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St.
Bernard dog breed
If you
are a
St. Bernard owner,
and you would like your pet's picture displayed
here, e-mail us at breedprofiles@pets.ca.
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Dog breed group |
Working
Dog |
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Origin of breed |
Switzerland
as a rescue dog. |
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Life expectancy |
10
to 12 years |
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Color |
red-brown
and white or brindle and white |
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Coat type |
Either
shorthaired (short, thick, and dense) or longhaired (medium
length and slightly wavy. Both have undercoat. |
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Exercise needs |
Moderate
energy level. Requires long walks. a puppy should not have to
much activity until the 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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Temperament |
Sensible, gentle, and patient. Highly intelligent and easy to
train. Because of enormous size, should be trained in early
puppyhood. Does not bark very much. |
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Good with children |
Usually
fine with other animals and children. Sheer size makes it a
good watchdog. |
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Grooming needs |
Heavy shedder during spring and fall. Requires 3 brushings per
week. |
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Average size (inches) |
>
27.5
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>
25
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Average weight (lbs) |
110
- 200+
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110
- 200+
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Health issues |
Heavy drooler. They are particularly
prone to hip dysplasia and heart disease. It may also suffer
from epilepsy, skin problems, and an eye condition called
ectropin, that causes irritation and weeping because the eyelids
don't close completely. This breed is highly susceptible to
bloat. Because of the amount of food it eats, feeding becomes
expensive. |
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Living conditions |
Does best in suburbs
or country but can adapt well to urban living if given plenty
of space and exercise. Thrives in colder climates. |
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Dog
breed description
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A powerfully built, muscular
dog with a massive head and drooping ears, the Saint Bernard is descended
from the Molossian Mastiff. Wanting a dog which would work as guards
and mountain guides the monks of the ancient Hospice du Grand Saint
Bernard in the Swiss Alps developed this breed. Probably descended from
mastifflike dogs that were introduced from Asia to Europe by the Romans,
the St. Bernard appears to have been brought to the hospice in the late
17th century. The most famous of the hospice dogs was Barry, who reportedly
saved more than 40 people before his death in the early 1800s. They
became famous for rescuing travelers and climbers on the Swiss Alps.
In 1830 Newfoundland blood was introduced in an attempt to give the
breed added size and vitality. Up until that time all Bernard's were
short-coated.
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Dog
breed infobits |
The
Saint Bernard is also known as the Alpine Mastiff and the St. Bernhardshund.
Saint Bernards are credited with saving the lives of some 2,500 people
in 300 years of service. |
Disclaimer:
Pets.ca cannot be responsible for the accuracy of the above
presented information.
Please double check all information prior to making any decisions about purchasing
this or any breed.
If you think we have made an error with some of the information presented here,
please e-mail us at breedprofiles@pets.ca
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