I can sympathize with you, as it might appear that your Saint Bernard is getting larger by the day, with no signs of stopping. But just when do Saint Bernards stop growing?

The average Saint Bernard should stop growing when they reach two years old. By this point in their development, growth should finally stop when they reach their adult height and weight. But some will continue adding muscle and height until they turn three years old.

In short, Saint Bernards stop growing when they hit two or three years. But don’t be surprised if your Saint Bernard’s growth journey takes longer.

When do female Saint Bernards stop growing?

Female Saint Bernards can also stop growing at the age of two, sometimes up to three years old. The average female Saint Bernard will grow to be 120 to 140 pounds (54 to 63 kg) with a height of 26 to 28 inches.

Keep scrolling as I run you through what a typical Saint Bernards’ growth timeline looks like, so you’d know what to expect as your puppy develops. I’ll also cover useful tips you should consider if you want your lovely pup to grow healthy.

Saint Bernard growth stages

Anyone who’s a huge fan of Saint Bernards or raising an adorable saint puppy will tell you how fascinated they are by this dog breed’s size and the growth stages they go through. And the cherry on the cake is that their affectionate attitude is as big as their massive size.

It’s no surprise that Saint Bernards are often described as gentle giants. They for sure live up to this title!

This unique size is also what makes Saint Bernard puppies stand out from other pups. When compared to puppies from other breeds, Bernie puppies often look like mini-giants — with a charming personality, of course.

Perhaps that’s why many new Saint Bernard puppy parents are always eager to know just how big their “already big” pup will get, and at what point a Saint Bernard will stop growing.

Saint Bernards stop growing when they turn two (24 months). But it’s not uncommon for some to keep growing until they finally hit the three-year mark.

In most cases, though, it’s the male Saint Bernards that continue putting on muscle even after attaining two years of age. Therefore, males are bigger than female Saint Bernards.

You might have heard the myth that Saint Bernards grow for as long as they live. Now you know that’s a fat lie. This breed completes all their physical growth by the time they reach their second or third year of life.

Saint Bernards grow fast in stages, which is the trend with almost all the best-known large breeds. A Saint Bernard is expected to have a certain weight at a certain age as it transitions from a pup to an adult dog.

Here’s what an average Saint Bernard’s growth stages and cycle looks like:

Bear in mind that these Saint Bernard growth stages are simply estimates. No need to freak out if your lovely dog’s weight falls slightly below these projections.

It’s perfectly normal for some Saint Bernards to lag behind a bit in terms of weight. What matters most is them being in good health.

How much do Saint Bernards weigh?

However, if there’s an alarming difference in your dog’s weight — for instance, their weight when 8 months old (as a male) stands at 80 pounds and not anywhere between 100-120 pounds as estimated, consider speaking to your vet.

When a Saint Bernard turns two, they’ll have reached their adult size as follows:

How to predict how big a Saint Bernard will get

At times, curiosity gets the best of us, and you’d want a rough idea of how big your Saint Bernard puppy can grow.

The best way to satisfy your curiosity is by getting the relevant info from your breeder. You can ask them about your pup’s parents’ sizes, particularly their same-gender parent.

In other words, if your Saint Bernard puppy is male, pay attention to their dad’s size. There’s a high chance they’ll attain a similar size as their father’s size and growth stages.

Genetics is by far the almost-accurate indicator of what size a Saint Bernard will be.

So, if your dog doesn’t end up as enormous as you hoped they’d look, yet your vet confirmed they were healthy with each age milestone, blame it on their genes!

Saint Bernard growth calculators

If you’ve adopted your Saint Bernard puppy and have no clue about their family tree, you’ll simply have to be patient and watch them grow. There really is no such thing as a Saint Bernard growth calculator… I wish! If there was it would make predicting their growth a lot easier.

It’s best if you keep in touch with your vet so they can help you know if your pup is growing at the correct pace and that their weight suits their height.

Another way you can tell your Saint Bernard isn’t done growing is a rather awkward one — looking at the size of their paws.

If you notice your saint has oversized paws that give off the “ insanely big paws, small body” sort-of vibe, that’s a sign that you should brace yourself for more growth.

How to help your Saint Bernard grow big and healthy

If you’ve decided to bring home a Saint Bernard to be your cherished furry companion, there are a few things you can do to help them grow in a healthy manner.

Let’s look at what you can do to set your St. Bernard on the path to a healthy future:

Put them on a nutritious diet (and be mindful of their feeding)

Providing your St. Bernard with proper nutrition is a sure bet they’ll grow to their full potential.

Settle for pup food specially formulated for large breeds like the Saint. Your vet can guide you on this — consult them if you don’t want an undersized adult Saint Bernie.

And when it comes to giant breeds, portion control is everything. The worst mistake you can make is free-feeding your Saint Bernard.

