Saint Bernard | The Majestic & Gentle Rescue Hero Dog Breed
A large, noble dog, the Saint Bernard is famous for its great size and calm temperament. Saint Bernards were originally bred for rescue missions in the Swiss Alps and they are known for their strong work ethic and friendly temperament. Their history as life-saving rescue dogs is legendary, but now Saint Bernards are a cherished companion with a calm demeanor, loyal and affectionate personality. This article is for you if you are thinking of getting a Saint Bernard as a pet. It will help you to know this dog’s history, traits, care needs, etc., that will help you take good care of your furry friend.
History of the Saint Bernard
Saint Bernard’s origin is traced to monks of the St Bernard Hospice in the Swiss Alps in the 11th century who bred big dogs to assist in mountain rescues. They were used to search for travelers lost in the snow and lead the way to safety. Saint Bernards were excellent for these rescue missions in Alpine terrain as they were strong, had endurance and an incredible sense of smell.
Over time, Saint Bernards became synonymous with heroism and the breed’s name comes from the hospice they were bred at. Stories of their life saving efforts made them famous all over the world, and they were often pictured as carrying barrels of brandy to revive stranded travellers. Nowadays, Saint Bernards are not longer working rescue dogs, but are loved as affectionate family pets and companions.
Classification of the Saint Bernard
Purpose: The Saint Bernard was primarily meant for rescue operations in the Alps. They were bred to tolerate harsh weather and terrible terrain to locate lost individuals. The breed is no longer used for rescue work, but its natural instincts, loyalty and protective nature continue to be part of the personality.
Saint Bernards are by Size one of the biggest dog breeds. They weigh between 120 to 180 pounds (males), and a bit less for females. They are 26 to 30 inches at the shoulder. Although they are large in size, Saint Bernards are gentle and patient in nature and make good family companions.
Most Popular Saint Bernard Traits
They are famous for their beautiful physical appearance as well as their calm, loving personality:
Saint Bernards are massive, muscular dog breed with a broad head and strong neck. Their coat is dense and thick, a coat made for keeping warm in cold weather. There are two coat types of Saint Bernards: short and long. Both types are generally reddish brown with white markings, some may have a black mask and patches on its face.
Despite their large size, Saint Bernards are low energy dogs. Although they like to exercise moderately, like going for daily walks and playing, they are happy to stay home. Because they are fairly large, their exercise should be gentle to avoid over straining their joints.
Known as gentle giants, Saint Bernards are temperate, typically described as calm and gentle. These dogs are very affectionate, loyal and patient and they are wonderful pets for the family. Their calm character and capacity to tolerate kids and other creatures makes them a famous decision for families with youthful kids or different pets. Though they are not aggressive, they will protect their family and defend against danger if they sense it.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Saint Bernard
There are some important factors that you should take into consideration before you adopt a Saint Bernard.
Exercise Needs: Saint Bernards are not as active as many smaller breeds, but they do need regular exercise. Usually, daily walks and some playtime in a safe, fenced area will meet their exercise requirements. However, they are large dogs, so they should not be allowed to participate in strenuous exercise, particularly when they are still developing bones and joints during young puppyhood.
The Saint Bernard’s thick coat needs to be groomed regularly to keep it in good shape. Short haired Saint Bernards need brushing a few times per week, while long haired Saint Bernards need to be brushed several times a week to prevent mats and tangles. However, they also shed heavily, especially during the shedding seasons, so good brushing will help keep this in check. When necessary, they should be bathed, and their ears should be checked often to prevent infection.
Intelligent and willing to please, Saint Bernards require early training and socialization because of their size. Positive reinforcement techniques such as treats and praise are well accepted by them. Training a Saint Bernard can be a challenge, as they can be stubborn at times. For that reason, you need to be patient, consistent and firm. They do not mature quickly so it is important to keep training them throughout their life.
Saint Bernards are prone to some health problems due to their large size, such as hip dysplasia, heart problems and bloat (gastric torsion). In order to keep them healthy, they should have regular vet check ups, a balanced diet and exercise. This is unfortunate since the average lifespan of a Saint Bernard is shorter than that of smaller breeds and usually falls within the range of 8 to 10 years.
Tips for Responsible Saint Bernard Ownership
Give gentle exercise: Since Saint Bernards are quite large, you should not overexert a puppy. Low impact activities such as gentle walks are the best way to avoid straining their developing joints.
Saint Bernards, especially long coated ones, need to be groomed regularly. You will have to keep brushing your dog several times a week and regularly clean ears and nails. They will shed heavily requiring additional care.
Saint Bernards are naturally good natured dogs, but early training and socialization are very important for their becoming well adjusted and obedient dogs. They should be socialized with different people, different environments and different animals in order to avoid possible behavioral problems.
The size of the Saint Bernard means it’s prone to certain health concerns. Some of these concerns can be mitigated by regular veterinary check ups and a balanced diet. Bloat and hip dysplasia are two conditions for which early detection is the key to managing them, so always be on the lookout for signs.
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Fun Facts About Saint Bernards
While Saint Bernards are often shown with barrels of brandy hanging around their necks, this is more of a myth than reality. Although used to save stranded travelers, the notion of them transporting brandy was fueled by art and literature.
The heaviest Saint Bernard ever recorded weighed an unbelievable 366 pounds and stood 38 inches tall at the shoulder.
Saint Bernards are tolerant of children and are known to have a calm, patient demeanor. Their gentle giants’ persona makes them an excellent family pet.
Once upon a time, they were used as a rescue dog in the Swiss Alps and saved many lives, but now they are mainly companions as modern rescue techniques have changed.
Where to Find Saint Bernard
If you are going to adopt a Saint Bernard, it’s very important to choose a good breeder, which is to say, a breeder who pays attention to health and temperament. Ensure that the breeder does health tests for common conditions such as hip dysplasia and heart disease. In addition, you can also think of adopting from a breed specific rescue organization, where many Saint Bernards are in need of good homes.
FAQs about Saint Bernard
Conclusion
The Saint Bernard is a majestic gentle giant that warms and loves the home. They have a calm demeanor, are loyal, protective and make the best companions even for families or for anyone individually. They are great companions but they need a lot of grooming and care because of their size, but the reward of having a Saint Bernard, if you have the time for it, is immeasurable. Saint Bernards are rewarding companions if you are prepared, however, to meet their needs.