
Saint Bernards are a beloved breed, known for their loyalty, patience, and calm nature. These gentle giants have a reputation for being excellent family dogs, especially for those with young children. While they are not known to be barkers, their size and bark can deter intruders. Saint Bernards are also intelligent and quick learners, making them well-suited for training and socialization. In terms of diet, they have similar needs to other large breeds and are not particularly picky eaters. But do they share the universal love for cheese that is so common among dogs?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Do Saint Bernards like cheese? | Yes, Saint Bernards like cheese. |
| Is cheese toxic to dogs? | No, cheese is not toxic to dogs. |
| Can cheese be used as a training tool? | Yes, cheese can be used as a training tool, especially for puppies. |
| Can cheese be fed to dogs with lactose intolerance? | No, cheese should not be fed to dogs with lactose intolerance. |
| What type of cheese is suitable for dogs? | Low-fat cheeses like mozzarella, cottage cheese, or soft goat cheese are suitable for dogs. |
| What should be avoided when feeding cheese to dogs? | Cheese containing products such as garlic, onions, and chives should be avoided. High-fat cheeses that can lead to obesity and pancreatitis should also be avoided. |
| Are Saint Bernards friendly? | Yes, Saint Bernards are one of the most affectionate and friendly dog breeds. They are calm, patient, and sweet with adults, especially children. |
| Do Saint Bernards bark a lot? | No, Saint Bernards do not bark a lot, but they may bark at strangers due to their protective nature. |
| Are Saint Bernards easy to train? | Saint Bernards are very smart and learn quickly, so they respond well to training. Early training and socialization are crucial for this breed due to their large size and potential for destructive behavior. |
| What is the typical size of a Saint Bernard? | Even a small Saint Bernard will be a large dog. Adult males can reach a height of 28-30 inches and weigh between 140-180 pounds. Females are smaller, with a height of 26-28 inches and a weight range of 120-140 pounds. |
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What You'll Learn

Saint Bernards are easily attracted by cheese
The video, posted on TikTok under the username baby.and.bruce, quickly gained popularity, receiving hundreds of thousands of views and thousands of likes. The owner captioned the video, stating that "cheese was a trigger word" for his dogs. This is further supported by the fact that the dogs appeared out of nowhere as soon as the word "cheese" was uttered.
Cheese is not only a delicious treat for Saint Bernards but also a useful training tool, especially for puppies. While it is not toxic to dogs, it is important to remember that some dogs may be lactose intolerant, so it should be fed in moderation. Additionally, certain types of cheese should be avoided, such as those containing garlic, onions, or chives, as well as high-fat cheeses that can lead to health issues like obesity and pancreatitis.
Saint Bernards, known for their gentle and loyal nature, are easily attracted to cheese, making it a handy reward during training. Their large size and calm temperament make them ideal family companions, especially for those with young children. However, due to their size and strength, early training and socialization are crucial to ensure they grow up to be well-behaved and manageable adults.
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Cheese is a good training tool for Saint Bernards
Saint Bernards are a gentle, loyal, and affectionate breed, known for their calm and patient nature, especially with children. They are highly intelligent and eager to please, making them highly receptive to training. Their size and bark can be a good deterrent to intruders, but they are not instinctively protective. Therefore, training and socialisation from an early age are crucial when caring for a Saint Bernard.
Cheese is a great training tool for Saint Bernards, as it is for many dogs. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), cheese is not only a delicious snack for dogs but also facilitates training, especially for puppies. While it is not toxic to dogs, some may be lactose intolerant, so it should be fed in moderation. The AKC recommends avoiding cheeses with garlic, onions, and chives, as well as those high in fat, as these can lead to obesity and pancreatitis. Low-fat cheeses like mozzarella, cottage cheese, or soft goat cheese are better alternatives.
Saint Bernards respond well to obedience training, which can help them learn to be calm around children and not jump on people. Training can also teach them to listen to commands and follow cues, making them easier to handle despite their size. Their intelligence and willingness to please make them ideal candidates for training, and cheese can be a powerful motivator and reward during these sessions.
In a viral TikTok video, an owner of two Saint Bernards tested his dogs' resolve by hosting a cheese-feast picnic in his living room. The dogs eagerly joined him after hearing the word "cheese," demonstrating their love for this dairy treat. This video showcases how Saint Bernards can be easily motivated by cheese, making it an effective tool for training and a tasty treat for good behaviour.
Overall, cheese can be a valuable asset in the training of Saint Bernards, helping to capture their attention, reinforce positive behaviours, and build a strong bond between owner and dog.