You see, Saint Bernards grow so rapidly such that their bones don’t get enough time to fully develop in strength (not until their growth period ends). So, when your puppy overeats, the extra weight will put more strain on the already strained joints and bones.

As a result, they’ll develop musculoskeletal issues at a tender age. Since any illness affects a dog’s overall appetite, a musculoskeletal condition will compromise your Bernie’s physical growth.

Even when training your young Saint Bernard who is still growing, it’s best to avoid rewarding them with high-fat treats.

Still on feeding, let your Saint pup grow at their natural rate. Don’t try to hasten their growth by overfeeding them.

Avoid over-exercising (and let them rest often)

Because of how vulnerable a Saint Bernard’s joints and bones are, you should go easy with the exercises when your pup is below two years.

Strenuous activities will lead to injury and musculoskeletal problems, affecting their growth.

But this doesn’t mean you should steer clear of physical exercises. Inadequate exercises will also bring issues because this breed needs physical activity to enjoy proper muscle development.

Light (but frequent) exercising is key.

Regular vet visits

Seeing the vet often is highly recommended so they can constantly physically monitor your Saint Bernard’s growth progress and advise you accordingly.

Moreover, sickness can take a toll on your dog’s appetite and eventually growth, so you should ensure your pup doesn’t miss any vaccinations (to avoid things like parvo).

Related questions on Saint Bernard growth stages

How big will my Saint Bernard get?

Truth is, there’s no clear–cut answer to this, as your Saint Bernard’s size will depend on crucial factors such as genetics and their nutrition as they grow.

But generally, a healthy male Saint Bernard can reach 140-180 pounds as an adult, while a healthy female can reach 120 to 140 pounds.

How big is a 7-month-old Saint Bernard?

On average, a 7-month-old Saint Bernard weighs between 90 and 110 pounds, while a female one should weigh between 75 and 100 pounds.

How much should a 6 month old Saint Bernard eat?

It’s best if you speak to your vet so they can advise you on the right amount for your 6-month-old Saint Bernard.

Conclusion

Owning this breed should not be taken lightly (no pun intended) as a Saint Bernard will grow to be very big, and it might be three years before they stop growing completely.

It’s a big financial commitment, but will also mean you need a big space, for a big dog.

You might also like…

• Are Saint Bernards a protective breed for families?

Image in header via https://pixabay.com/photos/animal-dog-mammal-canine-pet-6781351/

The post When Do Saint Bernards Stop Growing? (Growth Stages) appeared first on DoggySaurus.

Are Saint Bernards good guard dogs? Yes, Saint Bernards do make good guard dogs and can be very protective due to their inherent traits and characteristics. This breed is intelligent, strong, vigilant, and extremely loyal to their family, all of which help make a good guard dog.

In short, the Saint Bernard breed has what it takes if you’re looking for the perfect canine companion that can also double up as an amazing guard dog.

But just what is about the Saint Bernard that makes him so protective and guarding of his human family and home? What are the specific qualities that can make trespassers think twice about stepping foot on your property?

Below let me explain why settling for a Bernie to be your all-time defender would be a great choice as a guard dog.

Why Saint Bernards make good guard dogs

If you ask lovers of the Bernie why they adore this dog breed, I’m pretty sure you’d be met with responses like, “what’s not to adore about a huge teddy bear trapped in a dog’s body?!”

I guess that’s what many of us think of when a Saint Bernard crosses our path.

And if there are three words that can perfectly describe this unfailingly loveable dog breed; “a gentle giant” would sum everything up.

It’s true, though.

Anyone who knows the Saint Bernard will tell you that behind that enormous body is an easy-going soul – which is why Saint Bernards blend easily with their family (both adults and children) and other household pets.

The best part is, the Saint Bernard can be your go-to dog breed if you’re looking for a family dog that will also buff up security in your home as a guard dog. This sweet and cuddly dog has the potential to make an intruder consider finding the next Bernie-unguarded home to loot, not yours.

Without further ado, let’s see why Saint Bernards are protective and so perfectly fits the role of a guard dog.

1. Saint Bernards are protective and strong

The most well-known guard dogs are often well-muscled and have giant-like appearances. Saint Bernards have a powerful look that can intimidate even the most brazen-faced intruders.

And it makes sense why Saint Bernards are considered a protective breed that can help to guard your home effectively.

Put it this way: on average, a full-grown male Bernie will weigh anywhere between 120 pounds and 180 pounds, but it isn’t uncommon for an adult male to surpass 200 pounds!

Also, a Saint Bernard’s height ranges anywhere from 28 inches to 30 inches. Their weight is usually proportional to their height, giving this dog breed a towering stature that can deter anyone planning on carrying out any funny business on your property.

Now just imagine how an intruder might feel when faced with this dog.

