Description of the appearance, size, weight, temperament, grooming tips, health concerns, and other important facts about St. Bernards.
Saint Bernards are large muscular dogs with thick coats. They come in a variety of colors including red, black, tan, brindle, mahogany, and combinations of these colors. Their ears and faces are typically shaded in black. Large feet with strong, arched toes make these dogs more sure-footed on ice-covered and snowy surfaces. The Saint Bernard's keen sense of smell is highly valuable to search & rescue teams while their ability to sense impending danger such as avalanches and storms is equally of value. Male dogs are generally about 27 inches (69 cm) tall while female dogs are generally about 25 inches 963 cm) tall. Males and females range in weight between 110 and 180 pounds (50-81 kg). These dogs typically have gentle and intelligent expressions in their eyes.
There are two different types of coats that these dogs sport, the rough coat and the smooth coat. The rough coat has hair that is slightly longer than the smooth coat and has some feathering on the legs. Both types are very thick and have white markings in them. It is necessary to comb and/or brush these dogs daily with a firm bristled brush to keep their coat from becoming tangled or matted. Only bathe when necessary as shampoo may strip oil from the coat and diminish its waterproof properties. These dogs shed constantly and shedding may become heavier in the spring and fall months. It is important to brush them regularly.
In general, Saint Bernards are patient, friendly, and tolerant with children. Despite their large size they are amazingly gentle, obedient, loyal, and reliable. They make good watchdogs and are very intimidating to strangers. These dogs are fairly easy to train but it is highly recommended to start training dogs early before they become quite large.
Saint Bernards are often susceptible to hip dysplasia. They may also be susceptible to bloat and epilepsy. It is recommended to feed these dogs two or three small meals a day instead of one large meal to prevent bloat. Sometimes this breed may develop skin problems. Another common problem is a condition called ectropion that can cause weeping of the eyes. Ectropion is a condition in which the eyelids are out-turned and do not completely meet to close. Special attention should be paid to cleaning and caring for the eyes in order to prevent infections. This breed also has a tendency to drool excessively after eating and drinking. Their average life expectancy is about 8 to 10 years.
Saint Bernards were named for Bernard de Menthon who was the founder of a famous Swiss refuge in a remote alpine pass. Saint Bernards were used somewhere around the seventeenth century to rescue lost and misfortunate travelers from the snowy passes between Switzerland and Italy. These dogs descended from Tibetan Mastiffs and most likely Great Danes or Great Pyrenees. The cost to purchase a Saint Bernard will vary depending on its bloodline and the availability of this breed. Saint Bernards are not as common as other dogs because they are hard to breed. They have very low sex drive that makes mating them more difficult.
