Everyone recognizes the St. Bernard as that massive and chinky-eyed rescue dog of the Alps. Many stories surround this breed about its heroic efforts to search and rescue trapped humans during avalanches. But moreover, not only is this dog recognized for this courageous cause but for being a dependable working dog and loyal family pet as well.
The St. Bernard’s ancestors are said to be the Molossoid dog breeds of the ancient Roman soldiers and the Sennenhunds, which are known as the great Swiss Mountain Dogs or Swiss Cattle Dogs. The present St. Bernard, however, is just an inexact remnant of the classic St. Bernard. Most of the original St. Bernards got killed in avalanches trying to rescue humans and so to preserve their breed, Newfoundland dogs were used but this did not quite preserve the outstanding characteristics of the original St. Bernard.
The name of this breed was given by travelers who came to live at the hospice at the St. Bernard Pass. This pass was treacherous and many travelers stayed with the monks and this is where they saw these massive dogs that were used for searching trapped travelers. The name of the dog and the pass was derived from an 11th century monk, Bernard Menthon who is also the founder of the St. Bernard hospice.
Aside from St. Bernard, this breed was also known before as the Saint Dog, Noble Steed, Alpenmastiff and Barry. Barry is also a name of a very famous St. Bernard because of its courageous efforts that saved 40 to 100 people from certain death. Today, the remnant of this dog was preserved at the National History Museum at Berne and a monument was established in his name at the Cimetiere des Chiens.
This massive dog weighs a whooping 160 to 260 pounds and stands at 27 1/2 to 35 1/2 inches in height. The tail of this breed is long, heavy and low and turns up lightly. The eyelids open a little and the face and ears are colored black.
This dog’s coat can be smooth or rough and that the smooth coat fairly fits the body and is flat. The rough textured coat is flat and dense especially around the neck and legs. The coat colors for this breed are red with white and mahogany brindle with white.
The St. Bernard is a dependable household companion as it is hardworking, eager to please, and extremely loyal. It is patient and tolerant with little children and with additional good socialization during puppyhood, it can also be as tolerant to smaller animals. This dog is fairly manageable so long as it is trained early on and it should also help that this dog is intelligent and obedient.
Albeit its size, the St. Bernard is not rough or aimlessly active but in fact, it is extremely gentle and amiable. It can be happy in an apartment living and it does not need a wide yard to exercise. Its daily exercise regimen can only be composed of a long walk and this should keep him healthy mentally and physically.
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