- Saint Bernard Description
The Saint Bernard is a very large, strong, muscular dog, with a powerful
head. As long as the weight stays in proportion with the height, the
taller the dog the more prized. There are two types of coat: rough, and smooth,
but both are very dense and come in white with markings in tan, red,
mahogany, brindle, and black - in various combinations. The face and
ears are usually shaded with black and the expression is intelligent and
gentle. In the rough-coated dogs, the hair is slightly longer and there
is feathering on the thighs and legs. The feet are large with strong
well-arched toes, making the Saint Bernard's sure-footed in the snow and
ice. They have a highly developed sense of smell and also seem to have a
sixth sense about impending danger from storms and avalanches.
- Saint Bernard Temperament
They are extremely gentle and friendly and very tolerant of children.
The Saint Bernard is slow moving, patient, and obedient. Extremely
loyal, this breed wants to please. Since this dog is so giant, be sure
to socialize it very well at a young age with other people. It is highly
intelligent and easy to train, however training should begin early,
while the dog is still a manageable size. Bear in mind that an unruly
dog of this size presents a problem for even a strong adult if it is to
be exercised in public areas on a leash, so take control from the onset.
The Saint Bernard is a good watchdog. Even its size is a good
deterrent. They drool after they drink or eat.
- Saint Bernard Height, Weight
Height: 25.5-27.5 inches (61-70 cm)
Weight: 110-200 pounds (50-91 kg)
- Saint Bernard Health Problems
Good health but some are prone to "wobbler" syndrome, heart problems,
skin problems, hip dysplasia, and extropion - a folding outward of the
eyelid rim, usually on the lower lid. Twisted stomachs should be watched
for. As these dogs are prone to bloat, it is best to feed them two or
three small meals a day instead of one large meal.
- Saint Bernard Living Conditions
The Saint Bernard will do okay in an apartment if it is sufficiently
exercised. They are relatively inactive indoors and a small yard is
sufficient. They can live outdoors, but would much rather be with their
family. They have a low tolerance for hot weather, warm rooms, and cars.
A long walk each day is needed to keep the Saint Bernard in good mental
and physical condition. Puppies should not have too much exercise at one
time until their bones are well formed and strong. Short walks and
brief play sessions are best until the dog is about two years old.
- Saint Bernard Life Expectancy
About 12-15 years.
Both types of coats are easy to groom. Comb and brush with a firm
bristle brush, and bathe only when necessary. Shampoo may strip the coat
of its oily, water-resistant properties, so use a mild soap. The eyes,
which may be inclined to water, need special attention to keep them
clean and free of irritants. This breed sheds twice a year.
This is a very ancient breed. It was founded in AD 980 by St Bernard de
Menthon as a refuge for travelers through the perilous Alpine pass
between Switzerland and Italy. It is descended from the Tibetan mastiff
and therefore must have originated with the mastiff brought to the Alps
by the Romans around the year 1000. The monks probably crossed the
ancient mastiff with the Great Dane and the Great Pyrenees. Its use and
popularity as a rescue dog began in the middle of the seventeenth
century. The Saint Bernard was used as an avalanche and rescue dog in
the snowy passes near the Hospice. More then 2,000 people have been
saved by this amazing servant of mankind. The dogs search out and find
the lost or injured traveler, and then lick him and lie next to him to
give him warmth. Then one dog from the party heads back to the Hospice
to get a full rescue team.
The Saint Bernard's sense of smell is so excellent that he can find a
person even under many feet of snow. This breed is also known for his
ability to foretell storms and avalanches, perhaps because he may hear
very low frequency sounds that are beyond our ability to hear.
There are two varieties: short-haired and long-haired. The short-haired
variety is more often used for mountain work because he can tolerate
cold temperatures. The long-haired variety's coat tends to collect
icicles. Some of the Saint Bernard's talents are search & rescue,
watchdogging and carting.
source
http://www.kaskus.us/showthread.php?t=4132670
