It is doubtlessly one of the most popular and beloved molosser, because its appearance is a synonym of loyalty, peace and courage. These are giant dogs, which have as a defect its much drool after eating or drinking.
ALLOWED COLOURS
History
Some monks had foundered a hostel for travelers and migrants in the Great St Bernard Pass the XI century. There, since the XVII century, big mountain guardian dogs were bred and used as rescue dogs for lost travelers in snow and fog.
There are stories of soldiers who crossed the Great St Bernard Pass with Napoleon Bonaparte in the 1800s, in the XIX century, which extended this dog’s fame all over Europe and the world.
On the occasion of an international cynology congress on 2nd June 1887, the Saint Bernard was officially recognized as a Swiss dog breed and compulsory standards set for the breed. The Saint Bernard has been regarded as Switzerland’s national dog ever since.
Characteristics::
It is a big, elegant and strong dog. There are two varieties: smooth haired (Stockhaar) and the long-haired. Both varieties are big-sized and have a noble appearance; have a vigorous, muscular and robust structure, and also an imposing head with an attention expression on its face.
The height to the withers is minimum 70 cm for male and 65 cm for female. The FCI Standard establishes a maximum of 90 cm for male and 80 cm for female.
Temperament:
It is an extroverted breed, with a friendly and pacific appearance, it is a gentle dog. Generally docile and affectionate, it is very loyal and devoted to its owners. It is especially suitable for children, for who it feels a special attraction, and so it gets the nickname of “nanny dog”. It is big enough to be a guardian with a controlled aggressiveness.
• Personality: peaceful, restful but youthful.
• Relationship with children: excellent.
• Space needs: wide space needed.
• Aptitudes: guardian dogs and used for Alpine, it is ideal for Traveler Assistance.
• Relationship with other dogs: monitor (dominant).
Maintenance:
It is a dog which demands a lot of attention on its face, eyes and eyelids, and also on its coat, especially the long-haired variety. It is convenient for it to do some exercise (without exceeding because of its tendency to endure Gastric dilatation volvulus) and to have an adequate space according to its big size (at least 150 square meters, although it is mostly recommended to have more than 300 meters).
Its company and happiness are favorable for health. There are two essential things to take care of this dog: to clean their ears and to take off the eye boogers.
Health:
Overweight must be especially avoided during its development, because it may aggravate its tendency to suffer hip and elbow dysplasia. Due to its coat and size, the owners must pay attention in avoiding closed or poorly ventilated rooms with high temperatures, as it may cause a heat stroke (even in smooth haired specimens).
It is necessary to pay special attention when it is provided with some kind of sedative because it could have fatal consequences in them in case they had undiagnosed dilated cardiomyopathy.
References: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Bernard_(dog)
You can download the FCI (International Cinological Federation) standard at the following link: http://www.fci.be/Nomenclature/Standards/061g02-en.pdf
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