Over nearly 200 years, St. Bernards saved about 2,000 people. They are known for their heroic sense of direction and their ability to handle cold weather¹. These dogs are big but have a gentle heart. They come from the snowy Swiss Alps and are loved all over the world.

St. Bernards are perfect as loyal pets and are great with families. They are calm but can get excited, making them loved by both kids and adults.

Key Takeaways

• St. Bernards are one of the largest and heaviest dog breeds, with males reaching up to 90cm in shoulder height and 80kg in weight.
• These gentle giants are known for their heroic rescue efforts, with one St. Bernard named Barry saving over 40 lives in the Swiss Alps.
• St. Bernards have a long history, initially bred by the monks of the Great St. Bernard Hospice for their robust size and strength.
• The breed gained popularity in the 19th century and was accepted by the UK Kennel Club in the 1870s, becoming part of the Working Group.
• Despite their majestic appearance, St. Bernards have a lifespan of less than 10 years and are prone to various health issues.

The Iconic St. Bernard Breed

A Breed of Noble Rescuers

The St. Bernard breed has a long history, starting from a monastery nearly a thousand years ago. The devoted monk, Bernard of Menthon, founded it. These Monastery Dogs were meant to guard the hospice. They protected brave travellers on the dangerous Alpine Rescue paths².

Over time, St. Bernards became more than just guards. They became famous for their skills in search and rescue in the mountains. Their loyalty, keen senses, and strength made them key in Alpine Rescue efforts. They gained a reputation as noble rescuers³.

Barry the Legendary Rescue Dog is a famous St. Bernard from history. He saved over 40 lives from 1800 to 1814 at the St. Bernard Hospice⁴. His story still moves and inspires people, making the St. Bernard a true canine icon.

“The St. Bernard breed’s unwavering loyalty, keen senses, and immense strength made them invaluable assets in the Alpine Rescue efforts, earning them the reputation as noble rescuers.”

Historical Origins of the St. Bernard

The St. Bernard breed has a rich history, tracing back to the Swiss Alps. In the mid-17th century, monks at the Great St. Bernard Hospice started breeding dogs. These dogs would become the St. Bernards we know today⁵. They came from Mastiff-type canines brought by the Romans to Switzerland. These dogs were used as guard dogs and companions by both the Romans and the monks⁶.

In the early 1700s, the monks used these dogs for rescue missions in the snowy St. Bernard Pass. This pass connects Italy and Switzerland. Over nearly 200 years, these dogs helped rescue about 2,000 people⁷⁶.

During a harsh winter in 1816-1818, many St. Bernards died in avalanches while rescuing people. This made the breed almost extinct. But, it was saved two years later by crossing with dogs from nearby valleys⁷.

In the 1830s, the monks tried to improve the breed by mixing them with Newfoundland dogs. They thought the longer fur would keep the dogs warmer. But, this made the dogs more prone to ice forming, so they were given away⁷⁶.

Thanks to the monks’ hard work and the use of Swiss dogs, the St. Bernard breed was saved. In 1884, the Swiss St. Bernard Club was formed. The breed was officially recognised in 1885 at the International Cynology Congress⁵.

Today, the St. Bernard is a beloved companion, thanks to the Barry Foundation. Despite many challenges, the St. Bernard has survived as a symbol of bravery and loyalty. It represents the spirit of the Swiss Alps⁵.

Breed Recognition and Standards

Kennel Club Acceptance and Breed Standards

The St. Bernard has been a well-known and loved dog breed for a long time. By the 1870s, these grand dogs were often seen at dog shows in the UK. They were welcomed by the Kennel Club and put in the Working Group⁸. The first St. Bernard Club started in 1882, leading to the creation of the English St. Bernard Club in 1922. This club is now the main group for the breed⁹.

The breed standards for St. Bernards are very detailed. They focus on health, proper teeth, and a strong, wide chest⁹. These dogs must be at least 75 cms (30 ins) tall for males and 70 cms (28 ins) for females⁹. There’s a 5 cm (2 ins) size difference between males and females⁹.

