Dogs: St. Bernard

Remember the movie Beethoven?   Those cute, gigantic dogs are St. Bernards.  Here are information about them.

ST. BERNARD

That's me & my son Ralf with St. Bernards in Baguio City

The St. Bernard is a very large breed of working dog from the Swiss Alps, originally bred for rescue. The breed has become famous through tales of alpine rescues, as well as for its large size. The St. Bernard is a dog with a large head.

Life Expectancy: About 8-10 yrs.

Litter Size:   6-9 puppies

Appearance:

The Saint Bernard is a giant, strong, muscular dog. The massive head is powerful. The muzzle is short, wider than it is long. The teeth meet in a scissors or level bite. The nose is broad, with wide open nostrils and like the lips are black in color. The medium sized eyes are set somewhat to the sides and are dark in color. The medium sized ears are set high, dropping and standing slightly away from the head. The legs are muscular. The feet are large with strong well-arched toes. The long tail is broad and powerful at the base held low when the dog is relaxed. Dewclaws are usually removed. There are two types of coat: rough, and smooth, but both are very dense and come in white with markings in tan, red, mahogany, brindle, and black, in various combinations. The face and ears are usually black. In the rough-coated dogs, the hair is slightly longer and there is feathering on the thighs and legs.

The coat can be either smooth or rough, with the smooth coat close and flat. The rough coat is dense but flat, and more profuse around the neck and legs. The coat is typically a red color with white, or sometimes a mahogany brindle with white. Black shading is usually found on the face and ears. The tail is long and heavy, hanging low with the end turned up slightly. The dark eyes should have naturally tight lids, with "haws only slightly visible". Sometimes the eyes, brown usually, can be icy blue, nearly white.

Characteristics & Temperament:

St. Bernards must be well socialized with people and other dogs in order to prevent fearfulness and any possible aggression or territoriality. Overall they are a loyal and affectionate breed, and if socialized are very friendly and are occasionally avoided because of their slobber. They drool after they drink or eat.

Saint Bernards , like all very large dogs, are extremely gentle and friendly and very tolerant of children. The biggest threat to small children is being knocked over by this breed's larger size. Bear in mind that an unruly dog of this size presents a problem for even a strong adult. Teach this dog not to jump on humans starting at puppyhood. Slow moving, patient, and obedient. Extremely loyal, eager and willing to please.  It is highly intelligent and easy to train, however training should begin early, while the dog is still a manageable size. The Saint Bernard is a good watchdog. Even its size is a good deterrent. Dogs want nothing more than to know what is expected of them and the St Bernard is no exception.

Saint Bernards have a highly developed sense of smell and also seem to have a sixth sense about impending danger from storms and avalanches.

While generally not as aggressive as dogs bred for protection, a St. Bernard may bark at strangers, and their size makes them good deterrents against possible intruders.

Grooming:

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.


Disclaimer: some photos , info lifted from google