How to Trim a St. Bernard

Also known as the Alpenmastiff and the Noble Steed, the Saint Bernard is a giant breed of dog hailing from the Swiss Alps. Originally trained as hospice dogs to help rescue people in perilous situations, the Saint Bernard is today known as a friendly and good-humored family companion. However, the breed has also gained the reputation of requiring a good deal of care and attention, particularly regarding grooming. Indoor pets with short hair should be groomed every four weeks, while long-haired St. Bernards, or St. Bernards that spend most of their time outdoors, should be groomed every two weeks.

Things You'll Need

  • Large dog-grooming slicker brush
  • Blunt-nosed scissors
  • Dog nail clippers
  • Product to stop bleeding of cuticles, such as Kwikstop
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Instructions

    • 1

      Brush the St. Bernard's coat before you begin. This will help remove dirt and debris, spread the oils necessary to keep the coat shiny and improve the dog's mood. You can also use brushing to arrange the dog's hair so that it can be easier to reach while trimming. This should be done daily, whether or not you intend to follow up with a full trim. Be sure to brush slowly and to smooth out any mats you encounter.

    • 2

      Trim the ear opening of the St. Bernard. Use the scissors to trim any excess hair around the ear opening, since doing so helps keep the ear clean and minimizes the risk of infection. Be very careful to confine the trimming to around the opening -- avoid any sensitive areas of the ear.

    • 3

      Trim the area near the anus and the base of the tail. Use the scissors to trim any excess hair in this area, as well as hair near the genital area. Again, exercise extreme caution to avoid contact with sensitive areas. Trimming in these areas can make daily life much more comfortable for the dog and can also help prevent infection.

    • 4

      Trim the St. Bernard's nails. It is wise to start out by massaging the inside of the dog's paws to make the dog more comfortable with its paws being handled. The nails of a Saint Bernard are either very dark or very light. If the dog's nails are light-colored, hold the paw up to a light and clip just beyond the area where you can see nerve endings and blood vessels. If the nails are dark, carefully cut beyond the curve of the nail. If you accidentally cut into the nail's quick, use a product such as Kwikstop to stop the bleeding. Use very light snips.