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Rescue a
Saint Bernard
Saint Bernard Puppies for Sale
Saint Bernard
(St. Barnhardshund) (Alpine Mastiff) (Bernhardiner)
(St Bernard)
Hercules at 5 months and the new Pup DR. Seuss AKA
"Doc" Doc at 7 weeks.
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Pronunciation |
Saint
Bernard |
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Description |
The Saint Bernard is a giant,
strong, muscular dog. As long as the weight stays in
proportion with the height, the taller the dog the more prized. The massive head is powerful. The muzzle is short, wider than it is long. The teeth meet in a scissors or level bite. The nose is broad, with wide open nostrils and like the lips are black in color. The medium sized eyes are set somewhat to the sides and are dark in color. The medium sized ears are set high, dropping and standing slightly away from the head. The legs are muscular. The feet are large with strong
well-arched toes. The long tail is broad and powerful at the base held low when the dog is relaxed. Dewclaws are usually removed. There are two
types of coat: rough, and smooth, but both are very dense and come in white with
markings in tan, red, mahogany, brindle, and black, in various combinations. The face and ears are usually black. In the rough-coated dogs, the hair is slightly longer
and there is feathering on the thighs and legs.
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Temperament |
Saint Bernards are extremely gentle and friendly and very tolerant
of children. Slow moving, patient, and obedient. Extremely
loyal, eager and willing to please. Be sure to
socialize this breed very well at a young age with people and other animals. It is highly
intelligent and easy to train, however training should begin early, while the
dog is still a manageable size. Teach this dog not to jump on humans starting at puppyhood. Bear in mind that an unruly dog of this size
presents a problem for even a strong adult if it is to be exercised in public
areas on a leash, so take control right from the start, teaching the dog to heel. The Saint Bernard is a good
watchdog. Even its size is a good deterrent. They drool after they drink or eat. Be sure you remain the dog's pack leader. Dogs want nothing more than to know what is expected of them and the St Bernard is no exception. Allowing a dog of this size and magnitude to be unruly can be dangerous, and shows poor ownership skills. Saint Bernards have a highly developed sense of smell and also seem to have a sixth sense
about impending danger from storms and avalanches. |
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Height, Weight |
Height: 25.5-27.5 inches ( 61-70 cm.)
Weight: 110-200 pounds (50-91 kg) |
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Health Problems |
Prone to
"wobbler" syndrome, heart problems, skin problems, hip
dysplasia, tumors and extropion - a folding outward of the eyelid rim, usually on the
lower lid. Twisted stomachs should be watched for. As these dogs are prone to
bloat, it is best to feed them two or three small meals a day instead of one
large meal. |
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Living Conditions |
The Saint Bernard will do okay in an
apartment if it is sufficiently exercised. They are relatively inactive indoors
and a small yard is sufficient. They can live outdoors, but would much rather be
with their family. They have a low tolerance for hot weather, warm rooms, and
cars. Can wheeze and snore. |
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Exercise |
A long
walk each day is needed to keep the
Saint Bernard in good mental and physical condition. Puppies should not have too much exercise at
one time until their bones are well formed and strong. Short walks and
brief play sessions are best until the dog is about two years old. |
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Life Expectancy |
About 8-10 years. |
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Grooming |
Both types of coats are easy to groom.
Comb and brush with a firm bristle brush, and bathe only when necessary. Shampoo
may strip the coat of its oily, water-resistant properties, so use a mild soap.
The eyes, which may be inclined to water, need special attention to keep them
clean and free of irritants. This breed sheds twice a year. |
| Origin |
The Saint Bernard was founded in 980 AD by St Bernard de Menthon and bred by the monks most likely by
crossing the ancient Tibetan mastiff with the Great Dane, Greater Swiss Mountain Dog and the Great Pyrenees. The first Saint Bernards were of the short haired variety, as the long-haired variety's coat tended to collect
icicles. They were used by the Hospice, a refuge for travelers
through the dangerous Alpine pass between Switzerland and Italy. In the middle of the seventeenth century Saint Bernards became popular as a rescue dog working to save people from avalanches in the snowy passes
near the Hospice. The dogs are able to smell a person under many feet of snow. They have saved thousands of people searching out and finding lost or injured travelers. The dogs would work in packs looking for the victims. When found they would lick and lay down with them in order to keep them warm. While a dog or more would lay with the body(s) another dog would head back to the Hospice to alert them that they found the humans. A full rescue team would then be sent out. The Saint Bernard has also been known to be able to predict storms and avalanches. This may be possible because of the dog's ability to hear very low frequency sounds which humans cannot. The Saint Bernard was recognized by the AKC in 1885. Some of the Saint Bernard's talents are search and rescue,
guard dog, watchdog and carting.
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| Group |
Mastiff, AKC Working |
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Recognition |
CKC, FCI, AKC, UKC, KCGB, CKC, ANKC,
NKC, NZKC, APRI, ACR, DRA |
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CKC = Continental
Kennel Club
FCI = Fédération
Cynologique Internationale
AKC = American
Kennel Club
UKC = United Kennel
Club
KCGB = Kennel
Club of Great Britain
CKC = Canadian
Kennel Club
ANKC = Australian
National Kennel Club
NKC = National
Kennel Club
NZKC = New Zealand
Kennel Club
APRI = American Pet Registry
Inc.
ACR = American Canine Registry
DRA = Dog Registry of America, Inc. |
Short Haired Saint Bernard.
_______________________
Shelby Dakota and Gretchen.
Shelby Dakota and Gretchen.
Saint Bernard Pictures 1
Saint Bernard Pictures 2
Saint Bernard Pictures 3
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