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DOGS BY BREED :: SAINT BERNARD
Saint Bernard
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. Its 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 misspelled as Saint Barnard, Saint Bernerds and St Barnard.
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.
Colors and Coat
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.
Potential Health Problems
Saint BernardsAll 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 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
Grooming and Care
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
of the Saint Bernard Dog BreedThe life expectancy for this particular breed is 8 Ð 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.
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
