The Saint Bernard is a real family favorite. Some of the most memorable movies of our childhood have Saint Bernards excelling at varying lifestyles. It’s quite common to see the classic tricolor Saint Bernard.
It’s probably the first image that comes to your mind when you think of one. But you might not know that there are seven different coat colors to choose from when selecting your Saint Bernard, with variations in between. All are equally cute, but you’ll likely have your preferences.
The 7 St. Bernard Colors
1. Orange and White
Orange and white is a prevalent Saint Bernard coat color. The coat has more orange than white, and the orange base comes from a pigment called pheomelanin. Because this is the same pigment responsible for creating red, cream, gold, tan, and yellowish shades, they display similarly.
2. White and Orange
The white and orange St. Bernard has more white coloring than orange, and looks an awful lot like the white and red and white and brown St. Bernard. However, the orange color is a little lighter, especially in the sun.
3. White and Brown
White and brown might look the most classic to you. These particular Saint Bernards have very distinguished markings that make them instantly recognizable to onlookers. This Saint Bernard has a coat that can vary between chocolate and beige. They have classic black masks and noticeable dark shading around the ears.
The coat can also be brown and white, giving more emphasis on the brown, with smaller portions of white coloring.
4. Rust and White
Rust and white St. Bernards have yet another red-toned fur type that the breed is so notorious for. This coat type can easily be confused for red and white or mahogany and white. However, it carries more of a golden hue than some of the others.
5. Red and White
The red and white color in Saint Bernard can easily be confused with some of the other shades. However, it carries a much deeper reddish orange than some others.
There are also white and red Saint Bernard coat colors. These have a wider area of the white body and a smaller portion that is red.
6. Mahogany and White
The mahogany and white St. Bernard is absolutely beautiful. They have a very deep, rich reddish brown coat with white markings. They sport the classic black mask and shading, giving way to the defined coat.
7. Brindle Grizzle
The brindle grizzle coat on the Saint Bernard is simply stunning. The brindle design has very bold, jagged lines, almost resembling a tiger. The combination of tones in this coat is exquisite. The term grizzle explains that there is no discernible pattern in the makeup. Therefore, the coat has a free flow of different shades that blend beautifully.
About the St. Bernard Breed
Do you love the look of the Saint Bernard but need to learn more about the breed? Here are a few things you should know about this amazing large breed in your family. There are plenty of other coat colors that fall outside of these categories listed above. However, those are the only recognized colors according to the AKC.
Origin
The Saint Bernard is a European breed stemming from the western Alps in Italy and Switzerland. The name “Saint Bernard’ comes from the Great St. Bernard Hospice on the very treacherous Great St. Bernard Pass in the Western Alps.
Initially, these dogs were designed to provide rescue work. The St. Bernard-named things in this region stem from the 11th-century Italian monk named Bernard of Menthon.
Personality
We’ve seen the Saint Bernard in plenty of feature films, including polar opposites like Cujo and Beethoven. So, which is more accurate? Is this breed more similar to a vicious killing machine or a lovable family companion?
Naturally, these dogs are some of the most affectionate, adorable, gentle giants. They tend to have a very exuberant personality while they’re puppies, and they generally calm down as they age.
These dogs are very large and can really create a ruckus when they get excited. Keep in mind that even though these dogs make excellent additions to many families, they can certainly knock down a small child with minimal force.
And sometimes, it’s tough for these big groups to know their size. Also, they might be difficult to manage for older adults or people with disabilities. We recommend the Saint Bernard for children aged 6 years and older.
Diet
Your Saint Bernard is a sizable guy or gal. They will need a diet to keep up with that fast metabolism. These athletic dogs require a high protein, nutrient-rich diet that supports the joints. You can select an adult dog food that contains essential ingredients like glucosamine and chondroitin.
If the recipe you’re feeding your Saint Bernard does not contain these nutrients, it’s always a good idea to try to give them a supplement. Glucosamine and chondroitin play a significant role in strengthening the joint and bone cartilage and connective tissue.
You can feed your Saint Bernard commercial dog food like dry kibble or wet canned food. You can also feed them fresh food diets. Ultimately, the dietary choice will be up to you alongside your veterinarian.
Feeding your Saint Bernard solely wet or fresh food can get pricey quickly, as these guys eat a lot! Many folks are starting to mix dry kibble in with wet or fresh food to stretch the dollar and provide a beneficial spectrum of nutrients.
