The Saint Bernard is a big dog with a big heart. It is a gentle dog that fits perfectly in a family with children. In the past, the Saint Bernard was known as a rescue dog that helped people who were snowed in under in the Alps. An impressive feat from this hard-working dog breed. Nowadays, the Saint Bernard enjoys working for his family.
Maybe you know this breed from the movie Beethoven, in which this dog breed plays the lead role. Do you want to know more about the Saint Bernard and are you wondering if this breed is right for you? Then read this article.
The history: a rescue dog from the Alps
The Saint Bernard originally comes from Switzerland and Italy. Around the year 1050, a monk named Bernhard of Menthon lived there. He founded a monastery and a hospice for through travelers on a high mountain pass between Switzerland and Italy. This was an important stopover and refuge for pilgrims on their way to Rome. This path is also known as the Great St. Bernard Pass.
It was a dangerous route and it happened that travelers disappeared or ended up under the snow. It is known that large mountain dogs were kept in that area for surveillance and protection. The main task for the Saint Bernard dogs was to track down lost and perished travelers. The dogs worked together with the monks of the monastery. If the Saint Bernard found someone, he tried to bring him or her back to the monastery.
If this was too difficult, he would get help from the monks. Several dogs also worked together. One dog stayed with the victim and the other went back to get help. They worked together as a real rescue team. The Saint Bernard was recognized as a Swiss breed in 1885 and has been the national dog of Switzerland since then.
The character: playful, inquisitive and friendly
The Saint Bernard is naturally friendly and confident. The temperament can vary from dog to dog from quiet to lively and playful, but in general the Saint Bernard is quite calm. It is a good watchdog; he is eager to protect his owner and his family. He loves to get a lot of attention and love. The Saint Bernard gets along particularly well with children and most of them get along well with other pets as well. He would like to be a part of the family and will do anything to please his owner.
The appearance of a Saint Bernard
The Saint Bernard is a large dog and has an imposing, powerful and muscular appearance. The height at the withers of a male dog is 70 to 90 cm. The height at the withers of a female is 65 to 80 cm. A Saint Bernard can weigh 64 to 120 pounds.
There are two different types of this breed, the shorthaired and the longhaired. In general, most have a short coat, but certain crossings have also created longhaired Saint Bernard’s. The ground color of the coat is white with small or large reddish-brown spots over its body. Sometimes there can also be black in the coat.
In proportion, the Saint Bernard has a large head and a broad neck. The ears are worn down and he has a short snout with a square shape. The eyes are not very large and the color varies from dark brown to hazelnut brown. In many cases, the Saint Bernard has a friendly facial expression. The body is completely straight and muscular making the dog an imposing presence. He has a long he