Saint Bernard Dog Breed Information

General Information:

Average Height: 26 – 35 in.
Average Weight: 130 – 180 lbs.
Average Life Span: 8-10 years
Coloring: White with red, tan, brindle, mahogany and black markings
Area of Origin: Switzerland/Italy
Similar Breeds: Bernese Mountain Dog, Leonberger, English Mastiff, Newfoundlander

History and Origin:

The roots of St. Bernard breed can be traced back to seventeenth century when they were used to guard St. Bernard’’s Hospice and help rescue those travelers who had been lost in the alpine passes of Switzerland. Due to their exceptional smelling abilities, they sniffed out the travelers even under several feet of snow. Their strong and powerful body structure made them ideal for that life saving job, and enables them to withstand extreme cold weather conditions.

Personality and Temperament:

St. Bernard’s thoroughly enjoy human companionship, especially if they are surrounded by children. However, close supervision is necessary when there are toddlers around, as the dog may accidentally knock them over when playing. Still, they are calm and friendly by nature and never show aggression unless they sense some kind of danger. St. Bernard dogs are loyal to their owners and are very protective if they sense danger. St. Bernard’s are known for their intelligence and make great watchdogs. They are not as playful as some other dogs are, but they can sit quietly and let their owner’s do their work without frequently disturbing them.

Exercise & Training:

Saints are considered low-maintenance when it comes to exercise, as they don’t need much of it. However, it is important that they get their daily walk in order to prevent excess weight gain, which would mean more strain on their joints and a higher risk of developing arthritis and other joint conditions. Strenuous, or too much, exercise should also be avoided in puppies, as this can cause hip injuries and growth abnormalities in the bones and joints. Lastly, this breed of dog is susceptible to heatstroke, so they should not be allowed to exercise or play for long periods in hot weather.

It’s crucial that Saint Bernard’s are trained as soon as possible because they become more difficult to handle as they get bigger. Socialization and obedience training are particularly important, as this will teach them good manners and prevent unwanted behavior such as jumping and pulling, which can be dangerous, given the size of the dog. Positive reinforcement is the best training method to use for this breed, as they can be stubborn and respond the best to rewards. It is also important that the owner establishes a leadership role as well as ground rules, and that training is consistent.

Grooming:

Both the long-haired and short-haired St. Bernard variety shed, especially during the summer months. The good thing is that it can be kept under control by brushing the coat at least three times a week. Baths don’t have to be given frequently, as long as the dog’s coat is kept clean and tidy. Additional grooming that should be done on a regular basis to ensure good hygiene and health includes; nail trimming, brushing the teeth, and cleaning the ears.

Similar Breeds:

The St. Bernard is very similar to the English Mastiff and the Newfoundlander, due to a shared ancestry with an older type of Alpine Mastiff and the Tibetan Mastiff. The St. Bernard also shares many characteristics, though not necessarily ancestry, with other mountain breeds; such as the Bernese Mountain Dog, the Great Pyrenees, and the Leonberger.

6 Interesting Facts about the Saint Bernard:

1. The St. Bernard is named after St. Bernard de Menthon, the patron saint of skiers and mountaineers.

2. Perhaps the most famous St. Bernard was called “Barry” – he rescued between 45-100 people, and his body is now in the Natural History Museum in Berne, Switzerland.

3. The St. Bernard Breed was made extremely popular based on the 1992 film – “Beethoven”

4. Contrary to popular belief, the St. Bernard breed never carried a barrel around their neck when they went on rescue missions.

5. According to a New York Times article from 1895, a St. Bernard known as Major F. measured 8’6” lengthwise, making him the longest dog ever to exist.

6. In 1981, the Guinness Book of World Records recognized a Saint Bernard named Benedictine V Schwarzwald Hof from Michigan the heaviest dog in the world, weighing at 315 lbs.