St.Bernard

                                       St.Bernard

AKA:St. Bernhardshund, Alpine Mastiff
Origin:Switzerland
Size:Giant
Ease of training:Low/Medium
Grooming:Low
Shedding:Medium/High
Exercise needed:Daily walks
Energy level:Low/Medium
Protection:Medium
Good with children:Yes, early socialization recommended
Health clearances:OFA
Popularity:39/155

Saint Bernard Temperament

Faithful, affectionate, intelligent, and just a little lazy, the Saint Bernard is a huge dog with a huge heart. When from well-bred lines, these dogs are calm, quiet, and sensible. The patient and docile Saint Bernard does need plenty of space because of his size, and is therefore not suited to those in apartments. He also needs a fair amount of exercise, and daily walks along with an opportunity to have a play around in a safe area will help to keep him fit and healthy. These working dogs are eager to please and happy to serve their family and master. Some of the areas the Saint Bernard may excel in include hauling, and search and rescue. These dogs do need to companionship of their owners, and are not suited to those with little time for a pet. They also need owners that are confident and assertive, and are best suited to those with some experience of dog ownership.

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. He is a protective and loyal pet, and makes a good family dog for those with the space, time, and experience to provide him with a suitable living environment, lots of attention and interaction, and proper training. You may want to think twice about getting a Saint Bernard if you are very house proud, as they can be slobbery and drool a lot.

Saint Bernard Appearance

The Saint Bernard is a huge animal with a muscular build, yet he has a very docile, almost sad look about him. 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.

Saint Bernard Grooming

Whilst 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.

Saint Bernard Health Problems and Life Expectancy

As a giant dog, the Saint Bernard has a fairly low life expectancy of around 8-9 years. There are also a number of health problems to look out for with this breed, and this includes ectropion, entropion, heart defects, cancer, bloat, epilepsy, HD, and OCD. The parents of the Saint Bernard puppy should have OFA certificates.

Saint Bernard History

The Saint Bernard enjoys an interesting and long history. He originates from Switzerland, and was developed by monks. 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 breed was originally short haired, but after being crossed with the Newfoundland the long haired variety was developed. The Saint Bernard was registered with the AKC in 1885.