St. Bernards can have different colours like orange, mahogany-brindle, red-brindle, and white with certain patterns⁹. The standards also talk about a specific bite, strong back legs, and a friendly, smart nature. This matches their role as mountain rescue dogs⁹. Any differences from these standards are seen as faults, showing the high standards for St. Bernard recognition⁹.

Male St. Bernards must also have two fully dropped testicles, showing the breed’s detailed standards⁹. These standards keep the St. Bernard as a respected and unique breed. It’s known for its noble history and loyalty to people⁹⁸¹⁰.

St. Bernard: Gentle Giants of the Canine World

The St. Bernard is a true gentle giant in the world of dogs. They come from the Swiss Alps’ St. Bernard hospice and are now loved as family pets¹¹. These dogs are big, standing 28 to 30 inches tall and weighing 140 to 180 pounds¹². They are big but friendly, making them a special breed.

St. Bernards are known for being loyal and friendly. They get along well with children and other pets¹³. They need some training to fit into a family but are great companions, living up to 8 to 10 years¹².

Their coats come in many colours, like white and brown, or brindle and white¹¹. These dogs need regular grooming to keep their thick coat looking good¹². They are happy with a daily walk or thirty minutes of play, fitting well into active families¹¹.

Originally, St. Bernards were guard dogs in the Swiss Alps¹¹. Now, they are loved as family pets, known for their gentle nature¹³. They are big but loving, making them great for families looking for a loyal pet.

The St. Bernard’s gentle nature and big size make them great Family-Friendly Dogs and Loyal Companions¹³. These Gentle Giants have won the hearts of many, showing the strong bond between humans and dogs.

“The Saint Bernard saved people along an 8,000-foot high pass for almost a thousand years.”¹¹

Physical Characteristics of the St. Bernard

Size, Stature, and Appearance

The St. Bernard is a giant among dogs, standing tall at 26 to 30 inches. They can weigh between 140 to 180 pounds¹⁴. Males are muscular, while females are more delicate but just as graceful. They are known for their friendly nature, making them great family pets.

St. Bernards have a unique double coat that can be short or long. Their fur often mixes red, fawn, white, and brown, with no all-white dogs¹⁵. This coat helps them thrive in the Swiss Alps, where they come from¹⁶.

Despite their large size, St. Bernards are gentle and loving. They are perfect for families¹⁴. Their sweet distinctive markings and friendly nature have made them a favourite among dog lovers.

“The St. Bernard is a true gentle giant, with a kind and affectionate personality that has captured the hearts of many.”

The St. Bernard stands out with its size, coat, and heart. They are a breed that truly shines in the dog world¹⁴¹⁶¹⁵.

The Temperament of a St. Bernard

As Gentle Giants of the canine world, St. Bernards show a warmth and friendliness that surprises people because of their big size¹⁷. They are the perfect Family-Friendly dogs, forming strong bonds with humans and other pets¹⁸. Their Sociable nature and Sensitive heart make them the centre of a loving home¹⁷.

Walking with them, you feel comforted by their calmness. They show a picture of a happy home where everyone gets along¹⁸. St. Bernards are great with kids and small animals if they’re socialised well, making them a top choice for families¹⁸.

But, owners should watch out for their possible dominance or aggression with other male dogs. They need consistent training to learn respect and obedience¹⁹. Also, they can be independent, so they need training with praise, treats, and clear rules to follow¹⁹.

It’s important to socialise St. Bernards well. They need to meet many people and see different things to avoid being too shy or aggressive¹⁹. With the right training and socialising, these Gentle Giants become loyal and loving friends, always ready to show love and care¹⁸.

In short, St. Bernards mix Gentle Giants, Family-Friendly, Sociable, and Sensitive traits, making them a special and rewarding breed for those who put in the time and effort¹⁹¹⁷¹⁸.

“St. Bernards are known for their patience with children and gentleness with smaller animals when properly socialised.”

Caring for Your St. Bernard

Exercise, Training, and Home Life

Caring for a St. Bernard means finding the right balance between exercise and indoor comfort. These dogs, despite their large size, don’t need as much exercise as you might think. They stand between 65 to 90 cm tall and weigh 64 to 120 kg²⁰.

