My Saint Bernard is an all white albino. Will he have major health issues?

We just picked up a puppy today for my daughter. The person who gave him to us told us he was a Saint Bernard, I looked at pictures of Saint Bernards and he looks exactly like them except he is pure white, like an albino. He even has a pink nose, not black.

My concern is this. Is this just a very rare Saint Bernard that I got lucky to pick up for a small rehoming fee, or is this a sign of major health issues to come?

He is not blind or Def like I have heard some albinos are.

All answers will be appreciated.

2013-02-08T19:49:38Z

To answer one of the questions. He has black eyes. Also a very small black spot under his nose. So I am guessing he is not a true albino?

Would I need to put sunscreen on him to take him out in the sun?

Anonymous2016-11-15T06:27:54Z

White Saint Bernard

tupaj2016-12-15T15:55:01Z

White St Bernard

♥ I love my Puppy!!♥2013-02-08T19:45:03Z

Does he have red/pink eyes? If not, then he is not a true albino, just a white St. Bernard. Albinism is the lack of any kind of pigmentation/color.

White dogs of any breed are more susceptible to sun burn and skin issues, so try to keep him on a good, high quality food and make sure you bathe him regularly. If he is a true albino and has the pink/red eyes, then yes, he is at a higher risk of going blind or becoming deaf. It's common with true albinos that they go blind/deaf as they grow older.

Anonymous2013-02-08T19:36:21Z

Albinos of any species usually don't have health issues except vision problems (including peripheral vision) and skin problems. They can be more susceptible to cancer, sunburn, etc.

Nekkid Truth!2013-02-08T20:00:59Z

if he has black eyes and black on the nose at all.. he is not albino

albinos lack pigment completely. He's just white, but has pigment. the nose may "fill in" and become black as he matures too.


light skinned areas that are not covered in hair are more prone to sunburn.

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