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Cheese is not toxic to Saint Bernards
Saint Bernards are a beloved giant breed, known for their gentle nature and impressive size. They are prone to specific health issues, and owners need to be aware of their nutritional needs to ensure their longevity and well-being. While cheese is not toxic to dogs, it is important to remember that some dogs are lactose intolerant, so it should be fed in moderation.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) notes that cheese is a great treat for dogs and can be used as a training tool, especially for puppies. However, it is important to ensure that the cheese does not contain ingredients that are harmful to dogs, such as garlic, onions, and chives. It is also best to avoid high-fat cheeses, as these can lead to obesity and pancreatitis.
Saint Bernards require a carefully considered diet to maintain their health. A balanced diet that includes high-quality proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals is essential. Their diet should support bone and joint health, maintain muscle mass, and cater to their overall well-being. Given their size, it is crucial to monitor their diet and body condition to ensure they maintain a healthy weight.
Some human foods are safe for Saint Bernards in moderation, such as plain, cooked meats, certain vegetables, and fruits. It is important to avoid foods that are toxic to dogs, including chocolate, grapes, onions, and anything containing xylitol. In addition, some Saint Bernards may benefit from supplements like fish oil, glucosamine, and probiotics, but it is always best to consult a veterinarian before introducing anything new to their diet.
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Saint Bernards are generally calm and patient
Saint Bernards are large dogs that are generally calm, patient, and gentle. They are known for their loyalty, affection, and friendly nature, making them excellent companions for families with children. While they may not be instinctively protective, their size and bark can deter intruders, and they can be trained to be calm and gentle around kids.
Saint Bernards were originally bred as working dogs for Alpine rescues, but today, they are beloved family pets. They are intelligent and eager to please, making them responsive to training. Early socialisation and training are crucial due to their size and strength; a fully grown Saint Bernard can weigh between 120 to 180 pounds. Obedience classes can teach them cues to be calm and well-mannered, such as not jumping on people or counter-surfing for food.
As puppies, Saint Bernards are energetic and playful, but they become calmer as they mature. They have a low prey drive and generally get along well with other animals if socialised from a young age. Their natural abilities in scent work can be further developed through training, making them suitable for tracking events or even search and rescue work.
Saint Bernards are prone to certain health issues, such as hip dysplasia, osteosarcoma (bone cancer), and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). They also have large ear canals and floppy ears, which can make them susceptible to ear infections, especially after swimming. Despite their size, they do not require extensive skin care and only need an occasional bath. Their coat can be medium-length or short, with short coats being easier to maintain.
Overall, Saint Bernards are calm, patient, and gentle giants that make loyal and affectionate companions. With proper training and socialisation, they can be well-mannered and careful around children, living up to their reputation as one of the world's most famous and beloved breeds.
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Saint Bernards are large dogs
Saint Bernards are a breed of very large working dogs from the Western Alps in Italy and Switzerland. They were originally bred for rescue work by the hospice of the Great St. Bernard Pass on the Italian-Swiss border. The breed has become famous through tales of Alpine rescues, as well as for its large size and gentle temperament.
The name "St. Bernard" originates from the Great St. Bernard Hospice, a traveler's hospice on the often treacherous Great St. Bernard Pass in the Western Alps, between Switzerland and Italy. The pass, the lodge, and the dogs are named for Bernard of Menthon, the 11th-century Italian monk who established the station. The modern St. Bernard is much larger in size and build compared to the original dogs kept at the hospice.
Being a large breed, Saint Bernards require ample space inside the house and a large vehicle for travel. They are prone to excessive drooling, especially in hot temperatures, and are not comfortable in warm weather, making air-conditioned living quarters a necessity. They are also prone to various health issues, including gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), a life-threatening condition that may require surgery, as well as eyelid problems and osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer.
Saint Bernards are gentle, loyal, and affectionate, making them excellent companions, especially for children. While generally not instinctively protective, they may bark at strangers, and their size makes them good deterrents against possible intruders. They are intelligent and hard-working, retaining their natural ability for scent work, and with proper training, they can excel in tracking events or even search and rescue missions.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Saint Bernards do like cheese. In fact, a Saint Bernard owner's viral video showed his pets gate-crashing his picnic after he uttered the word "cheese". According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), cheese is not only a delicious snack for dogs but also a great training tool, especially for puppies.
Cheese is not toxic to dogs. However, some dogs are lactose intolerant, so it's best to feed cheese to dogs in moderation. It's also important to avoid feeding them cheese that contains products such as garlic, onions, and chives, or that is high in fat, as this can lead to diseases such as obesity and pancreatitis.
Saint Bernards can eat a variety of human foods, including yogurt, eggs, fish oil, and frozen fruit. They can also have raw or leftover meat, although it's important to ensure they get the right nutrients in their diet.
Saint Bernards are large dogs, but they don't eat as much as other large breeds because they are generally placid dogs. They require less food per pound of body weight than smaller, more active breeds.

























