Playful, charming and inquisitive Saint Bernard is a breed of dog that is usually associated with rescuing people in the Alps with a barrel of brandy around its neck as this is the way they have been depicted in the media.
This dog is also perceived as being a lovable and peaceful breed despite its large size. Although it is a well-known canine breed, there are plenty of things that people do not know about the Saint Bernard's. So here are the top 10 most interesting facts about the Saint Bernard's that you probably didn't know.
Their History
The St. Bernard never wore a branded keg around his neck, but in all other respects, he was a saint to stranded travelers in the Swiss Alps. The St. Bernard originated in Switzerland along with several other breeds including the Bernese and Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. Originally, the St. Bernard was used to guard the grounds of Switzerland's hospice as well as to help find and save lost and injured travelers.
It is unclear when the dogs were first used by the hospice, but a painting depicting well-built short-haired dogs that greatly resemble St. Bernard as they are today was painted in 1695. However, the first written mention of the breed in the monastery's records was in 1703. Farmers in the valley below the St. Bernard Hospice are thought to have given the monks some of their dogs in 1670 to help them ward off bandits. When the monks realized that the dogs had a keen sense of smell and could help them sniff out lost travelers, they began breeding them. Little more than a century later, the dogs' rescue prowess grew legendary.
Their coat types
Saint Bernard's can be found in two coat types, short-haired and long-haired. The short-haired coat is smooth but dense. The hair is slightly bushy on the thighs and the tail is covered with long, dense hair that becomes shorter toward the tip. The long-haired coat is slightly wavy but never curly or shaggy. The forelegs have a bit of feathering but the thighs and tail are bushy.
St. Bernard's are various shades of red with white or white with red. The red comes in various shades from brindle patches with white markings to brownish yellow. The white occurs in the chest, around the neck, around the nose and on the feet and the tip of the tail. A white spot on the nape of the neck and a white blaze on the face are especially attractive and desirable as are dark markings on the head and ears that resemble a mask the white markings are said to resemble the liturgical vestments worn by a priest and the black mask to reduce the glare from the snow.
They drool a lot
If you consider yourself a neat freak, then Saint Bernard is not the breed for you. They drool and their paws track in their fair share of mud. They may drape ropes of slobber on your arm and leave big, wet spots on your clothes when they come over to say hello. If you've got a laid-back attitude towards slobber, that's fine, but if you're a neatnik, you may want to reconsider before you get yourself a saint.
They're really good at sports
St. Bernard's excel at dog sports such as drafting, pulling a cart, weight pulling, and obedience trials. However, an untrained saint can wreak havoc in your home and drag you down the sidewalk in his eagerness to greet people so early training is essential.
Train your St. Bernard using a happy and relaxed approach. Lay down ground rules and be consistent in requiring that they follow the rules. Great training is an important tool that breeders will recommend. It aids in house training, keeps your dog or puppy and your belongings safe, and is a safe haven. where your Saint Bernard can retreat when he's feeling overwhelmed or tired. A crate should never be used as a punishment, but instead should be viewed by a dog as a cozy refuge.
They belong to the Mastiff family
The Saint Bernard is a member of the Mastiff family as evidenced by his huge head and tall and powerful body. The Saint did not really begin to resemble the dog we know today until the 19th century, but the dogs like him have always lived in Swiss valleys for more than a thousand years. Saints are members of the Molester family, the dogs that became modern-day Mastiffs, Saint Bernards, and other giant breeds.
These particular dogs were found in Swiss farms, used to pull carts, guard property and livestock, and alert farmers to danger.
They shed a lot
They are heavy shedders and shed or blow their coat twice a year. Brush your saints about three times a week with a rubber curry brush or hound glove for short-haired coats or a pin brush for long-haired coats.
During shedding season, use a shedding blade to remove loose hair. If your saint develops mats behind the ears or on the thighs, spray a detangler solution on the area and gently work out the mat with your fingers or a comb.
They are family Dogs
Despite his size, the St. Bernard is a quiet indoor dog who makes a wonderful family friend. Although he is calm indoors, it's nice if he has easy access to a yard where he can have a little room to spread out. He can live in small quarters, however, as long as he gets a good daily walk.
Saints aren't suited to living outdoors with little human companionship. They need to live in the home with their family. They're not aggressive, but they'll bark when there's cause and any threat to their people will bring out their protective instincts.
They're prone to Heatstroke
Originally bred to withstand the cold temperatures of the Alps, the St. Bernard does not do well in heat. Oh yeah, St. Bernard's are prone to heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Avoid letting them exercise in the heat of the day and be sure they always have access to shade and fresh water. Be aware of the signs of fatigue and heat exhaustion which include heavy panting, dark red gums and weakness or collapse.
They don't need much exercise
The Saint Bernard does not need a lot of exercise. He's not a jogging companion and is very likely to wilt in hot climates. Saint Bernards need only moderate amounts of exercise but it's important that they get it to prevent obesity. Carrying too much weight has hardened their joints and can cause arthritis or orthopedic problems.
Limit the amount of exercise you give your Saint Bernard puppy until he reaches mature size. Don't let him put on weight too quickly or run or jump on slick floors. Well, that's just asking for hip problems.
They're good with children
Saints are, well, saintly around kids. True to their heritage as hospice dogs, saints are friendly and welcoming. The easygoing saint is gentle and patient with children, if not necessarily playful. They have a steady, benevolent temperament and are kind and careful with children.
Patient and gentle, they step carefully around them and will put up with a lot. Well, that does not mean they should have to, though. Supervise interactions between young children and saints to make sure there's no ear or tail pulling, biting or clawing. climbing, or knocking over on the part of either party.
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Alright guys, those are the top 10 most interesting facts about the Saint Bernard. What are your thoughts about this list? Did you find anything in common with your saint? Let us know in the comments below. Also, give it a thumbs up if you liked the post.
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