If you’ve ever seen the fluffy, friendly-looking St. Bernards in movies or on TV, you’d probably never expect them to have a powerful bite. But don’t let their gentle, drooling appearance fool you – St. Bernards are big dogs with a sizable bite force when provoked.
In short, an adult St. Bernard’s bite force PSI ranges from 200 to 450 PSI. For comparison, humans have a bite force PSI of around 150. So a St. Bernard’s bite is over twice as strong as a person’s!
In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at the St. Bernard breed, their origins, size, temperament, bite statistics, and how their psi compares to other dogs. We’ll also provide tips on how to prevent Saint Bernard bites and stay safe around these giants.
Origins and History of the St. Bernard Breed
Developed in Switzerland
The gentle and powerful St. Bernard breed originated in the Swiss and Italian Alps near the Great St. Bernard Pass, a treacherous route connecting Switzerland and Italy. For centuries, the local monks dedicated themselves to providing refuge, care and rescue for weary travelers crossing the frigid mountains.
To aid in their humanitarian efforts, the monks began breeding dogs adept at navigating the deep snows and difficult terrain. These early dogs likely descended from native Swiss mountain dogs and mastiffs brought to the region by invading Romans.
Through selective breeding, the St. Bernard was steadily developed into the massive yet docile breed we know today.
Bred as Mountain Rescue Dogs
The lifesaving purpose of the St. Bernard became cemented by the early 1700s, as the monks established one of the first organized rescue operations at the Great St. Bernard Hospice. Roaming the pass and sheltering at the hospice, the burly dogs were perfectly equipped to track lost travelers, dig them out of avalanches and keep them warm until help arrived.
Their superior sense of smell allowed them to find buried victims, and their immense size, strength and fur coats enabled them to break trails through the snow, fetch provisions and provide warmth and comfort.
According to legend, some of the dogs even learned to gently revive hypothermic people by licking their faces. The courageous canines are credited with saving over 2,000 lives!
Named After St. Bernard Hospice
By the early 1800s, kennels were breeding the dogs specifically for alpine rescue work, and their reputation spread far beyond Switzerland. As their name suggests, St. Bernards gained their moniker from the hospice and pass where they served so heroically for centuries.
Their numbers dwindled with the advent of modern transportation through the Alps, but devotees preserved the breed. St. Bernards remain symbols of strength, endurance and lovingkindness to this day. While no longer used for mountain rescues, they still make wonderful working and companion dogs known for their mild temperament and protective nature.
These gentle giants once saved countless lives among the Alpine snows and will forever stand as one of the most celebrated breeds in canine history.
Size and Weight of St. Bernards
Large and Sturdy Frame
Saint Bernards are known for their massive size and sturdy frame. Originating in the Swiss and Italian Alps as rescue dogs, Saint Bernards have been bred to withstand cold temperatures and trek through deep snow to save lost travelers.
Their large size and strength allows them to plow through snowdrifts and avalanches.
An average adult male Saint Bernard stands between 28-30 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs between 140-180 pounds. Females are usually between 26-28 inches tall and weigh between 120-140 pounds. Saint Bernards have a muscular, broad-chested build with a thick double coat of fur.
Their heads are large and broad with a friendly, mild expression.
The Saint Bernard’s sheer size and strength enables them to perform their original purpose as rescue dogs in the snowy mountains. Their big bodies help them swim through snow to locate lost people. Around their neck they traditionally wear a small wooden barrel of brandy to help revive chilled victims (though this is largely symbolic today).
Males Typically 140-180 lbs
Male Saint Bernards are powerfully built, with males usually weighing between 140-180 pounds in their adult prime. Some exceptionally large males can sometimes tip the scales at over 200 pounds! Males typically stand 28-30 inches tall at the shoulder.
The Saint Bernard’s genetics produce rapid growth to this massive size. Males are considered fully grown around age three. During their first year they gain about 5 pounds per week as puppies before reaching over 100 pounds as adolescents.
Their large size comes from selective breeding for strength, cold resistance, and a gentle temperament to aid rescue efforts.
