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The Saint Bernard is a gentle giant whose enormous size transforms every trip into a logistical expedition. Its weight, which can reach eighty kilograms, imposes major constraints on the choice of vehicle, accommodation and activities. Despite these challenges, its legendary gentleness and inexhaustible patience make it an adorable vacation companion, particularly appreciated by children. This mythical dog of the Swiss Alps excels at quiet mountain walks but tires quickly on demanding trails. Every outing with a Saint Bernard becomes memorable because its friendly face systematically causes admiring crowds to gather.
Atouts en voyage
- Gentleness and exemplary patience even in lively and noisy environments
- Immediate popularity with the public facilitating social interactions while traveling
- Perfect cold resistance allowing winter stays without restriction
- Remarkable calmness in accommodation, causing no noise disturbance
Defis a anticiper
- Colossal weight making transport extremely constraining and expensive
- Abundant drooling requiring permanent cleaning of surfaces in accommodation
- Extreme vulnerability to heat practically prohibiting summer travel in lowlands
Profil voyage
En images
Se deplacer avec votre Saint Bernard
Transporting a Saint Bernard by train is a logistical feat given its weight which can exceed seventy kilograms. Most European railway companies impose weight limits that the Saint Bernard cheerfully exceeds. If travel is authorized, occupy a space near the door with an easy-to-clean floor due to drooling. Plan a short journey and wipes in industrial quantities.
Only a large capacity vehicle like a converted van or large SUV can comfortably accommodate a Saint Bernard. Install robust and waterproofed trunk protection because this dog's drool quickly stains textile surfaces. Air conditioning must run continuously, even in winter, because this giant generates considerable body heat in a closed space. Breaks must be frequent and rest areas chosen for their shade and access to water.
Air transport of a Saint Bernard is virtually impossible in practice because most airlines refuse dogs exceeding seventy-five kilograms. For the rare routes that accept it, a giant IATA crate is required, the purchase and transport cost of which is very high. Thermal stress in the hold represents a real danger for this breed. It is generally preferable to choose another mode of transport or to give up destinations requiring the plane.
Sante en voyage
Risques specifiques
- Gastric dilatation-volvulus syndrome accentuated by stress and travel excitement
- Sudden hyperthermia even at moderate temperatures of twenty degrees
- Entropion and eye problems aggravated by dust and wind during walks
Precautions
Never feed your Saint Bernard just before or after a vehicle journey to minimize the risk of gastric torsion. Carry a rectal thermometer and learn to recognize the first signs of heat stroke: thick and stringy drool, red gums, staggering gait. Identify veterinary clinics along your route in advance, because a dog of this size requires specialized equipment in case of emergency.
Tolerance chaleur
The Saint Bernard is probably the most heat-sensitive dog among all giant breeds, its metabolism being designed for Alpine snow. From eighteen degrees ambient, it begins to show visible signs of discomfort. All physical activity must stop above twenty-two degrees and the dog must have access to air-conditioned space or cold water point continuously. In heat waves, the vital risk is real and the trip must be canceled or postponed.
Pharmacie de voyage
- Quick-reading rectal veterinary thermometer
- Sterile eye drops to clean its eyes sensitive to dust
- Cleansing wipes for facial folds and drool
- Reusable ice pack for emergency cooling
Equipement indispensable
Absorbent dog bibs
The Saint Bernard drools constantly and these bibs protect accommodation and vehicle interiors
Foldable trunk access ramp
This eighty-kilo giant cannot jump into the trunk without risking joint injuries
Portable cooler with cold packs
Keeps ice water available continuously for this dog with deficient thermoregulation
Extra-large waterproof mat
Protects accommodation floors against drool and inevitable water splashes with this breed
Support harness with back handle
Helps lift or stabilize this massive dog in case of fatigue or difficulty on uneven terrain
Ou partir avec votre Saint Bernard ?
The Saint Bernard is in its element in mountain resorts and alpine villages where temperatures remain cool and space is generous. High-altitude chalets, mountain lodges and regional nature parks offer the ideal setting for successful holidays with this good-natured colossus.
Le saviez-vous ?
The monks of the Great Saint Bernard hospice used these dogs for more than three centuries to find travelers lost in the snowy Alpine passes, the first documented rescue dating from 1707
The most famous Saint Bernard, Barry, saved more than forty people in the early nineteenth century and traveled daily on the dangerous paths of the pass between Switzerland and Italy
Contrary to popular legend, Saint Bernards never carried a keg of cognac around their necks; this image comes from a painting by Edwin Landseer who romanticized their rescue role
Questions frequentes
Can you take a Saint Bernard on vacation to the sea?
Seaside vacations are only possible off-season, between October and April, when temperatures remain below twenty degrees. In summer, the coast is too hot for this breed. If you opt for Brittany or Normandy in spring, choose beaches authorized for dogs and limit outings to the coolest hours. The Saint Bernard enjoys water but is not a strong swimmer, supervise it continuously.
How to find accommodation for a dog weighing more than seventy kilos?
Most hotels impose a weight limit around thirty kilos for dogs. Turn to vacation rentals like independent cottages or chalets where you are the sole occupant. Contact owners directly specifying the exact weight and offer a cleaning supplement. Campsites with spacious mobile homes are also a viable alternative.
What hiking distance can a Saint Bernard cover?
The Saint Bernard is not a long-distance hiking dog despite its Alpine origins. On flat terrain, count eight to ten kilometers maximum per day at a slow pace. In the mountains, five to seven kilometers with moderate elevation gain represent its comfortable limit. Plan frequent breaks every thirty minutes and bring at least two liters of water per hour of walking.
Is the Saint Bernard compatible with motorhome travel?
The motorhome is paradoxically a good choice for traveling with a Saint Bernard because it offers mobile air-conditioned space. Opt for an integrated model with spacious rear space and install its bedding there. The major advantage is being able to maintain air conditioning during your stopovers, which is vital for its health. Plan a larger fuel budget because its weight significantly increases consumption.
How to manage the Saint Bernard's drool while traveling?
Drooling is inevitable and intensifies with heat, stress or excitement. Carry a roll of absorbent towels and bibs specially designed for molosser breeds. Protect car seats with waterproof covers and always keep wipes within reach. In accommodation, place a waterproof mat under its water bowl and around its bedding to limit damage.