Saint Bernards earn the “powerful” reputation without trying too hard. You can trust this big guy to scare away anyone who wants to get away with your stuff

2. They are intelligent

You can’t mention a Saint Bernard being a good guard dog without intelligence being a factor. A guard dog must be smart enough to quickly differentiate a familiar face from a potential threat and spring into action if need be.

And that’s what a protective Saint Bernard will do.

Saint Bernards are intelligent enough to assess a potentially dangerous person on your property and raise the alarm by barking. At the same time, they can decipher situations that simply require them to maintain their cool.

Though not typically aggressive, an intruder who doesn’t heed the Bernie’s warning can face this dog’s full wrath — You’ll for a moment forget their calm demeanor exists.

Since Saint Bernards are impressively strong, pinning down a home breaker is something they’ll do with great ease. That’s for sure. See how this Bernie saved the day by giving a burglar a taste of his medicine.

3. Their trainability is unmatched

The best guard dogs must be quick and willing to learn new attack commands and tricks. And that’s the good thing about Saint Bernards being guard dogs.

Saint Bernards are highly trainable and protective. This has got to do with how smart they are, and because they are often so eager to impress their master.

If a dog that obeys your commands helps to make a good guard dog, then the Saint Bernard fits the bill as he will always attentively listen to you. Lucky for you, it will be easier to take them through advanced commands used for guard dog training.

Sometimes I think that “Your wish is my command!” is the Bernies’ life motto. They never think twice about doing whatever their handler asks them to.

This is what any potential guard dog owner would want. And because Saint Bernards make training super easy, it will be to your advantage if you have a young Bernie you’d like to mold into a badass guard dog to protect your home.

Keep in mind, though, that this breed can be lazy. They might therefore need a push when it’s training o’clock. Using motivational training (giving special treats and heaping praises) always does the trick!

4. Saint Bernards are deeply loyal

Believe me when I say that when Bernies love, they love for real. That’s why they are incredibly devoted to protecting those they cherish to bits.

This is why owners always say how Saint Bernards are a protective dog breed. It’s true.

And that’s good because any good guard dog should be fiercely loyal to their owner, such that they’d be willing to put their life on the line for their human best friend.

This is the type of loyalty you’ll find in a Saint Bernard when they serve as your guard dog. They don’t joke when it comes to family guardianship.

And let’s also not forget how deep a Bernie’s bark and growl are. The St. Bernard is among those dog breeds that don’t bark unnecessarily.

Unlike some dogs that treat barking as a hobby, you won’t expect a Saint Bernard to bark and growl non-stop when looking at their shadow or at every harmless bird flying and hitting your window.

So, when the Bernie lets out their loud, deep bark non-stop, you’ll know they’re trying to alert you about something more important than their shadow or birds — intruders!

5. They are extra vigilant

The Saint Bernard will keep an eye on your property like a hawk. They are often attentive to what’s happening in their surroundings, which is one of the admired qualities of awesome guard dogs.

You can count on the Bernie to alert you if they notice anything odd going on in your home. Perhaps this high level of alertness is the reason Saint Bernards were used as rescue dogs in the past to help find lost travelers in snowy mountains.

The fact that Saint Bernard made rescue operations back in the day more successful means they’ve got a certain level of vigilance that many dogs don’t have.

6. Saint Bernards are courageous

The Saint Bernard became famous when they took part in tough rescue missions. To this date, Bernies are exceptionally courageous. Their fearless attitude is praiseworthy.

You won’t catch a Saint Bernard running away from an intruder just because the bad guy is holding a big stick. That’s how guard dogs should be —  brave enough to face a burglar head-on.

Related questions

Are Saint Bernards protective?

Yes, that’s correct. Saint Bernards have strong protective instincts because they are incredibly loyal to their human family. You can count on them to protect you in case of anything.

Can Saint Bernards be vicious?

Saint Bernards aren’t vicious despite their massive size. On the contrary, they are among the famous (and heavy) dog breeds with a calm demeanor. They rarely show any form of aggression.

Are Saint Bernards the strongest dogs?

The short answer is no. Saint Bernards are one of the strongest dogs alive, no doubt. However, they don’t take the number one spot as the strongest dog breed.

Are Saint Bernards good family dogs?

Yes, that’s correct. The saints are well-known for being among the perfect family dog breeds. They get along with children and other pets in the house because of their friendly nature.

Conclusion

You can’t think of the Saint Bernard without obsessing over its gorgeous white and orange-ish fur coat, drooping cheeks, and of course, its gigantic size. But can this popular dog breed make a great guard dog?

The evidence would suggest that, yes, Saint Bernards do make great guard dogs, and Saint Bernards are protective towards their owners.

What’s not to love?

You might also like…

• When you can expect your Saint Bernard to stop growing

Image in header via https://pixabay.com/photos/saint-bernard-dog-animals-pet-1040957/

The post Are Saint Bernards Good Guard Dogs (+ Protective)? appeared first on DoggySaurus.