Are St Bernards Aggressive? (Are They Good Family Dogs?)

On the contrary, St. Bernhard’s can make some of the most friendly dogs with their love for people and friendly nature, especially when given the right training. 

As pets, they are calm, gentle, and tolerant to the point that they can surprise a first-time owner considering their huge size. 

In other words, a St Bernard can best be described as a gentle giant yet fiercely loyal and protective of its owner. 

St. Bernhard’s Characteristics: Temperament, Personality, Size & More

Characteristic	Description
Breed	St. Bernard
Origin	Switzerland
Size	Large
Height	Males: 70–90 cm; Females: 65–80 cm
Weight	Males: 64–120 kg; Females: 54–91 kg
Coat type	Smooth or rough, dense and thick, with an oily waterproof quality
Coat color	White with red, brindle, or brown patches
Lifespan	8–10 years
Temperament	Friendly, outgoing, gentle, loyal, smart and protective
Trainability	Easy to train, but can be stubborn
Exercise needs	Moderate to high, require daily walks and playtime
Health concerns	Hip dysplasia, bloat, obesity, and ear infections

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Why Is My Saint Bernard Aggressive?

St Bernards are generally not aggressive, and so if an owner is experiencing signs of aggression, chances are there is something that he is going through, like an illness or injury he is keeping from you. 

This is a typical dog quality that he displays by hiding his pain, which is often mistaken for aggression. 

Apart from this, the only other time that this gentle giant is being aggressive is when he is trying to protect his owner. 

What To Do When Your St. Bernard Is Aggressive?

One of the first things one needs to do when a St Bernard is unexpectedly and unusually showing signs of aggression is to plan a visit to a vet who can visit him and get to know what the dog has been going through. 

At the same time, a little training would also be helpful. St Bernards are highly responsive and cooperative and will take the cue with just a little eye contact and verbal comments that tell him what he should and should not do. 

Are Saint Bernards Good Family Dogs?

Despite their size, which could scare a kid, a St. Bernard is one of the best dogs that a family can get, extremely patient around kids and fiercely protective and loyal towards their owners. 

They are well-behaved and exceptionally understanding to the point of treating the kids in the house like their own siblings. 

Are St Bernards Good Guard Dogs?

Gentle they may be, but a St Bernard can also be highly intelligent. They guarded the saint that they were named after, and they will definitely guard the rest of their owners. 

And so, while a St Bernard can be highly patient and well-behaved with a misbehaving kid, he is not going to be the same with an intruding burglar. 

This is a dog that is highly instinctive and can easily spot a person who poses a threat, and in turn, he will do his part to protect his owner and help him deal with it. 

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Are Saint Bernards Good With Cats?

St Bernards are good with everyone except robbers and troublemakers, and this includes cats and other animals too. 

The big St Bernard in the house will pose absolutely no threat or problem with the tiny kitten that comes home, but will rather give him a huge friend to be entertained with. 

The cat may be terrified at first, but it’s only going to be a matter of time before the gentleman dog, with his instincts, will handle the situation till the two become the best of friends.

Wrapping Up

Now you are convinced that they are not aggressive. So, go ahead and get St Bernard that you have been dreaming of adopting without worrying about how they are going to be around you and the kids and the other pets in the house. 

You have a new member in the house that you are sure to love, the kids get a good playmate, and you get a powerful guard dog. 

Frequently Asked Questions