Saint Bernards are huge and lovable dogs. As members of the working dog group, they were originally bred to help mountain rescues in Switzerland. They are loyal, good-tempered dogs that are wonderful with children and make great pets if you have the space.
However, don’t buy a St. Bernard unless you’re prepared to spend some time and/or money grooming it. Since these dogs originated in the snow and cold of Switzerland, Saint Bernards have a thick, dense coat.
There are varieties of long-haired and short-haired breeds. Grooming is a bit easier for the short-haired type. A bristle brush is a good all-purpose brush for the breed, but the St. Bernard’s coat can also benefit from some specialized brushes.
A slicker brush can be used to remove matting and dead hair, especially during shedding season. Your dog will shed his undercoat twice a year. To stimulate your Saint Bernard’s circulation and remove a maximum amount of loose hair, try brushing the coat in the opposite way to how it lays naturally.
Brushing your Saint Bernard every day is key to controlling shedding and keeping your dog clean. The process, once mastered, should only take about 5 minutes a day.
Bathing your Saint Bernard can be a daunting task. Unlike other smaller breeds, Saint Bernards should be bathed outdoors or in a large bathtub. Use a hot water hose and gently soak your dog’s fur. Once the coat is completely wet, wash your dog with a mild pet shampoo.
You want to avoid wearing anything too harsh, no matter how dirty your dog gets. A mild shampoo will not remove the natural oils from your dog’s coat. It is recommended to wash and rinse your Saint Bernard with shampoo at least twice.
Rinse well to avoid residue on the dog’s undercoat. You can dry your dog dry and damp with towels and, depending on the season, let the dog air dry or blow-dry the coat.
Many Saint Bernard owners use special varieties of shampoo to help lighten the white part of the dog’s coat. The white parts of the fur can be stained with dirt from other debris. These products can be added to regular shampoo or used in place of regular dog shampoo. Certain varieties of bleaching shampoo should be left on the coat for five to ten minutes before rinsing.
If you want to soften your Saint Bernard’s coat, you can use a small amount of human conditioner. As a final step, you can use a flea rinse. Flea rinses generally protect your dog for 10 to 14 days after use.
Be very careful when administering the flea rinse. Read all instructions carefully and dilute product properly. Avoid your dog’s eyes when applying the rinse.
St. Bernards are prone to weeping eyes, which can cause blotchy faces. There are special products available like “Diamond Eyes” that can gently remove these spots. Between treatments, you can gently wipe off any residue with a washcloth.