Grooming
Saint Bernards have long, thick coats that require routine grooming. They have thick, double coats that shed profusely year-round. You won’t want to miss any brushing sessions with this beast.
However, this dog also experiences seasonal blowouts where they lose a bulk of hair and a short amount of time as seasons change. While routine brushing and general housekeeping can take care of most of the shed, it can be a little taxing to deal with from time to time.
If you’re looking for a dog with low grooming needs, this is certainly not the right breed for you. You must get a combination of grooming tools like slicker brushes, deshedding tools, and glove brushes for bath time.
Health
Saint Bernards are predisposed to certain genetic health conditions in the breed. Many of them can be easily managed or even remedied if they are caught early enough. We can’t stress enough the importance of prompt veterinary care.
During your Saint Bernard’s first year of life, they will get to know their vet quite well. They will be in for routine checkups to monitor growth, receive vaccinations, scheduled for spay or neuter, and be given parasite preventatives.
Afterward, your Saint Bernard will visit the vet annually, permitting there are no other issues that arise to increase the number of visits.
- Bloat
- Hip dysplasia
- Osteosarcoma
- Lymphoma
- Cervical Vertebral Instability
- Entropion
Vet bills can be expensive! That is why buying from a reputable breeder is so important. You can knock out a lot of genetic health issues to save money and ensure a healthy pet. However, specific issues crop up whether we expect them or not.
Many folks are finding comfort these days in purchasing pet insurance policies for their pets – if that isn’t a tongue-twister! These insurance policies cover costly vet care for unexpected expenses. While only some pet parents will find value in insurance, it can really alleviate a lot of financial burden associated with vetting.
Potential Downfalls
Even though Saint Bernards are a fantastic breed with so much love to give, there will naturally be things that most people don’t like. Some folks might find these issues manageable, while they’ll be deal breakers for others.
Drooling
Drooling is an inevitable part of owning a Saint Bernard. There’s nothing you can do to avoid it. If you are the kind of person who wants to avoid drawing on furniture and fabrics, there are better choices of dog breeds to welcome home.
Flatulence
The Saint Bernard is one breed that’s very prone to flatulence. So if sharing your space with a stinky boy or girl doesn’t strike your fancy, you might want to think twice about getting a Saint Bernard.
Shedding
Shedding is one of the unavoidable parts of owning a Saint Bernard. You can minimize shedding by maintaining good grooming habits and regularly cleaning your home.
However, these thick double quotes will shed profusely year-round. It is especially bad in the spring and summer months. So, if you were looking for a dog that doesn’t shed quite as often, the Saint Bernard may not be for you.
Large Size
The size of your Saint Bernard is probably no surprise. However, it really limits the living situation. Many Saint Bernards are too big to meet the weight requirements for many apartment complexes. Plus, small spaces will likely not be sufficient for your energetic Saint Bernard. There’s just not enough room to run and play, and it’s easy to knock things over when you’re so big and clumsy on your feet.
Also, their size and energy levels might not be the best fit for families with small children, older adults, or folks with disabilities.
Purchasing
If you choose to purchase a puppy from a breeder, make sure to do your homework. You should always choose a breeder that has a history of ethical practices and quality litters. Stay away from pet shops and backyard breeders where you can.
If you wind up purchasing the formal leader, you can expect to spend between $800 and $2,000. Prices can be slightly higher or lower depending on puppy quality, breeder rates, and your area.
Often, for purebred dogs, owners are required to sign puppy contracts and put down deposits. The deposit secures the puppy you choose, while the puppy contracts protect the dogs. If you cannot care for the puppy in the future, breeders will take the dog back to prevent homelessness.
Since Saint Bernards are so common, finding one of these beauties at a rescue or shelter is not a far stretch. You could give a dog a second chance at life, and all of the vetting and such has been taken care of. Generally, adopting a Saint Bernard from a shelter costs between $150 to $300.
Conclusion
So now you’ve gotten to see all of the colors of the Saint Bernard breed. There’s probably a greater spectrum than what you’ve realized if you didn’t know much about the breed.
If you are interested in buying one of these beautiful dogs, always purchase from a reputable breeder with a history of healthy bloodlines. And, these dogs are so common, you can even find them at rescues and shelters.
Featured Image Credit: Rita_Kochmarjova, Shutterstock
