Characteristics, history, care tips and other useful information for Saint Bernard dogs The Saint Bernard is one of the largest dog breeds and also one of the most affectionate dogs you will ever meet. This giant dog, which dates back more than 1,000 years to the Swiss Alps, is muscular and powerful, yet has a gentle and loyal nature. Saint Bernards tend to get along quite well with children.
However, a dog of this breed may not always realize its size, so be cautious at first. In general, these dogs have a natural instinct to protect and help people, making them wonderful service dogs and affectionate pets.
Overview
GROUP: Working dog
HEIGHT: 61-71cm
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WEIGHT: 50-90 kilograms
FUR AND COLOR: The coat can be short and smooth or long and silky. Colors include white with red, brown, or brindle markings. They usually have a black «mask».
LIFE EXPECTANCY: 8-10 years
Characteristics of Saint Bernard dogs
| Level of affection | Mare |
| Friendliness | Mare |
| Friendship with children | Mare |
| Friendship with other animals | Mare |
| The need for physical exercise | environment |
| Desire to play | Mare |
| Energy level | environment |
| Training | microphone |
| Intelligence | Mare |
| Tendency to bark | microphone |
| mute | Mare |
History of the Saint Bernard breed
The Saint Bernard is a true legendary hero of the Swiss Alps. It dates back more than 1,000 years, although the exact origin of the breed is uncertain. Some sources suggest that the Saint Bernard derives from large Asian dogs brought to Switzerland (probably the Tibetan mastiff or similar) by the Roman armies. These Mollosus dogs, an ancient breed of giant dog, were crossed with native Swiss dogs.
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The breed is named after Archdeacon Bernard de Menthon, who founded a sanatorium in the Swiss Alps as a refuge for travellers. For centuries they were bred by monks as pets, guard dogs and working dogs who saved thousands of lives by finding and assisting lost or injured travelers in the Swiss Alps. Their highly developed sense of smell allows them to track down people lost in the snow.
The St. Bernard dogs used in the monastery were short-haired until 1830. At that time, the climate was very harsh for two years and convinced the monks to cross St. Bernards with long-haired Terra Nova dogs. However, the long hair became tangled with pieces of ice, so the monks had to give up long-haired chickens.
The St. Bernard dogs in service at that time were smaller than the giants of today. They were last used for rescue in 1955, but 18 of them were kept in St. Bernard to preserve the tradition until 2005. The breed was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1888.
The classic image of a St. Bernard with a barrel of brandy around its neck is believed to come from a fictional scene in a painting titled «Alpine Mastiffs Reviving a Distressed Traveler» by Edwin Landseer. In the painting two Saint Bernard dogs (then called Alpine mastiffs) come to the aid of a man lying in a pile of snow. One dog barks while the other is probably trying to offer the man a drink from the small barrel around his neck.
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St. Bernards in «folklore» are Nana from the Peter Pan films, Neil from Topper, Buck from Grandparents Calling, and Beethowen and Cujo from the films of the same name.
Caring for Saint Bernard dogs
The St. Bernard will have a short, smooth coat or a long, silky coat. Both coat types require routine grooming, but the long-haired variety should be brushed more often. This breed has a relatively high shedding rate, which can be controlled with regular brushing.
Their ears need regular cleaning to prevent ear infections. Although an active St. Bernard’s nails can file on their own, check the nails at least once a month to see if they need trimming. You should also keep in mind that some St. Bernards drool excessively, so you may need to keep a «bale cloth» on hand at all times.
Although he may seem lazy at times, routine exercise is essential to keeping a St. Bernard fit and stimulated. They need a good walk every day. Many health problems can develop if your Saint Bernard becomes overweight.
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Like all dogs, proper training and socialization are both very important for the St. Bernard and must begin when they are puppies. Due to the dog’s gigantic size, you need to be able to control it at all times. Pay particular attention to avoid jumping and pulling on the leash.
The St. Bernard loves the cold, but does not do well in hot climates and can easily suffer from heat stroke. Don’t take him for a walk during the hot hours of the day and provide him with a cool place on the hottest days. It is possible to own a Saint Bernard in your apartment as long as you walk the dog every day. But it’s best to have a yard where they can walk around a bit, even though they tend to collect dirt and debris in their fur.
Common health problems
Responsible breeders are committed to maintaining the highest breed standards set by kennel clubs such as the AKC. Dogs bred to these standards are less likely to inherit health problems. However, some breed-specific hereditary health problems may occur. Below are some diseases you should be aware of:
- Gastric dilation/torsion: This occurs when the dog eats and drinks too quickly, causing gas to build up in the stomach. When the stomach twists, it cuts off the blood supply and becomes a medical emergency.
- Hip dysplasia: This is an inherited condition that can lead to arthritis and lameness. Dogs with hip dysplasia should not be bred
- Ectropion: rotation of the lower eyelid and detachment from the eyeball
- Entropion is a genetically transmitted condition in which the eyelid turns inward and the eyelashes and skin irritate the surface of the eye
Diet and nutrition
A St. Bernard will need five or six cups of dry dog food per day, divided into two meals to reduce the risk of gastric distension. If they devour their food greedily and overeat, they may become bloated. If the stomach twists, it can cut off the blood supply and lead to a medical emergency.
Puppies need to be monitored and kept lean as they grow, so they don’t gain weight too quickly. Adult St. Bernards can become obese which will lead to a shorter life expectancy and joint problems.
Discuss this with your veterinarian for advice on feeding times, amounts, types of large dog food, and exercise needed to prevent obesity.
Make sure your St. Bernard has constant access to fresh, clean water, especially on hot days.
Advantages
- Kind and loyal
- I want to please you
- Cute and affectionate
disadvantage
- Drool excessively
- It has a relatively short lifespan
- Requires a lot of attention to avoid jumping and pulling on the leash
Other dog breeds and additional information
As with any breed, if you think a St. Bernard is right for you, be sure to do your research before getting one. Talk to your veterinarian, other St. Bernard owners, reputable breeders, dog trainers, and rescue groups to learn more.
If you are interested in similar breeds, research them to compare the pros and cons.
There is a whole world of breeds that could be right for you. With a little research you can find the perfect puppy to bring home.
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