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The
Saint Bernard - Switzerland's Lifesaver|
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The offspring of this unlikely cross
were large and quickly put to work in the Alpine dairies
and farms, where they were employed as guard dogs,
herders, and often performed draft duties as well.
They were known by one of two names at this time: the
Talhund, meaning “Valley Dog,” or the Bauernhund, which
meant “Farm Dog.” Since the Roman armies invaded
as early as the first and second centuries A.D., the
breed was well established within Switzerland by the
time Archdeacon Bernard de Menthon founded the Hospice
in the Swiss Alps, in 1050 A.D.
It’s believed that the Talhund and Bauernhund were first
brought to the Hospice somewhere between 1660 and 1670,
most likely to serve as watchdogs, as well as providing
companionship for the Monks who inhabited this mountain
sanctuary. During the winter months, the days
seemed unbearably long and the Hospice was almost
completely cut off from all of the outside world.
With this isolation, the dogs that were taken into the
Hospice were allowed to breed and then inbreed,
eventually creating what would come to be known as the
“Hospice Dog.” In time, this name would become the
Saint Bernard, as he was named for the location of the
Hospice - the Saint Bernard Pass between Switzerland and
Italy.
Not only would the Saint Bernard prove to be a worthy
companion animal for the Monks, but it was also
discovered that these muscular dogs also possessed an
uncanny ability to be able to discover paths in the snow
and, with their incredible sense of smell, they were
quite adept at finding people who had become lost during
storms and avalanches. Before long, the Monks and
their large dogs would be known throughout the world for
their ability to save lives. In fact, during the 3
centuries that they have been used as rescue dogs, the
Saint Bernard are documented as having saved more than
2,000 human lives. It’s no wonder why they are
known as the life-saver dogs.
Saint Bernard Appearance
Power is one of the first thoughts that
enter the mind when one comes face to face with a Saint
Bernard. Bred for sheer size, strength, and
intelligence, these are massive dogs that have a very
heavy and intimidating appearance. The
draft-horses of the canine world, they commonly weigh
between 120 to 180 pounds and stand anywhere from 26 to
30 inches tall at the shoulder.
The Saint Bernard comes in two varieties; the shorthair
and the longhair. Both types are very similar,
save for the fact that the longhaired Saint Bernard had
a medium-length coat that is slightly wavy. His
tail is bushy, as are his thighs, and he sports a slight
feathering of hair along his forelegs. It is
believed that these dogs were developed due to the fact
that they were better able to handle the harsh winter
weather, while a lot of the shorthaired Saint Bernard
dogs did not fair as well. The Saint Bernard can
be found in red and white, or white with red, though
dark shading over the mask and ears are preferred.
St. Bernard Temperament
The Saint Bernard is a wonderful family
dog and tends to be very laid back as a rule.
While his sheer size and intimidating bark are enough to
frighten away most ne’er-do-wells, this big and powerful
dog is usually quite the loveable teddy bear.
Quite placid, especially when compared to other
large-breed dogs, he makes an excellent pet but a poor
guard dog unless, of course, his family is threatened.
If he feels the need to protect those he loves, he will
do so courageously. It is, however, important to
note that some of these dogs have been known to suffer
from what is known as “rage syndrome.” Dominant or
aggressive behavior can be found in any breed, but with
dogs of this size, any sign of aggressive behavior
should be discussed with your veterinarian immediately.
Saint Bernard Exercise Needs
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One common misconception about the Saint Bernard is that, because he’s such a large dog, he needs a lot of exercise. In truth, however, the Saint Bernard is actually a rather laid back and low maintenance pooch. A couple of good daily walks, each day, and he’s happy as a clam, just like any other dog. They also do well in small kennels or dog runs, where they can just roam a bit and stretch their legs from time to time.
Saint Bernard Grooming Requirements
The Saint Bernard commonly sheds his coat in the
Spring and once again in the Fall. During the rest
of the year, there is little hassle with shedding and a
weekly brushing with a stiff bristled brush will help
his coat looking sleek and shiny. They rarely
require bathing other than once or twice a month and
don’t tend to be overly messy dogs, save for some
individuals having what is known as a “wet mouth.”
Particular care should be paid to the dog’s eyes and his
ears when you groom him, checking for any sign of
infection or dirt and debris. A Saint Bernard’s
toenails also require regular trimming, same as any
other dog. If started as a puppy, these grooming
routines will be much easier to perform when your dog is
an adult.
Training Your Saint Bernard
Saint Bernard Health Issues
Like any breed of dog, the Saint Bernard is subject to a variety of health concerns, even more so due to his massive size. When looking into getting a puppy, ask to see the parents of the litter, as well as written documentation of veterinarian checks and a guarantee that, should you take the Saint Bernard puppy to your veterinarian and he finds a genetic problem, that said puppy can be brought back and your money refunded. That is why choosing a responsible breeder from which to purchase your Saint Bernard puppy is very important. Responsible Saint Bernard breeders will be well educated about the breed and carefully screen their breeding dogs for disorders that can affect these dogs.
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Health concerns in the Saint Bernard dog breed include, but are not limited to:
Again, a responsible breeder will be well educated about these problems that can occur in the Saint Bernard breed and have their breeding dogs undergo rigorous testing to help ensure that their puppies will not have these disorders. It is extremely important that you educate yourself about health conditions affecting the Saint Bernard so that you can be sure you are dealing with a breeder from whom you will acquire a healthy, well socialized puppy. |
For further reading, here is a very informative web site dedicated to education about health concerns in the Saint Bernard dog breed:
Is the Saint Bernard The Right Breed For You?
The Saint Bernard is a wonderful and noble animal but, while he is usually very placid and laid back, such a massive canine is not for everyone. While they will not “eat you out of house and home,” as many people commonly believe, they are still large dogs and can make for a crowded house if you don’t have ample room for these giants. Additionally, Saint Bernard dogs should be carefully supervised with children and other animals; even the kindest and gentlest of dogs can accidentally knock a child down by bumping them or may snap if his tail is pulled. Always supervise these dogs, no matter how capable they appear to be. Protecting your dog is sure to keep him happy and healthy, and that great plumed tail wagging for years to come!
| Be sure to visit
Saint Bernard Dogs and
Puppies Central
for plenty more Saint Bernard related
information. You'll find
Saint Bernard dog breeders,
Saint Bernard puppies for sale, a
grrreat and grrrowing gallery of
Saint Bernard Pictures, Saint Bernard
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an inventive and unique list of
Saint Bernard Dog and Puppy Names
suggestions
and much more!
Click here to visit Saint Bernard Dogs and Puppies Central! |