--- title: "Saint Bernard Fun and Interesting Facts – Part 1" id: "75838" type: "post" slug: "saint-bernard-fun-and-interesting-facts-part-1" published_at: "2018-08-09T16:13:37+00:00" modified_at: "2026-11-02T04:55:59+00:00" url: "https://xopupsva.com/saint-bernard-fun-and-interesting-facts-part-1/" markdown_url: "https://xopupsva.com/saint-bernard-fun-and-interesting-facts-part-1.md" excerpt: "Saint Bernards are giant, muscular, and strong dogs! Like any other large breed dog, Saint Bernard puppies start out cute and cuddly and grow to somewhat massive sizes and heights! […]" taxonomy_category: - "Uncategorized" --- ## **Saint Bernards are giant, muscular, and strong dogs!** Like any other large breed dog, Saint Bernard puppies start out cute and cuddly and grow to somewhat massive sizes and heights! Our Saint Bernard puppies are gentle, friendly, and great with children. Saint Bernard owners rave about their sweet temperaments and eagerness to please. In a three-part series, we’ve gathered 15 facts about Saint Bernards! - The Saint Bernard originated in the Alpine region of Switzerland, which is where they gained their well-earned notoriety as search and rescue dogs. - Saint Bernard puppies got their names from the Great St. Bernard Hospice in the western Alps. Specifically, they were named after Saint Bernard de Menthon, the patron saint of mountaineers. The farmers gave monks at the hospice dogs for protection. They soon began to realize their exceptional sense of smell and started using them for rescue work. - Saint Bernards would often travel in pairs of two. If someone were stranded, one would wait with the stranded while the other would return to the monks for help. - The breed was almost wiped out after several avalanches killed most of the breed. Consequently, the monks started crossing Saint Bernard puppies with Newfoundlands. - Like any other breed, Saints have specifically associated ailments. They are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, eczema, heart problems, and seizures. - There is a town in Ohio called St. Bernard. - The Saint’s coat is a beautiful mix of various shades of white, red, tan, mahogany, black, and brindle. - Saint Bernard puppies weigh an average of 1.5 pounds at birth! - These big babies grow for a long time because they don’t reach maturity for 3 years! - Saint Bernards range in height from 25 to 30 inches at the shoulder. - Saints are working dogs and are commonly used for cart pulling, agility, weight pulling, and their excellent nose work. - Buck from Jack London’s Call of the Wild was a Saint Bernard mix. - Many large breed dogs, including Saint Bernard puppies, faced extinction after WWII. - Saint Bernard dogs are thought to be descendants of Molosser dogs which were brought to Europe by the ancient Romans. - Saint Bernard puppies start (and don’t stop) drooling early in their lives! Drooling is part of the Saint Bernard puppy package! Because of their drooling, they drink a lot of water, so keep fresh water accessible for them at all times. ## Related reading A Blog Called Pup ### [Your Puppy’s Official Thanksgiving Job Description](https://xopupsva.com/puppy-thanksgiving-job-description/) November 1, 2026 · 4 min read Qualifications: Four paws, an excellent nose, and absolutely no respect for the organizational chart. Thanksgiving is a lot of work. There's cooking, decorating, cleaning, setting the… Read article Petcare ### [New Puppy Resources in Chantilly, VA: Where Should Families Start?](https://xopupsva.com/new-puppy-resources-chantilly-va/) November 1, 2026 · 7 min read Quick Answer: Puppy Resources in Chantilly, VA Good puppy resources in Chantilly, VA are easy to find. Families welcoming a new puppy here have access to… Read article A Blog Called Pup ### [Which Halloween Trope Is Your Puppy? 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My husband and I came in to visit to look at the puppies and options they have. They gave us a good amount of time to get to know a puppy, but we had another puppy in mind too. They did a great job with handling customers. The staff quickly wanted to know the purpose and how serious we were on buying before they gave out a second puppy, which I understand. However, we were interested but this also turned us off. The puppies were individually confined which is not great environmentally and socially for them. (My opinion, but to each their own.) Otherwise, it was not bad of an experience. I will come back. Just things to consider. We will keep them in mind for a specific breed only. Posted on Google Zahra Safavian Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had a great experience at XO with our first dog so it was a no-brainer to return when we were looking to add another puppy to our family. We had an equally great experience the second time around, and happy to find another perfect match. Posted on Google Rose Fitzmorris Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Rene was super informative and helpful throughout the experience! My family and I are so excited to bring home our girl ☺️ Posted on Google Luis Torrealba Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Got my German shepherd puppy from here for a reasonable price, the process was reallly simple and fast they even threw in some complimentary items for the dog as a gift would recommend xo pups! Posted on Google shahyad Shawn lotfalian Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Lovely place and best customer i visit this store the girl it was helpful and friendly but I forgot her name i sorry she help me to visit pomeranian puppy I will recommend this store to everyone and I'm going back to pick up pomeranian Posted on Google se jung son Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Rene he is awesome ~ Posted on Google Madison Nelson Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Drove up from Norfolk to see a puppy and we’re taking him home the same day, super friendly staff and quick process! Verified by Trustindex Trustindex verified that these reviews were published on XO PUPS's Google Business Profile. Learn more ```