Breed Spotlight: The St. Bernard
Do you prefer dogs that are so big in size that they really make their presence known? The St. Bernard is a giant, yet lovable creature that makes a great companion to everyone in your household. His protective nature is complemented by his sweet and shy personality.
History
When travelers became lost or stranded in the Swiss Alps at the hospice of Saint Bernard, these dogs were sent out to rescue them. Though the breed never actually wore a brandy keg around its neck, the image of them doing so has become synonymous with the breed, thanks to a famous painting.
Saint Bernards belong to the family of modern-day Mastiffs. As working dogs, they were used to guard livestock, pull carts and warn their owners of any trespassers. In 1880, the breed was officially given its name, Saint Bernard.
Personality
The Saint Bernard doesn’t need to be aggressive. Their size alone is enough to keep most people at a distance. This calm, patient, and gentle canine is an excellent choice for families who have children. They can withstand a little rough play due to their big stature.
Their activity level rests somewhere right in the middle, so they don’t require a lot of exercise or even a great big yard to roam in. Be sure to work on training your Saint Bernard as early as 9 months to avoid undesirable habits such as barking and digging. They do want to please, but when it comes to training, they can be a bit on the stubborn side.
They make excellent therapy dogs because they are the right height and temperament to be petted at someone’s bedside.
Nutrition
Your Saint Bernard will need a high-quality dog food that is formulated for large breeds. You will need to watch him to make sure he doesn’t get overweight. The normal weight of males should range between 140 and 180 lbs. and females between 120 and 140 pounds. Feeding your dog multiple, small meals per day may help to prevent stomach bloating, which is common in large dogs such as this one.
Grooming
There are both longhair and shorthair varieties of Saint Bernards. In either case, white may be the dominating color or red may be. They shed a lot in the springtime and in the fall. Brush your Saint Bernard weekly to keep shedding under control. Wipe off his mouth after he drinks or eats, or otherwise, he may shake that big head and sling debris all around.
Takeaway
No matter how big or imposing Saint Bernards look, if you have the space to house him, he can be one of the kindest, most loyal, and child-friendly canines you could ever hope to have.