The Saint Bernard originated in the mountains of Switzerland and was developed by monks in local monasteries. It was used for tasks such as hauling goods, rescue work, and guiding travelers. Because of its gentle temper and steady personality, the Saint Bernard is also an excellent family dog. Although this breed is not especially high in intelligence ranking, it is not very difficult to train because it is very obedient.
Saint Bernard Intelligence
The Saint Bernard was created by Swiss monks through mastiff-type crosses. Mastiff breeds are generally not known for especially high intelligence, and the Saint Bernard is no exception. Among more than one hundred dog breeds, the Saint Bernard ranks around 65th in intelligence, which puts it on the lower side. Even so, because it is a large breed with a stable temperament, it does not usually behave recklessly just because it is less clever. Owners often feel a strong sense of security around Saint Bernards. Their honest expression, polite manners, and friendly attitude have gradually made them popular around the world.
Is the Saint Bernard Easy to Train?
Although the Saint Bernard is not highly ranked in intelligence and has a very large body, it is still considered a relatively easy dog to train. It has an open and friendly personality, is extremely loyal to its owner, and usually treats people in a calm and fair way. As long as the owner masters the right training methods and starts during puppyhood, an adult Saint Bernard can grow into a sensible, steady, and well-behaved companion. The one thing to remember is that, because the breed is not especially quick at learning commands, training cues often need to be repeated many times. Patience is essential throughout the process.
The Saint Bernard is a sweet, gentle, and somewhat clumsy-looking dog that can make an excellent family companion. It is especially patient with children. However, its huge body means it needs a large amount of living and activity space. Ideally, you should have a detached house with a yard so the dog can live comfortably. In a small urban home, raising a Saint Bernard is not easy.