Due to their substantial weight and strength, male Saint Bernards must be trained properly and require dedicated owners who can handle their size. Their sheer bulk makes them capable of pulling down doors or knocking over owners accidentally!
Proper training and space is key to owning happy, healthy giant breed dogs.
Females Typically 120-140 lbs
Female Saint Bernards are also quite large, typically weighing between 120-140 pounds full grown. Females reach heights around 26-28 inches tall at the shoulder.
Female Saint Bernards are more subtly built than very robust males, but still cut an extremely imposing figure next to most other dog breeds. Their substantial bulk allows them to perform rescue functions like their male counterparts, pushing through snow and debris.
Owners of female Saints should be dedicated to providing proper nutrition, adequate exercise, and training for their large dogs. Saint Bernards require regular grooming to control shedding and keep their coat healthy.
Due to their giant size, Saint Bernards are prone to joint issues like hip and elbow dysplasia, which should be screened for.
St. Bernard Temperament and Behavior
Friendly and Docile
Saint Bernards are typically very friendly, gentle, calm and docile dogs. They are known for being great with children and love human companionship. Despite their large size, they are not overly boisterous and do not have aggressive tendencies. Their sweet temperament makes them a popular family dog.
However, Saint Bernards require proper socialization from an early age to reinforce their friendly attitude.
Patient With Children
Saint Bernards exhibit extreme patience with children. Their high tolerance and kind nature allow them to put up with climbing, ear and tail pulling from kids. Saint Bernards often watch over young children and seem protective of them. With their mellow personality, they make ideal child companions.
However, supervision is still required since their size means they could accidentally knock over a small child.
Can be Territorial and Protective
While Saint Bernards are usually docile, they can become territorial and protective over their family members or home. With their intimidating size and loud bark, they act as good guard dogs and may show aggression toward strangers. Early socialization can curb unwanted protective tendencies.
Overall, Saint Bernards are devoted to their owners and are not prone to biting unless provoked.
Warning Signs Before Biting
Some key warning signs that a Saint Bernard may bite include:
- Growling and showing teeth
- Raising hackles along the back
- Stiffening posture and freezing
- Lunging forward or backing away
If a Saint Bernard displays this body language, it is best to slowly back away and give them space. Biting incidents can often be avoided by recognizing the early signs of fear or aggression. With proper training and socialization from puppyhood, Saint Bernards can be taught to control any negative impulses.
St. Bernard Bite Force PSI Statistics
200-450 PSI Range
When it comes to their bite force, St. Bernards are estimated to have a PSI (pound per square inch) of 200-450. This puts them on the higher end of bite strength among dogs. While not as powerful as the bites of breed champions like the Kangal or Rottweiler, the St. Bernard still packs quite a punch with its large jaws and strong bite.
Strength Varies By Individual Dog
It’s important to note that bite force will vary from dog to dog, even within the same breed. Factors like the dog’s age, size, health, and individual temperament can all impact bite strength. So while a St. Bernard may be capable of 200+ PSI, each individual dog’s bite will be different.
Responsible ownership and training is important for managing a St. Bernard’s powerful jaws.
One of Strongest Dog Breed Bites
Even though bite force differs between individual dogs, St. Bernards as a breed are definitely among the strongest in terms of bite power. They are up there with other big, powerful breeds like Mastiffs, Rottweilers and German Shepherds when it comes to PSI statistics.
So while they may look like gentle giants, St. Bernards are equipped with a jaw strength matching their considerable size and weight.
According to recent research by Dr. Brady Barr of National Geographic, the top 10 dog breeds in terms of bite force are:
- Kangal (743 PSI)
- American Bandogge (730 PSI)
- Cane Corso (700 PSI)
- Dogue de Bordeaux (556 PSI)
- Tosa Inu (556 PSI)
- English Mastiff (556 PSI)
- Dogo Canario (540 PSI)
- Dogo Argentino (500 PSI)
- Wolfdog (406 PSI)
- Leonberger (399 PSI)
As you can see, the St. Bernard’s approximate bite force of 200-450 PSI puts them within the top percentages of dog bite strength. While they may not top the PSI charts, their sizable jaws and powerful bite definitely rank them among the strongest breeds.
