Do you own a Saint Bernard and live in a hot climate? Did your two-year-old get bubble-gum all over your dog? Are you a barber that offers custom cuts and are itching to customize your Saint Bernard’s fur-doo? Whatever the reason you’ve asked the question…
“Can you shave a Saint Bernard?” Do NOT shave your Saint Bernard! Your Saint Bernard’s coat does more than keep him (or her) warm in winter, it also helps to insulate the dog against hotter temperatures. Find out important information about your big beautiful Companion!
You’ve landed in the right place for answers! Welcome to the Big Dog Den, I’m glad you’re here!
In this article, you’ll discover why the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the American Kennel Club (AKC) and the Saint Bernard Club of America (SBCA) all agree that Saint Bernards should NOT be shaved. Additionally, you’ll learn different alternatives to keep a Saint Bernard’s coat closely cropped if that is your desire, or if a situation warrants short hair.
We’ve got a lot of information to “comb through” so let’s get started!
Does a St Bernard have Hair or Fur?
We say there’s dog hair on our shirt, we love our fur-baby, and we use products to keep his (or her) coat shiny. So which is correct? Does your Saint Bernard have a coat, fur, or hair? Technically, you would not be wrong in using any of the terms, but there is a “fashionably correct” answer to this dilemma.
All dogs have a coat, and some dogs (like Saint Bernards) have two! The breeds with two coats originated in cold climates where the extra coat did exactly what you would think: it kept the dogs warmer.
Double-coated dogs have a short course “undercoat” of fur. These breeds are commonly called “fur-coated” whereas breeds with only one coat (like Poodles) are said to have a coat of hair. It doesn’t matter what you call it when you’re sweeping the excess up from your floor though, LOL!
Double-coated breeds that migrate with their humans to warmer climates adapt to the difference in temperature by losing part of their undercoat. These dogs have been known to breed offspring with thinner and more sparse undercoats.
Although there are visual differences between hair and fur, they both are made from the same chemical compound, keratin. Some people think a dog’s hair or fur is what causes allergic reactions in humans, but that is not the case. It’s not the coat causing the allergies, but the dander and compounds in the skin and saliva of dogs that are the culprit.
Why then are some dog breeds deemed “hypoallergenic”? Because the dander, compounds, and saliva from the dog can collect in the coat, and much more so when the dog is double-coated. Breeds that are hypoallergenic have a single coat of hair resistant to collecting the things that made us sneeze! Even “hairless” breeds have hair n their body somewhere, and still have dander, saliva, and compounds in the skin that can trigger an allergic reaction.
To reiterate, your Saint Bernard technically has a coat of fur.
Are There Short Haired St Bernards?
It seems as though Saint Bernards are always portrayed in media as long-haired dogs. It may surprise you to learn that originally, all Saint Bernards were short-haired. It surprised me! It was only about 15o years ago when Saint Bernards were interbred with the long-haired Newfoundland dog, producing long-haired offspring.
It’s interesting to note that the AKC breed standards for a Saint Bernard mention being short-haired, although long hair will not necessarily disqualify them from being shown. Whether you decide on a short or long-haired pup, it is only personal preference.
Can St Bernards Live In Hot Weather
Your Saint Bernard can absolutely live in hot weather, but (there’s always a but, isn’t there?) precautions must be taken. Gradual acclimation is key. It can be extremely stressful for your Saint Bernard to go from an air-conditioned environment out into the hot weather for a walk and exercise. Keep this in mind as temperatures soar, and plan for exercise sessions to be early in the morning or later in the evening.
There may be times when your Saint Bernard is outdoors and is overcome by heat. This is called a heat stroke and can be fatal! Be aware of the warning signs, and get your dog cooled down quickly if any of the following symptoms manifest:
Symptoms of a Heat Stroke
- Rapid Breathing
- Heavy Panting
- Salivation
- Fatigue
- Muscle Tremors
- Staggering
- Loss of Consciousness
TIP: You can try using cold, wet rags on your Saint Bernard’s neck and back to cool him (or her) down.
Do Saint Bernards Like to Swim?
Your Saint Bernard may very much enjoy cooling off in the summer by playing in the water. Be aware though, that his (or her) massive size and lower energy levels prevent the dog from being distance swimmers. If you’re playing fetch in the water, don’t toss the toy too far away from the shoreline. Observe your dog during water activities to learn his (or her) stamina levels, and govern your activities accordingly.
Safety is always your primary concern in and around the water! If you will be “in the deep” or on a boat, equip your Saint Bernard with a life-vest. I don’t advocate one vest over another but did find a highly rated and affordable option right here on Amazon. If you own a pool and don’t mind your dog taking a dip to cool down on hot summer days, make sure the first thing you teach him (or her) is how to get out. If your pool doesn’t have steps, you may want to consider an escape ramp like this one on Amazon.
Another area where your Saint Bernard is vulnerable in the summer heat is on the pads of his (or her) feet. If your walks are generally on sidewalks or other areas that heat up in the sun, protect your dog’s footpads! If the ground surface is hot when you touch it with your hand, it is too hot for your dog’s paws! You can buy water-proof paw protectors like these if staying off the hot pavement is not an option for walking your dog.
Should your Saint Bernard’s paws become dry, cracked or irritated in the summer, (or anytime, really) there are balms like this natural oatmeal paw butter on Amazon that will protect and condition them.
Do St Bernards Shed?
Your Saint Bernard WILL shed, but perhaps not as much as you’re thinking. Generally, shedding happens twice a year. In the spring and in the fall, to help the dog acclimate to the cold and heat. You’ll be able to keep the shedding under control by increasing the frequency of brushing you administer and by using a comb designed to eliminate excess shedding from your dog’s undercoat. Here are three helpful products in your battle against excessive shedding:
Trust me when I tell you, that robot vacuum will pay for itself in the time you save by not sweeping!
Do St Bernards Need Hair Cuts?
Perhaps “need” isn’t the proper word. if your dog stays clean and well-groomed, you need never cut their hair if you don’t want to. Should you decide to cut it, though, you certainly may, either by making an appointment with a groomer or in the DIY fashion. Whichever method you opt for, remember the advice of the experts, and never cut the dog’s hair less than one inch (2.54cm) in length.
If you’ll be trimming your Saint Bernard’s coat yourself, you won’t want to miss this informative article right here in the Big Dog Den!
Grooming Your St Bernard
Grooming is a great opportunity to strengthen the bond you share with your four-legged companion. It’s certainly acceptable to take your fur-baby to the groomer, but it’s an intimate experience when you do it at home 🙂 You need only bathe your Saint Bernard as often as circumstances call for it. If your dog doesn’t spend much time rolling around outdoors, he (or she) won’t require baths as often as a dog who is active outdoors on a regular basis.
Too many baths can strip important oils from your dog’s skin and coat and cause skin irritation. Once a month is a general rule of thumb for a Saint Bernard whose time is divided fairly equally between being indoors and out. Use a natural conditioning shampoo, and thoroughly brush him (or her) after the bath, taking note of the skin condition any possible issues that may arise. Don’t forget plenty of affection and praise during grooming!
I hope you found this article informative and useful! Did you learn anything that surprised you? It is the heart of the Big Dog Den to provide you with as much information as possible in every article I write. Your time is valuable to me! Be sure to stop in again soon, as or library of knowledge is always expanding. The more you know about your big dog, the more pleasant your experience will be raising one 🙂
*This article has been reviewed in accordance with our editorial policy.
