Breed History
Saint Bernard The Saint Bernard dog was first pictured in 1695 by an unknown painter.Until that time, there were no records of dogs at the famous Hospice in Switzerland,and it is generally believed that the dogs that
were eventually were called theSaint Bernard were bred from dogs previously existing in the Swiss countryside.The original Saint Bernard was a short-haired dog and was introduced to the Hospice as a guard dog, as a carting dog, and to work in the kitchens turning a spit. The lifesaving abilities of the Saint Bernard were recorded in the years 1787 to 1800. From 1800 to 1812, the most famous and most honored dog known in history, Barry, lived and worked at the Hospice. His deeds have been recounted in many books. He saved the lives of some 40 people and, having been retired, died in Bern in 1814, where he can be seen today in the Museum of Natural History.
The brandy keg usually pictured with the Saint Bernard was never used but was a figment of the imagination of the renowned painter Landseer. During the winters of 1816-1818, the snow storms at the Hospice were especially heavy, and it was thought that a crossing with the long-haired Newfoundland would better protect the short-haired Saint Bernard dogs against the cold. From this time on, litters occasionally included one or more long-haired puppies. It soon became evident that the long-haired dogs could not be used for rescue work, as ice formed in the long hair and the dogs were weighed down to incapacity by the accumulation of too much snow and ice. From then on, any long-haired puppies were sent to live in the valleys, and the Hospice kept only the short-hairs. Both coat lengths still occur today.
Today's Saint Bernard makes excellent companion and loyal family pet. Some are still used for various purposes to assit in man's daily life.
Breed Facts
*There is no preferred coat type. Both long-haired and short-haired Saint Bernards shed and need regular baths and grooming.
* All colors of the Saint Bernard, from deep brown to brown-yellow,are of equal value.
* Necessary markings are:white chest, feet, tip of tail, noseband, and collar orspot on the nape; the latter and a blaze between the eyes are very desirable. Faulty are all other colors except the favorite dark shadings on the head(mask) and ears.Monk,s caps are cute but of no value. Freckles are discouraged.
* At times a Saint Bernard may drool. There is no such thing as a dry mouth Saint.
* Saint Bernards ussually weigh somewhere between 130 and 180 pounds.
Daily Care
Saint Bernards need a proper diet, regular medical care including yearly vaccinnations and basic obedience training. Young puppies should not be allowed to get to fat and should not have forced exercise until they reach adult hood.
Regular brushing will keep the coat clean and free from mats and tangles ,and bathing should be done on a regular basis.Include regular toenail clipping and ear cleaning,as well as regular checks of the dogs teeth.
All Saint Bernards should be kept in a fenced yard or kennel, walked on a lead, and never allowed to run free. Crate training is strongly recomended and is especially useful during the house breacking phase.