St. Bernard Bite Compared to Other Dogs
Much Stronger Than Human Bite
The average human has a bite force of around 120-140 PSI, which pales in comparison to the St. Bernard’s 400 PSI bite. When a St. Bernard bites down, it can apply over 3 times more pressure than the average person.
Their powerful jaws and large teeth make their bite incredibly strong relative to humans.
Stronger Than Most Dog Breeds
The St. Bernard has a much more powerful bite than most dog breeds. Small dogs like Chihuahuas and Yorkshire Terriers only bite with less than 100 PSI, while mid-size dogs like Beagles and Cocker Spaniels tend to have around 230 PSI bites.
The St. Bernard’s 400 PSI bite force surpasses most popular family dogs by a wide margin.
Some of the only dogs that can match the strength of a St. Bernard’s jaws are bully breeds like Pit Bulls (235 PSI), Mastiffs (556 PSI), and Rottweilers (328 PSI). But even these muscular dogs are not quite as strong as the mighty St. Bernard.
Comparable to Other Large Breeds Like Mastiffs
St. Bernards are on par with other giant dog breeds when it comes to bite force. Fellow colossal breeds like English Mastiffs, Boerboels, Caucasian Shepherds, and Kangals also have bites averaging around 400 PSI.
Though St. Bernards are not the very strongest, their bite force certainly lives up to their considerable size and stature.
In fact, one 2007 study measured the bite force of various dog breeds and found St. Bernards to have the second strongest bite among the sample. With 406 PSI, they were only outdone by the Kangal at over 700 PSI. Clearly, St. Bernards have jaws to be reckoned with.
How to Prevent St. Bernard Bites and Stay Safe
Proper Socialization and Training
Proper socialization and obedience training from an early age are key to preventing aggressive behavior in St. Bernards (AKC). Puppies should be exposed to new sights, sounds, people, and other dogs in a positive, rewarding way to teach them to act calmly and friendly.
Consider a professional trainer for help with socialization and addressing problem behaviors. Always use positive reinforcement techniques – never punishment. A well-socialized and trained St. Bernard is very unlikely to bite.
Careful Supervision With Children
St. Bernards can potentially knock small children over or play too roughly due to their large size. Always directly supervise interactions between St. Bernards and young children. Teach children how to properly pet, play with, and handle the dog to prevent startling or agitating them.
Ensure your St. Bernard is well-trained and has a calm, gentle temperament around children. You may consider only allowing supervised interactions or keeping the St. Bernard separate from very young or unpredictable kids.
Avoid Surprising or Provoking
Bites often happen when dogs are startled or feel threatened. Approach calmly and confidently, and avoid making direct eye contact, which can seem challenging to some dogs. Do not put your face close to a St. Bernard’s mouth to kiss or hug them.
Yelling, hitting, grabbing collars/limbs, or taking away food/objects can also provoke aggression. If children are present, set and enforce rules on safe behavior around the dog.
Be Cautious Around Food and Toys
St. Bernards can be very protective of their food bowls, chew toys, and treats. According to the ASPCA, resource guarding is responsible for many bites. Do not approach or reach toward a St. Bernard when they are eating or chewing. Allow them to eat in a separate, enclosed area.
Carefully monitor any high-value items that seem to cause possessive behavior, and train “drop” and “leave it” commands. St. Bernards generally have a friendly nature, but should not be bothered when focused intently on a toy or bone.
Conclusion
While St. Bernards are not typically aggressive dogs, their large size and muscular build means their bite can do serious damage if provoked. With proper care, socialization, and training though, these gentle giants can make wonderful, loyal family pets and companions.
By understanding the strength of a St. Bernard’s bite force, providing adequate exercise and stimulation, and taking precautions like supervision around kids, you can ensure both you and your St. Bernard stay happy and safe together.
