The Saint Bernard
The Saint Bernard does not wish to wear a brandy keg around his neck, but you might be able to train him to bring you a beer. With a heart that’s as kind as his body is big, this lovable giant makes a fantastic family good friend and protector. He is sweet, often shy, and frequently persistent.
No, the Saint Bernard never ever used a miniature brandy keg around his neck. The image was merely the item of artistic license taken by Edwin Landseer. He painted a picture of the breed while checking out Switzerland in 1819. The general public liked it, and the brandy keg remains a sign of the type to this day.
It’s true, though, that monks at the hospice of Saint Bernard, high in the Swiss Alps, utilized the dogs to look for and rescue lost tourists. These days, the Saint is mainly a household companion or program pet, cherished for his calm and patient temperament. The Saint Bernard has numerous good qualities, but he may likewise have health and character issues. Even if breeding is the best it can be. If you desire the calm, protective canine of legend, be prepared to do a lot of homework to find him and put in a lot of effort training and mingling him when you bring him house.
Part of the Mastiff family
The Saint Bernard is a member of the Mastiff family, as evidenced by his huge head and high, powerful body. He is mild, but his size alone is enough to prevent lots of potential burglars or assailants. He is only moderately active, making him fit to homes with small yards. This dog drools and is sensitive to heat, so he needs to reside in air-conditioned comfort in hot climates.
This is a giant breed. A 25-pound Saint Bernard puppy definitely looks manageable, however he will eventually weigh 120 to 180 or more pounds. His substantial size is frequently what draws in people to him. But the tradeoff is a heartbreakingly brief life expectancy of approximately 7 to 10 years. And if you reach your home by stairs and ought to ever require to transport him up and down, you might be in trouble. A Saint Bernard may well be your dog if none of that fazes you.
Modest food and exercise requirements
Contrary to his size, the Saint Bernard’s food and exercise needs are modest. He does not consume more than any other large breed canine. Also he will be pleased with a number of brief strolls daily. Like any pet, Saint puppies are inveterate chewers and because of their size can do more damage than pups of other types. They are prone to consuming products such as socks and dish towels. Thus resulting in seeking veterinary opinion and even surgery for intestinal tract clogs.
You might believe of him as an outdoor canine, the Saint Bernard loves his people and will pine without human companionship. They are also vulnerable to heatstroke and needs to never ever be left outdoors for a long time in hot weather. Saints ought to have access to a securely fenced backyard, however when the household is home, the pet dog should be with them inside your home.
The Saint Bernard drools. Do not believe a breeder who declares to produce “dry-mouth” Saints. Saint Bernards stand out at canine sports such as drafting (pulling a cart), weight-pulling, and obedience trials. The Saint Bernard’s coat can be brief or long and varies from deep brown to red brownish-yellow with white markings.
Not an outdoor dog
The Saint Bernard doesn’t want to use a brandy keg around his neck, but you may be able to train him to bring you a beer. No, the Saint Bernard never used a miniature brandy keg around his neck. It’s true, though, that monks at the hospice of Saint Bernard, high in the Swiss Alps, used the pets to seek out and rescue lost tourists. If none of that fazes you, a Saint Bernard might well be your dog.
You might think of him as an outside dog, the Saint Bernard loves his people and will pine without human companionship.
AKC Ranking: 45
FAMILY: livestock dog, sheepdog, mastiff
AREA OF ORIGIN: Switzerland
DATE OF ORIGIN: Middle Ages
ORIGINAL FUNCTION: draft, search and rescue
TODAY’S FUNCTION: companion
AVERAGE SIZE OF MALE Height: >27.5 Weight: 120-200
AVERAGE SIZE OF FEMALE Height: >25 Weight: 120-200