Quick Facts:

Group classification: AKC Working, Mastiff

Country of origin: Switzerland

Date of origin: Middle Ages

Weight (M): 50– 91 kg (110-200 pounds) Height (M): 65-70 cm (25.5 – 27.5 inches

Weight (F): 50-91 kg (110-200 pounds) Height (F): 65-70 cm (25.5 – 27.5 inches)

Life expectancy: 8 – 10 years

History

The Saint Bernard was original developed by St. Bernard de Menthon in 980 AD and was used as a guide for those traveling through the Alpine pass. This breed is a descendant of the Tibetan Mastiff and was a cross breed of the Great Dane and Great Pyrenees. Initially it was used as a rescue dog. The breed has innate abilities of detecting the onset of avalanches and storms because of their ability to hear sounds at low frequency. Saint Bernard comes in the following varieties: long haired and short haired. The short haired dog is used by mountain climbers because it can endure cold temperatures.

Description

The Saint Bernard is known as a strong, well-muscled and large dog with an imposing presence. This characteristic portrays their size, power and strength.  They have a broad and large head with a loosely hanging skin. Its ears are highly set on the skull. Although the breed is tall, imposing and muscular, there are not ill-natured or offensive in appearance. When at attention, the dog’s neck is sturdy, high-set and erect while it hangs slightly downwards when the dog is relaxed. The dog’s shoulders are sloping and broad and they have well-defined withers. The dog’s chest and back are powerful and well-muscled as are the hind and forequarters. They have broad feet that enable it to be well adapted at slogging through snow. The dog’s teeth are powerful and strong and close in an even or scissors bite. They have medium sized dark brown eyes. Saint Bernard has both long and short coat that is tough and dense and comes in a variety of colors including white with red markings or red with white markings.

Temperament  

The Saint Bernard is friendly and gentle. The dog is obedient, patient and slow moving. Although the dogs are not playful or energetic they are extremely devoted and loyal to its family and are willing to please. The dog is very intelligent, learns quickly making it easily trainable. Due to its huge size the dog should be socialized at a tender age for it to be comfortable with people. Training the dog will also make them more manageable as adults. The dog’s massive size acts as a deterrent making the breed an excellent watch dog.

Health and Care

The breed generally displays good health. A small number are susceptible to heart problems, entropion, ectropion, gastric torsion and hip dysplasia. Other heath complications include diabetes, seizures and osteochondritis dissecans. This breed is very active outdoors but will adapt to living indoors if it receives adequate exercise. A daily brisk or long walk or jog is sufficient for keeping it in great shape. Though the dogs are able to live outdoors, they prefer being close to the family. They find it difficult to cope with hot conditions, cars or warm rooms. The dog does best in homes with yards and to keep them cool in warm weather they should be given plenty of water.

Grooming

Both the dog’s soft and rough coat is easy to clean. The coat should be brushed using a soft bristle brush and washed only if it is necessary. Take proper attention to the dog’s eyes when they are exposed to water.

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