Saint Bernard Dog Breed Profile

by Luke Blaise

AKC Group: Working Group

The Saint Bernard dog originated from the Swiss Alps and was initially used to find helpless and freezing travelers that were lost during snowstorms. Their intelligence and strength make them leaders in obedience strength competitions. They are large dogs, often weighing over 200 pounds, but they make very gentle family pets.

History

Most experts believed that the Saint Bernard dog were bred from those existing in the countryside of the Swiss Alps. The original Saints were a dog of short-haired and were living between Italy and Switzerland and they were originally a guarding dog. Their strength and size in pulling a cart helped rescue many travelers that were entrapped in the snow.

Physical Features

They have a muscular built, powerful, tall but with a proportionate figure. Saint Bernards possess a powerful head and they are known for their intelligent expression.

The height of the male dog should be not being less than 27 inches, while the bitch 25 inches. Female dogs are more delicate and of finer build.
Their coats range in color mostly from deep brown to brown-yellow and can be long or short.

Personality

St. Bernard dogs are loved by most families because of their gentle nature with big hearts and being adored for their friendly temperaments. But if you decide to bring home one you must give consideration to their size alone because it dictates the need for early obedience training.

Common Health Problems

The Saints common health problems are Canine hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, gastric torsion, Osteochondritis dissecans and osteosarcoma, a malignant bone cancer that are common to the large breeds.

Like other large breed dogs, like the Great Dane, their life span is short, often living less then 8 years.

Return to: Complete AKC Dog Breed List

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