)
• Cataracts (usually operable to preserve vision)
• Pyometra (serious uterine infection in unspayed females)
• Various ocular defects affecting eye health
• Haemophilia (blood clotting disorders)
• Heart diseases including dilated cardiomyopathy leading to heart failure
• Cruciate ligament injuries affecting stable joint function
• Multiple cancers such as osteosarcoma (bone cancer) and neoplasia
• Idiopathic epilepsy (seizure disorder)
• Osteochondrosis of the shoulder causing chronic pain and stiffness
• Uveodermatological syndrome, a rare autoimmune disorder causing tissue destruction and blindness, ultimately fatal

Genetic Testing and Phenotypic Screening Benefits

Genetic tests are increasingly accessible for Saint Bernards, with some tests targeting specific conditions like laryngeal paralysis-polyneuropathy (LPPN). Screening breeding dogs for these conditions allows breeders to avoid producing affected puppies and reduce disease prevalence over time.

Phenotypic screening through physical exams, X-rays, and specialist vet assessments complements genetic testing, especially for conditions like hip and elbow dysplasia, where structural changes can be detected before symptoms arise.

Promoting Responsible Ownership and Breeding

Responsible ownership involves understanding the breed's needs, including gentle exercise to protect growing joints, vigilant observation for signs of health issues, and regular vet check-ups. Prospective owners should seek puppies from reputable breeders or adopt through responsible rehoming channels. When selecting breeders, confirm they perform genetic and health screenings and prioritize the breed's long-term health and welfare, consistent with Kennel Club guidelines and current best practices.

By supporting ethical breeding and informed ownership, we help maintain the Saint Bernard’s legacy as a gentle giant and cherished companion for generations to come.

To find Saint Bernard puppies, always choose reputable breeders who provide health test results, socialise puppies early, and offer ongoing support.