St. Bernards, with their massive size, droopy eyes, and endearing expressions, is one of the most iconic dog breeds. Known for their history of mountain rescues in the Swiss Alps, these gentle giants have transitioned into lovable family pets who bring joy and a lot of slobber into their homes. Despite their calm demeanor, St. Bernards are full of quirky behaviors and habits that keep their owners both entertained and on their toes. If you’ve ever had the pleasure of living with a St. Bernard, you know that their size is matched only by their larger-than-life personalities. From their slobber-slinging abilities to their love of lounging, here are seven crazy things that are perfectly normal for St. Bernards.
1. The Slobber Slinging
One of the most well-known traits of St. Bernards is their prodigious drooling. These dogs can produce an astonishing amount of slobber, especially after drinking water or when they’re excited. It’s not uncommon to find drool hanging from their jowls, splattered across walls, or even slung onto unsuspecting guests. While this might seem a bit gross to the uninitiated, St. Bernard owners know that it’s just part of the package. Keeping a towel handy is a must, but the slobber is a small price to pay for the love and companionship they offer. Embracing the drool is all part of the fun.
2. The Lap Dog Delusion
Despite their enormous size, St. Bernards often think of themselves as lap dogs. They will attempt to climb onto your lap, snuggle up close, and make themselves comfortable, completely oblivious to their weight. This lap dog delusion is both hilarious and endearing, as they genuinely crave close contact and affection. Their attempts to be lap dogs might leave you squished, but it’s hard to resist their warm, cuddly presence. This behavior highlights their affectionate nature and their desire to be close to their humans, making every cuddle session a cozy and memorable experience.
3. The Snoring Symphony
When St. Bernards sleep, they produce a symphony of snores, grunts, and sighs that can fill the entire house. Their snoring can be surprisingly loud, often resembling the sound of a small engine. While this might be a bit disruptive for light sleepers, many owners find it comforting and endearing. The snoring symphony is just another way they make their presence known, even in their sleep. It’s a reminder of their relaxed and content nature, and many owners come to find the sound quite soothing. Their snoring adds to their charm and makes them an unmistakable part of the household.
4. The Foodie Finesse
St. Bernards have a hearty appetite and a keen interest in anything edible. They are known for their enthusiasm for food, which includes a talent for sniffing out treats and begging with those irresistible eyes. This foodie finesse can lead to some humorous and sometimes exasperating situations, like finding your St. Bernard with their head stuck in the snack cabinet or discovering the aftermath of a counter-surfing expedition. Despite their food-driven antics, their love for mealtime is part of their lovable and joyful nature. Keeping food out of reach is a must, but their foodie finesse is a charming quirk that adds to their personality.
5. The Couch Potato
Despite their imposing size and muscular build, St. Bernards are often surprisingly lazy. They love to lounge around the house, finding the most comfortable spot to stretch out and relax. This couch potato behavior means you’ll often find your St. Bernard taking up an entire couch, happily snoozing the day away. Their ability to switch from powerful protectors to laid-back loungers is both amusing and endearing. Embracing their couch potato tendencies means providing plenty of cozy spots for them to relax, as they enjoy their downtime just as much as their playtime.
6. The Gentle Giant
St. Bernards are incredibly gentle and often act like oversized teddy bears. They are particularly good with children and smaller animals, showing a surprising level of care and gentleness given their size. This gentle giant behavior is a testament to their calm and loving nature. Watching a St. Bernard interact gently with a child or a tiny pet is heartwarming and a clear sign of their nurturing instincts. Despite their size, they seem to understand their own strength and take great care to be gentle and loving, making them excellent family pets.
7. The Protective Shadow
St. Bernards are natural protectors and take their role very seriously. They will follow you from room to room, acting as your constant shadow. This protective shadow behavior means you’ll rarely have a moment alone, as your St. Bernard will always be by your side, ready to keep you safe. While their constant presence can be a bit overwhelming at times, it’s also incredibly reassuring. Their dedication to protecting their family is a testament to their loyalty and love. Having a St. Bernard means having a devoted guardian who is always watching over you.
St. Bernards are full of personality and quirks that make them truly special. Their slobber-slinging, lap dog delusions, and snoring symphonies bring endless joy to those lucky enough to share their lives with these gentle giants. While their behaviors might seem crazy to some, St. Bernard owners know that these traits are just part of what makes them such wonderful companions. Each quirk is a reminder of their loving, playful nature, making every moment with a St. Bernard a delightful adventure.
