Saint Bernard Dog Breed Information - All About Dogs

Saint Bernard

Saint Bernard

SAINT BERNARD DOG BREED

Description:

The Saint Bernard is a very old dog breed, originally from Switzerland. These dogs have many unique qualities which make them very successful in search and rescue. Hence, Saint Bernards are very intuitive and can sense the impending danger; also, they have an excellent sense of smell and therefore the ability to accurately determine the direction of their search. The Saint Bernard is a reliable worker and a good companion. The St. Bernard was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885.

Height: 26-30 inches  Weight: 120-180 pounds  Lifespan: 8-10 years

Characteristics:

Despite its power and impressive size, this breed is almost never aggressive. On the contrary, the Bernard is gentle, attentive and quite benevolent. He is a very smart, humble dog. Comparable Breeds: The Newfoundland.

Character:

Even though this breed has a rather sad appearance, the Saint Bernard is quite enthusiastic. This sweet dog gets on well with other pets and children. Bernards are watchful, always ready to defend their family and territory. They aspire to be everyone’s favorite, actively drawing attention to themselves. The Saint Bernard is very smart and at the same time quite headstrong, so his owners should be patient. This dog breed is afraid of being alone for long period of time, and it may become unmanageable.

Coat / Care:

Saint Bernards can be either short-haired or long-haired. Regardless of the length of the hair, the Saint Bernard is adorned with a thick and waterproof coat. Short-haired varieties usually have a smooth and long coat. This breed comes in a combination of colors, including white, red, black, brindle and mahogany. The Saint Bernard sheds heavily twice a year, so he needs thorough care during. This dog breed needs a daily cleaning and brushing with a stiff brush. This procedure reduces the hair loss during shedding season. Since Bernards are prone to ear infection, make sure to regularly clean your dog’s ears.

Health Problems:

The Saint Bernard is generally healthy dog breed, but like all breeds, they can be prone to wobbler syndrome, heart and skin diseases, allergies, epilepsy, cataracts, bloating. Also, these dogs do not tolerate extremely high temperatures. The Saint Bernard has a life expectancy of 8 to 10 years.

Weight / Height

The male Saint Bernard dog breed’s height is around 28 – 30 inches and weighs around 140 and 180 pounds. Female Saint Bernard dogs can reach a size from 26 – 28 inches and weighs between 120 and 140 pounds. Male dogs are generally larger than females.

Training:

The Saint Bernard needs to be socialized and trained at an early age. This dog is always happy to please his master, so patient and gentle coach will easily train the dog. Saint Bernards are obedient, and they easily execute simple commands.

Activity:

Because this breed tends to overheat, the Saint Bernard should not exercise too much. Daily walks will keep these dogs healthy. Bernards are very suited for life in a city apartment. However, they feel better in a small, fenced yard.

Photo Credit: Jeremy Reding/Flickr

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