The St Bernard is an ancient breed that was founded by Saint Bernard De Mantheon in 980 AD. Descended from the Tibetan mastiff and the Great Dane, these dogs were originally used as a refuge by travelers. Its strong sense of scent, ability to hear even very low frequency sound and its capacity to foretell storms and avalanches make it an excellent rescue dog.
The St Bernard is of two types: the longhaired and the shorthaired variety. The shorthaired variety is used for mountain work, as the longhaired ones tend to collect icicles on their coats. The dog grows about 25-27 inches in height and gains about 200 pounds upon reaching maturity. This dog sheds twice a year. Both types are easy to maintain. They require combing and brushing using a stiff bristle brush. Bathing should be infrequent, as shampoos will rob the hair of its natural oil. The eyes are sensitive and tend to water easily. Special care must be taken to keep the eyes clean and free of irritants.
Saint Bernard puppies should not be exercised much. Brief play sessions and short walks will suffice till the dog is about 2 years old. After that, a long walk each day will keep the dog in prime condition. Originally fed on goat, mutton, wheat products and dairy, the St Bernard today needs a diet of lamb and wheat. The dogs should be fed frequently when the pups are young. The adult dogs will eat twice - a light meal during the day and a substantial meal at night. The St Bernard should be fed liberally with meat after it reaches one year. This will make the dog muscular. These dogs drool after they drink or eat.
This breed of dog is prone to "wobbler" syndrome, skin problems and hip dysplasia. These dogs also exhibit a tendency to bloat; therefore they should be given small meals 2-3 times a day, instead of one big meal.
St bernard training
begins when the pup is just three months old. Housetraining the dog requires patience. Saint Bernards are acutely intelligent and also love to please. They will start responding as soon as they understand what is expected of them. Obedience training is a must because the sheer size of the dog makes him a handful to handle.
Very tolerant of children, St Bernards make extremely good pets. They are gentle and docile, slow moving and patient. Because of their extreme loyalty and strong reserve with strangers, they should be socialized early. The sheer size of the dog makes it an excellent watchdog, while its gentle love and steady temperament is good companion material.
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