SAINT BERNARD
APPEARANCE
The Saint Bernard is a very large and muscular dog breed that is known for its very thick coat. These dogs come in both long haired and short haired varieties. The former has a coat of medium length, which is rough in texture. The latter has a short, close fitting coat, which is also rough to the touch. The coloring of the coat is red and white or white and red, depending on the markings. The weight of this huge dog is around 125-180 pounds, and in height females can reach around 25-30 inches, and males 27-33 inches.
PERSONALITY
Extremely loyal, the St. Bernard is eager to please its owners. Due to its large adult size, it is essential that proper training and socialization begin while the St. Bernard is still a puppy, so as to avoid the difficulties that normally accompany training large animals. An unruly St. Bernard may present problems for even a strong adult, so control needs to be asserted from the beginning of the dog’s training. While generally not as aggressive as dogs bred for protection, a St. Bernard will bark at strangers and their size makes them good deterrents against possible intruders.
TRAINING
The Saint Bernard is also extremely intelligent and trainable; however, this should be initiated early on in its life, as the breed’s size can pose as a problem. They also need owners that are confident and assertive, and are best suited to those with some experience of dog ownership. Some of the areas the Saint Bernard may excel in include hauling, and search and rescue.
EXERCISE
Long walks can do a Saint Bernard a world of good. However, puppies should be limited to short walks and brief play sessions until it has reached two years of age to allow the bones to fully develop.
SOCIALIZATION
Although the Saint Bernard gets along well with children, early socialization is recommended, and owners should also be mindful of the giant size of the dog. A properly socialized Saint Bernard tends to get along well with other animals too, although some may display aggression towards other dogs. Most will also accept strangers. A well bred Saint Bernard is too docile to make it as a guard dog, but can make an effective watchdog, as his bark and size are enough to put off any burglar.
LIVING CONDITIONS
Given its massive size, the Saint Bernard is more ideal for people who have a large garden or field, where the dog can freely develop its strength. Saint Bernards are also ideal for people who live in places that have a cool climate, since its coat is thick and dense.
GROOMING
While the grooming requirements for the Saint Bernard are not excessively high, this dog is a high shedder. He sheds all year round, and more heavily during the spring and autumn months. Grooming requires brushing him twice weekly, and stepping this up to a daily basis when he is shedding more heavily.
HEALTH ISSUES
As a giant dog, the Saint Bernard has a fairly low life expectancy of around 8-9 years. Many dogs are affected by hip dysplasia or elbow dysplasia. Osteosarcoma (bone cancer) has been shown to be hereditary in the breed. St. Bernards are susceptible to eye disorders called entropion and ectropion. The parents of the Saint Bernard puppy should have OFA certificates.
HISTORY
The ancestors of the St. Bernard are the herding dogs of Swiss and Italian farmers like the Great Swiss Mountain Dog, as well as hunting dogs, rescue dogs and watchdogs. Their history has also been connected with the hospice at the Great St. Bernard Pass. First reports of the dogs’ presence at the pass date to the 17th century, and they remained loyal companions to the monks there. One of the things that the Saint Bernard became famous for was helping travelers that were lost, and keeping them warm if they were stranded in the cold. The Saint Bernard was registered with the AKC in 1885.
