Why St. Bernards Make Great Family Dogs

If you’ve ever looked at a St. Bernard and thought, “That dog is basically a small horse with a face,” you’re not exactly wrong! These giant, lovable dogs are famous for their enormous size, sweet expressions, and gentle personalities. They may look like they could rescue someone from a snowy mountain, but at home, they’re often more interested in rescuing the last spot on the couch.

St. Bernards can make wonderful family dogs when they’re properly trained, socialized, and cared for. They bring loyalty, affection, and enough fur and drool to make you question whether you adopted a dog or opened a very furry daycare.

1. They’re Gentle Giants

St. Bernards have earned their reputation as gentle giants. They are often calm, affectionate, and patient with their families. Their size can be intimidating, but underneath all that fluff is usually a dog who just wants love, attention, and possibly whatever you’re eating.

Of course, because they are so large, young children should always be supervised around them. A St. Bernard may not mean to knock anyone over, but when you weigh as much as a grown adult and have a tail that doubles as a windshield wiper, accidents can happen!

2. They Absolutely Love Their Families

St. Bernards tend to enjoy being around their people. If you move from the living room to the kitchen, don’t be surprised if your giant shadow follows you.

Need privacy? Too bad.

Want to sit alone? Not anymore.

Trying to cook dinner? Prepare for a furry supervisor who has suddenly become extremely interested in everything happening on the kitchen counter.

Their affectionate nature makes them wonderful companions for families who want a dog that enjoys being part of the action.

3. They Can Be Wonderful With Kids

With proper training and socialization, St. Bernards can be great companions for children. Their generally patient and easygoing personalities can work well in a family environment.

Children should still be taught how to interact respectfully with dogs. No pulling ears, climbing on the dog, or using him as a living beanbag chair.

And remember: your St. Bernard may be gentle, but he is still enormous. One enthusiastic “HELLO!” can turn into an accidental game of human bowling.

4. They Enjoy Exercise—But They Aren’t Fitness Influencers

St. Bernards need regular exercise, but they typically don’t need to run a marathon every morning. Daily walks, playtime, and opportunities to explore can help keep them healthy and happy.

They also need to be protected from excessive heat because their thick coats and giant bodies can make hot weather uncomfortable.

Basically, your St. Bernard may be thinking, “Let’s take a nice leisurely walk.”

Meanwhile, your Labrador is thinking, “LET’S RUN TO THE NEXT COUNTY!”

The St. Bernard has the right idea.

5. They Can Be Protective

St. Bernards can have a natural protective instinct toward their families. And honestly, when you have a dog that looks like it could bench-press your refrigerator, you probably don’t need a fancy security system.

Their enormous size and deep bark can certainly make an impression. However, many St. Bernards are friendly and social rather than aggressive. Proper training and socialization are important so they learn how to behave around visitors, other animals, and new situations.

6. They Have BIG Personalities

One of the most entertaining things about owning a St. Bernard is watching a giant dog attempt to behave like a tiny lap dog.

They may try to squeeze onto your lap despite weighing more than some teenagers. They may casually walk through the house and somehow manage to block every doorway. And then there’s the drool.

Oh, the drool.

St. Bernard owners quickly learn that a towel is not just a household item—it’s a lifestyle.

7. They’re Loyal and Loving

At the end of the day, one of the biggest reasons St. Bernards make great family dogs is their loyalty. They can form strong bonds with their families and love spending time with the people they trust.

They may be giant, messy, furry, and occasionally convinced that your entire couch belongs to them, but their affectionate personalities can make all that chaos worthwhile.

Is a St. Bernard Right for Your Family?

St. Bernards can be fantastic family dogs for households prepared for the responsibilities that come with owning a giant breed. They need proper training, socialization, exercise, grooming, nutritious food, and plenty of love.

You’ll also need to be prepared for shedding, drooling, big vet bills, and the fact that your dog may take up approximately 87% of the couch while somehow leaving you six inches of seating space.

But if your family has room in your home—and in your heart—for a giant, goofy, affectionate companion, a St. Bernard could be a wonderful addition.

After all, life is better with a big dog, a bigger heart, and a whole lot of drool!