St. Bernard

History of the St. Bernard Breed

The Saint Bernard probably originated when the native dogs in Switzerland were bred with the Asian “Molosser�?which was brought to the area by Roman armies. The dogs were used in valley farms and Alpine dairies for the purpose of guarding and herding and were referred to as the Talhund (valley dog) or the Bauernhund (farm dog). This large mastiff-like dog arrived at the St. Bernard Hospice, a refuge founded by Archdeacon Bernard de Menthon as a shelter for travelers crossing between Switzerland and Italy. Originally used to help pull carts and as watchdogs, the monks soon discovered their abilities in the deep snow. The monks used the breed help locate lost travelers, and it soon became known for helping to save lives. The dogs would find a lost traveler, lick his face to revive him, and then lie beside him to keep him warm in the snow. The Saint Bernard saved over 2000 lives in the three centuries that it was in service there. In the 1800s a Saint Bernard named Barry (or Berry) became famous after rescuing a small boy and carrying him to safety. Barry saved over 40 lives before his death. The breed had been known by many different names, including hospice dog, however Barry’s incredible fame caused the dogs to be called Barryhund in his honor. Barry’s body has been preserved in the Natural History Museum in Berne. In 1810, the first Saints came to England, where they were still referred to by various names, including sacred dog. In 1880, the name Saint Bernard became official. In 1830, it was crossed with the Newfoundland in an attempt to strengthen the breed after many were lost from severe weather, disease and inbreeding. The result was the longhaired type of Saint Bernard. The new type of Saint Bernard could not be used for rescue work, because snow and ice clung to the long coat, hindering it in rescue attempts. In 1888, the Saint Bernard Club of America was organized, however it disbanded and wasn’t reformed until 1898. It is one of the oldest specialty clubs in the United States, and still acts in the best interest of the breed. By 1900, the Saint Bernard had gained popularity and is still one of the most popular of the giant breeds.

Size and Appearance of the St. Bernard

The Saint Bernard, known as the “gentle giant,�?is enormous, powerful, and well-muscled �?all necessary characteristics for walking through deep snow. It has a commanding head with an intelligent expression. Those members of the breed with a dark mask may appear stern, but they are never disagreeable. It has a good nose and has been known to anticipate avalanches. The Saint Bernard can have short, smooth hair that is dense and tough or medium-length hair that is straight to slightly wavy. Its coat is colored in orange, mahogany-brindle, red-brindle or white with patches on the body.

St. Bernard Temperament

This slow-moving gentle dog makes a great family pet. Although not particularly playful, it is good with children. Care should be taken to prevent accidents because of its large size, especially around small children. It can be stubborn, but is loyal to its family and willing to please.

St. Bernard Recommended Maintenance

The Saint Bernard requires a weekly brushing, with more grooming during its twice yearly shedding. Bathe when necessary with a mild soap, paying extra attention to its eyes. This breed is known to drool excessively. The Saint Bernard requires exercise to remain in shape, however its needs are better met with short walks than a long and vigorous playtime. It does best in a house with a fenced yard, so that it can go outside to exercise. The breed can be raised outside in temperate to cold climates, but does not do well in hot temperatures. It stays fairly inactive indoors and needs to be around its family. Obedience training is wise for puppies due to their large adult size.

St. Bernard Health

�?Life span: 8 �?10 years
�?Major concerns: CHD, gastric torsion, entropion, ectropion, distichiasis, elbow dysplasia, osteosarcoma
�?Minor concerns: OCD, diabetes, heart conditions, cardiomyopathy, pyotraumatic dermatitis
�?Occasionally seen: epilepsy
�?Suggested tests: hip, elbow, cardiac, eye
�?Note: The Saint Bernard does not tolerate heat well.