A daily walk of 30 to 60 minutes is enough to keep a St. Bernard happy²⁰. Adding some playtime makes them even more content. Some owners enjoy activities like cart pulling, which suits their historical rescue background²⁰.

Training and socialising a St. Bernard is just as important as exercise. They respond well to positive reinforcement and can do well in obedience competitions if started young²⁰. Regular training helps shape their friendly nature and prevents bad habits like separation anxiety²⁰.

St. Bernards don’t do well in small spaces like apartments. They need a big, comfy home with their family²⁰. It’s important to provide a safe, cool place for them to rest, as they can easily get too hot²¹.

Having a St. Bernard is a big responsibility. You need to think about the costs of buying, keeping healthy, grooming, and feeding them²⁰. But for those ready for the challenge, the joy of having these gentle giants in your life is huge²².

Feeding Your St. Bernard for Optimal Health

Feeding your St. Bernard right is key to their health and long life²³. They need a diet full of proteins, fats, carbs, vitamins, and minerals²³. Foods like chicken, beef, and fish give them the amino acids they need for muscles²³. Fats are important for energy and keeping their skin healthy²³. Carbs give them energy and fibre for their gut health, with whole grains, veggies, and fruits being good choices.

Feeding them twice a day is best for St. Bernards²³. Puppies need more calories and nutrients to grow, so special puppy food is best²³. Most vets suggest dry kibble, but some dogs might do better with wet food based on what they like and need²³.

Some St. Bernards might need supplements like glucosamine for their joints and probiotics for their gut²³. But, foods like chocolate and grapes are bad for them because they can be poisonous²³.

The Gentle Giants Dog Food program has really helped these big dogs live longer and happier lives²⁴. Dogs on this program can live up to twice as long as usual, with St. Bernards living from 14 to 18 years²⁴.

This program suggests feeding adult dogs five or more times a day, and puppies eight or more times a day²⁴. They use Gentle Giants World Class Canine Cuisine food²⁴. Dogs eat about 1/3 less on this food than other brands²⁴.

“Feeding Gentle Giants dog food can result in healthier coats, increased alertness, higher energy levels in dogs, and about 1/3 less stool produced.”²⁴

By giving your St. Bernard a balanced diet and a regular feeding schedule, you can keep them healthy and long-lived²³²⁵²⁴.

The Legendary Barry: A St. Bernard Hero

Barry, a St. Bernard, is a true hero. He saved many lives in the Swiss Alps²⁶. His bravery shows the breed’s commitment to helping those in danger²⁷.

Barry was born in 1800, a year of great change. He worked at the Great St Bernard Hospice, helping lost travelers²⁷. He saved 40 people from the snow, but sadly, he died on his 41st mission²⁶²⁷.

Even after his death, Barry’s story lived on. His body is now in the Natural History Museum in Berne, Switzerland²⁷. The St. Bernards at the Great St Bernard Hospice have saved over 2,000 lives²⁶.

The Barry Foundation continues his work today, with 34 St Bernards and 20 puppies each year²⁶. Though they’re not rescue dogs anymore, their heroic past is still celebrated²⁸.

“The fame of the St. Bernard breed burgeoned, culminating in official recognition in the 1800s, an acknowledgment by the Swiss government of their indelible contribution to the collective narrative of man’s best friend.”

Conclusion

The St. Bernard is a true icon, loved for its size, gentle nature, and heroic past as a mountain rescue dog²⁹. These “Gentle Giants” come from the Swiss Alps and have won hearts around the world. They are perfect as family pets, showing the deep bond between humans and dogs³⁰.

These dogs have a rich history, from their beginnings in monasteries to their famous rescue work. Their story is full of resilience, kindness, and the strong bond between humans and dogs³⁰.

Today, St. Bernards bring joy and loyalty to our lives. They are known for their looks and their history as “Mountain Rescue” heroes³⁰. They are truly one of the most loved “Loyal Companions” out there³⁰.

We must keep celebrating and protecting this amazing breed. Doing so will keep the St. Bernard’s spirit alive for future generations. It will remind us of the special bond between humans and animals²⁹³¹³⁰.

Source Links

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