| " The Saviour of Lost Travellers " | | Breed Origins: | Switzerland ( Middle Ages ) | | Breed usage: | Search and Rescue dog | | Dog Weight: | 110 - 200 Pounds | | Dog Height: | 25 to 30 inches to the shoulder | | Cost of Puppies: | Cost of puppies varies depending on location, breeder and pedigree history |
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Information, Facts & Origins of the Saint Bernard Dog Breed
The Saint Bernard, or St. Bernard, originates from Switzerland and was bred originally for pulling carts, turning spits, watch and herd dogs but they are most famous for helping lost travellers. It's origins can be dated back to the Middle Ages. The Saint Bernard is also known by the other names of St. Bernard, St. Bernhardshund and Alpine mastiff. This dog is classified as one of the Working Dog Group which we go on to describe in detail in the section at the bottom of this page. The Saint Bernard was first Registered by the AKC (American Kennel Club) in 1885. Name Facts and Dog Names: This dog's name is often referred to in two separate words as St Bernard and mis-spelt as Saint Barnard, Saint Bernerds and St Barnard. Saint Bernard Dog NamesDescription of the Saint Bernard Dog Character and Temperament
Working dogs, like the St Bernard, are medium to giant size and are strong, often independent, domineering and difficult to manage. This, together with the immense sizes of many of the breeds, make many of the working dogs unsuitable as a normal family pet or first time dog owners. These dogs require firm control and must be properly trained. Formal obedience training should include a proper socialising program. Training need not be difficult as Working dog breeds are generally quick to learn and intelligent. Some of the working dog breeds are easier to handle such as the Newfoundland dog, the Portuguese Water Dog, the Samoyed and the Saint Bernard. |
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Description of the Saint Bernard Dog and Puppies - Coat and Colours information
The Saint Bernard's coat is normally a shade of orange, mahogany-brindle, red-brindle or white with various coloured markings. The coat is normally dense, short and smooth.Dog Health information - potential health problems of the Saint Bernards
All owners of dogs and puppies are concerned about the health care of their pets and just as with humans dog health issues arise from time to time. Resolving dog health problems, including those of the Saint Bernard, can prove to be costly and it would be wise to consider the benefits of obtaining dog health insurance. Diseases in dogs may occur because of trauma, infection, immune system abnormalities, genetic factors, or degenerative conditions. Common health problems and questions occur in relation to the Bones, Joints, Muscles, Nerves, Ears, Eyes, Teeth and the Mouth. Other, more serious, issues can relate to the Digestive System, Heart & Respiratory Systems, Immune & Blood Systems, Reproduction and Urinary Systems. Potential health problems of the Saint Bernard may be checked via the Dog Symptoms Sorter, but can include: - Hip Dysplasia (abnormal development of hip joints referred to as CHD - Canine Hip and Elbow Dysplasia)
- Epilepsy
- Entropion (the inversion, or turning inward, of the border of the eyelid against the eyeball)
- Gastric Torsion
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For additional
information we have provided an Online Encyclopaedia of Common Dog
Health Problems which can be accessed via the Canine Health
section from the Site Map. This describes the most common health
problems concisely but simply without using medical jargon. The
Online Encyclopaedia of Common Dog Health Problems should only be
used as an informational guide and when and if any dog or puppies health
problems occur it is essential to raise any questions you may have
with a Dog Health care professional.The St. Bernard does not tolerate the heat well. Information on Grooming and Care of the Saint Bernard Dog Breed
The Saint Bernard requires weekly care and grooming. All dog breeds require a certain amount of grooming and care is necessary to keep dogs and puppies looking at their best. Grooming consists of not only brushing out the coat and bathing but also giving attention to the eyes, teeth, ears, feet and nails. A regular routine also ensures that any potential health problems are identified as quickly as possible, especially important in puppies and older Saint Bernard dogs. Life Expectancy information of the Saint Bernard Dog Breed
The life expectancy for this particular breed is 8 – 10 years. Age comparison between the Saint Bernard Dog Breed and a Human
Age comparisons between dogs and humans are always a matter of debate - we hope that the following information clarifies the situation. After the first year of life, a dog is equivalent to sixteen human years. After two years, they are equivalent to a 24 year old, at three years a 30 year old, and each year after, add 5 human years to determine a dog's age. The Pictures reflect the Size of Adults - not Children and Puppies!
