St. Bernard Dog Breed Picture & Information

Alternative Name

Alpine Mastiff, Bernhardiner, St. Bernardshund

Origin

Not exactly known probably Switzerland

Physical Attributes

The dog is characterised by a massive skull, short square muzzle and black nose, large feet with compact toes, a strong muscular neck and a dense white coat with brown to red-brown patches. Its height is about 24 - 28 inches and weighs 110 to 200 pounds.

Health Information

Like typical of large-breed dogs, they suffer to some extent from joint problems such as hip dysplasia. They are also prone to heart diseases, eyelid abnormalities, tumors, and skin conditions.

Miscellaneous Information

St. Bernard is a large muscular dog. It is tolerant to strangers and very loyal to its master. They were initially utilized as herding dogs by Swiss farmers and also as hunting dogs in the 17th century.

The history of the St. Bernard dog would not be complete without reference being made to the noble work that he has done in Switzerland, his native land: how the Hospice St. Bernard kept a considerable number of dogs which were trained to go over the mountains with small barrels round their necks, containing restoratives, in the event of their coming across any poor travellers who had either lost their way, or had been overcome by the cold. We have been told that the intelligent animals saved many lives in this way, the subjects of their deliverance often being found entirely
buried in the snow.

Handsome as the St. Bernard is, with his attractive colour and markings, he is a cross-bred dog. From the records of old writers it is to be gathered that to refill the kennels at the Hospice which
had been rendered vacant from the combined catastrophes of distemper and the fall of an avalanche which had swept away nearly all their hounds, the monks were compelled to have recourse to a cross with the Newfoundland and the Pyrenean sheepdog, the latter not unlike the St. Bernard in size and appearance. Then, again, there is no doubt whatever that at some time the Bloodhound has been introduced, and it is known for a certainty that almost all the most celebrated St. Bernards in England at the present time are closely allied to the Mastiff.

The result of all this intermixture of different breeds has been the production of an exceedingly fine race of dogs, which form one of the most attractive features at our dog shows, and are individually
excellent guards and companions. As a companion, the St. Bernard dog cannot be surpassed, when a large dog is required for the purpose. Most docile in temperament and disposition, he is admirably suited as the associate of a lady or a child.

The St. Bernard is sensitive to a degree, and seldom forgets an insult, which he resents with dignity. Specimens of the breed have occasionally been seen that are savage, but when this is the case
ill-treatment of some sort has assuredly been the provoking cause.

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