SAINT BERNARD Breed Standards
The Saint Bernard probably traces its origins back to the Asian Molosser dog brought to present day Switzerland by the Romans during the first century AD. For hundreds of years, the people of the alpine valleys employed the dogs with great success as herders and guard dogs, but the Saint Bernard would find its true calling in the snowy and treacherous passes of the Alps. In 1050, Archdeacon Bernard de Menthon founded a hospice in the Alps to assist travelers making the arduous trek between Switzerland and Italy. At some point, dogs from the alpine valleys were brought to the hospice to pull carts, guard the hospice and keep the monks company. Eventually, the dogs were put to work locating and rescuing lost travelers. For this, the dog’s keen nose, sure-footedness in deep snow drifts, and its ability to warm and even drag stranded climbers made it invaluable. It is estimated that between the 17th century (when the breed’s use as a rescue dog was first documented) and the present, the Saint Bernard has been responsible for saving more than 2,500 people. Chief among the Saint Bernards was Barry, who is credited with saving 40 lives.
During the 19th century, the Saint Bernard was exported to the rest of Europe, and eventually to America, where it found instant popularity. As a credit to this popularity, the Saint Bernard was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1898, just a few years after the dogs had been brought to the US and only four years after the founding of the organization itself. The Saint Bernard continued its work as an alpine rescuer until 2004, when the monks of Saint Bernard’s pass began to give the dogs away and focus more on the needs of its human visitors.
SKILLS: Companion, watch and farm dog. Powerful, proportionately tall figure, strong and muscular in every part, with powerful head and most intelligent expression. In dogs with a dark mask the expression appears more stern, but never ill-natured.
SIZE: Of the dog should be 27½ inches minimum, of the bitch 25½ inches. Female animals are of finer and more delicate build. SIZE - Minimum height: Dogs 70cm (27 1/2 ins), Bitches 65cm (25 1/2 ins), Maximum height: Dogs 90cm (35 1/2 ins), Bitches 80cm (31 1/2 ins)
COAT: Very dense, short-haired (stockhaarig), lying smooth, tough, without however feeling rough to the touch. The thighs are slightly bushy. The tail at the root has longer and denser hair which gradually becomes shorter toward the tip. The tail appears bushy, not forming a flag.
Color - White with red or red with white, the red in its various shades; brindle patches with white markings. The colors red and brown-yellow are of entirely equal value. Necessary markings are: white chest, feet and tip of tail, noseband, collar or spot on the nape; the latter and blaze are very desirable. Never of one color or without white. Faulty are all other colors, except the favorite dark shadings on the head (mask) and ears. One distinguishes between mantle dogs and splash-coated dogs.
CARE REQUIRED: Both types of coats are easy to groom. Comb and brush with a firm bristle brush, and bathe only when necessary. Shampoo may strip the coat of its oily, water-resistant properties, so use a mild soap. The eyes, which may be inclined to water, need special attention to keep them clean and free of irritants. This breed sheds twice a year.
CHARACTER: They are extremely gentle and friendly and very tolerant of children.
EXERCISE: A long walk each day will keep the Saint Bernard in good condition. Puppies should not have too much exercise at one time until their bones are well formed and strong. Short walks and brief play sessions are best until the dog is about two years old.
SOCIAL BEHAVIOR: The Saint Bernard will do okay in an apartment if it is sufficiently exercised. They are relatively inactive indoors and a small yard is sufficient. They can live outdoors, but would much rather be with their family. They have a low tolerance for hot weather, warm rooms, and cars.
TRAINING: It is highly intelligent and easy to train, however training should begin early, while the dog is still a manageable size. Bear in mind that an unruly dog of this size presents a problem for even a strong adult if it is to be exercised in public areas on a leash, so take control from the onset.
