They say that "Saint Bernards aren't just a breed; they’re a lifestyle." Here at the Saint Bernard Club of San Diego, we take that to heart. While the world may know them as the legendary alpine rescue dogs or the quiet giants at our feet, our members know them as versatile partners in adventure, competition, and daily life.
Our gallery is a celebration of the "101 Things You Can Do With a Saint." Whether it's the precision of an Obedience trial, the power of Draft and Carting work, or the simple, messy joy of a beach day at Del Mar, these photos capture the incredible range of our breed.
In these pages, you’ll find our dogs:
Excelling in Performance: Showcasing the athleticism and intelligence required for Rally, Scent Work, and Agility.
Serving the Community: Bringing smiles as certified Therapy Dogs and breed ambassadors in local parades.
At Home in Nature: Exploring the trails of San Diego County and finding the nearest patch of mountain snow.
In the Heart of the Family: Celebrating birthdays, holiday cookie exchanges, and the legendary "pro-level" napping that only a Saint can master.
Conformation (Dog Shows): The classic way to showcase the breed standard.
Obedience Trials: From AKC Novice to Utility levels.
Draft Work (Carting): Pulling a cart is what they were built for!
Rally Obedience: A more informal, fast-paced version of obedience.
Scent Work: Utilizing their legendary "rescue" noses to find hidden birch or anise oils.
Agility: Yes, Saints can do it! It's great for their coordination.
Tracking: Following a human scent trail through varying terrain.
Weight Pull: A competition of strength and drive.
Fast CAT: A 100-yard dash where they chase a "bunny" lure.
Farm Dog Certified (FDC): Testing their ability to remain calm around livestock and farm equipment.
Temperament Testing (ATT): Proving the stable, gentle nature of the breed.
Therapy Dog Work: Visiting hospitals or schools to provide comfort.
Trick Dog Titles: From "High Five" to "Clean up your toys."
CGC (Canine Good Citizen): The gold standard for a well-behaved dog.
Virtual Home Manners: A great way to get a title without leaving the house.
Hiking: Exploring local San Diego trails (like Mission Trails or Iron Mountain).
Beach Days: Splashing in the waves at Ocean Beach Dog Beach.
Snow Trips: Taking them to the mountains (Big Bear/Julian) to see their natural element.
Camping: Sleeping under the stars (or in the RV).
Dock Diving: Some Saints actually love the water enough to leap!
Swimming: Great low-impact exercise for their joints.
Backpacking: Letting them carry a small pack with their own water/bowls.
Sniffari Walks: Long walks where the dog chooses the direction and stops to smell everything.
Fetch: Whether it's a giant ball or a flying disc.
Tug-of-War: A classic bonding game for big dogs.
Hide and Seek: Hide a family member in the house and let the Saint find them.
Off-Leash Dog Parks: Socializing with other large breeds.
Napping (The "Sainthood" specialty): Capturing that perfect "Saint Snore."
Holiday Cookie Exchange: Host one for the dogs!
Photo Shoots: Hire a photographer for a shoot of your Saint.
Puppy Socials: Helping young Saints learn their manners.
Club Picnics: Gathering with the other club members.
Parades: Walking in local San Diego holiday or community parades.
Dog-Friendly Patio Dining: Taking them to a brewery or café.
Visiting "Grandma & Grandpa": Road trips to see family.
Watching Movies: Cuddling on the couch for a long film.
Birthday/Gotcha Day Parties: Complete with a dog-friendly cake.
Junior Showmanship: Encouraging the kids to get involved in the ring.
Blessing of the Animals: A popular event at many local churches.
Posing with Santa: A holiday tradition.
Posing with the Easter Bunny: (Wait for the drool photos!)
Puzzle Toys: Using "Starmark" or "Kong" toys to keep their brains busy.
Licking Mats: Great for calming them down during grooming.
Grooming Marathons: Brushing that thick double coat (it's bonding time!).
Learning "Place": Teaching them to stay on their bed while you cook.
"helping" in the Garden: Digging (maybe in a designated spot!).
Shopping at Pet Stores: Letting them pick out their own toy at the checkout.
Morning Coffee Rituals: Sitting on the porch together.
Car Rides: The "wind in the jowls" experience.
Representing the Breed: Simply being a "gentle giant" ambassador in public.