The pictures above allow for a useful comparison of sizes providing an accurate portrait of the size of an average Saint Bernard - essential information but unique to this site. It should also be noted that the pictures feature adults. The size of puppies are naturally considerably smaller and the full grown size of the animal can easily be forgotten when confronted with cute puppies! The slogan " A dog isn't just for Christmas - it's for life!" was necessitated by well meaning people buying puppies at the Christmas, unaware of the puppies growth rate. The pictures provided make it extremely clear exactly how small puppies will develop and whether it will suit the life and living conditions of the family. Saint Bernard Dog - Puppies Info and Names
The Puppies section, accessed via the Site Index, provides detailed information about Choosing the right puppy, Puppy Training, Puppy Care and Puppy Behavior, Growth & Development. We recommend that the following considerations should always be taken into account when choosing puppies: - Budget - Purchasing, training, equipment, medication and feeding costs of the breed
- Convenience and Grooming time e.g. long or short hair
- Personal situation - time available and medical conditions such as allergies, asthma or back pain
- Exercising requirements for the Saint Bernard breed
- Living Conditions for the dog breed - suitability for puppies
- Family - child suitability
- Puppy and Dog Names - The Importance of choosing the right names
Working Dog Breed Information
Dogs in the Working group, which include the Saint Bernard, were developed to perform a wide variety of tasks, such as herding, droving, pulling, hauling, herding, hunting, rescuing and guarding. The very nature of many of these tasks require a big, strong dog. These dogs have a long and close association with man and have provided invaluable help to their owners. The working dogs are generally large, intelligent, and protective of their masters. Working dogs have always been viewed as real assets to their owners and have worked with man replacing larger animals such as horses when none such animals were available. Advanced technology and machinery have negated some of the working requirements of these dogs but strength, courage and a fast reactions ensure that this partnership will continue long into the future. |
Working Dog Breed Duties and Tasks
Characteristics and features of Working Dogs have been introduced and strengthened by breeding with animals who already demonstrated the desired traits. Breeding for appearance was only introduced in the 19th Century. Before this time dogs and puppies were bred to increase useful abilities and traits helpful for the duties they were intended for. Thus, the various Working breeds, including the St Bernard, were introduced to help man according to his specific requirements such as: | |
- Guarding premises
- Herding or Droving various animals including cattle and reindeer
- Pulling or hauling various vehicles such as carts and sleds
- Hunting which could range from all kinds of smaller animals to big game including lions and tigers
- Performing water and mountain rescues
In this day and age not every Saint Bernard might be called to undertake these tasks, but nevertheless, they still harbour the skills and characteristics that made the original Saint Bernard breeding program successful. Many of the Working dogs group are still gainfully employed as: - Guard Dogs
- Police dogs
- Sled dogs
- Rescue dogs
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Examples of other Breeds within the Working Dog Group
The Working group includes the St Bernard and all of the following breeds:
Akitas, Alaskan Malamutes, Anatolian Shepherds, Bernese Mountains, Boxers, Bullmastiffs, Doberman Pinschers, German Pinschers, Giant Schnauzers, Great Danes, Great Pyrenees, Greater Swiss Mountains, Komondors, Kuvasz, Mastiffs, Newfoundlands, Portuguese Waters, Rottweilers, Saint Bernards, Samoyeds, Siberian Huskys and Standard Schnauzers. Name Facts and Dog Names: This dog's name is often referred to in two separate words as St Bernard and mis-spelt as Saint Barnard, Saint Bernerds and St Barnard. Pictures and information about all of the above Working breeds, together with all other dog groups, may be found on this website via the following links:
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Saint Bernard Dog & Puppies | |
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