Saint Bernard

Saint Bernard breeders can be found here

Alternative Name

St. Bernhardshund Bernhardiner Alpine Mastiff, Saint Bernard

Basic Info

This dog is a large breed originally bred for rescue and as a working dog. A full-grown St. Bernard male can weigh between 150 and 200 lb (68 and 90 kg). There are two varieties of the breed: the short-haired or smooth-coat variety and the long-haired or rough-coat variety.

Health

The very fast growth rate and the weight can lead to very serious deterioration of the bones if the dog does not get proper food and exercise. Many are affected by hip dysplasia. You can research the dogs that have clear hips. St Bernards are prone to an eye disorder called entropion and ectropion. The breed is also susceptible to epilepsy and seizures, a heart disease called dilated cardiomyopathy, and to eczema

Behavior

They are very gentle giants. They are often fond of children and are loyal to their family, but, as with any dog, should not be left unsupervised with young children. It is highly recommended that owners be very patient because this breed of dog can be very stubborn. It is imperative that St. Bernards should also remain very socialized because they can become overly protective of their territory. They are also very prone to anxiety if left alone for long periods of time and may destroy their owner's belongings. It is recommended that a suitable safe environment be made available during times that the owner can not be home. This could range anywhere from a fenced yard to a suitably sized crate (normally Extra Large). Saint Bernard commonly get along very well with other dogs and love high amounts of attention.

Origin

Switzerland

History

The ancestors of the St. Bernard were the herding dogs of Swiss farmers as well as hunting 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 the St. Bernard remained loyal companions to the monks there until 2004, when the monks began to divest themselves of the dogs and focus the time they spent on the dogs to minister to people. The most famous St. Bernard to save people at the pass was Barry (sometimes spelled Berry), who reportedly saved somewhere between 40 and 100 lives. There is a monument to Barry in the Cimetière des Chiens and his body was preserved in the Natural History Museum in Berne.