by Troy Richardson

Everyone recognizes the St. Bernard as that massive and chinky-eyed rescue dog of the Alps. Many stories surround this breed about its heroic efforts to search and rescue trapped humans during avalanches. But moreover, not only is this dog recognized for this courageous cause but for being a dependable working dog and loyal family pet as well.

This breed is said to have come from the massive ancient Molossoid dog breeds and Sennenhunds, a herding and hunting breed of the Swiss. Today’s appearance of the St. Bernard however is not exactly of the classic St. Bernard because there came a point when this breed almost vanished because avalanches swallowed many of the dogs. With the use of the Newfoundland breed the St. Bernard was saved from extinction.

The name of this breed was given by travelers who came to live at the hospice at the St. Bernard Pass. This pass was treacherous and many travelers stayed with the monks and this is where they saw these massive dogs that were used for searching trapped travelers. The name of the dog and the pass was derived from an 11th century monk, Bernard Menthon who is also the founder of the St. Bernard hospice.

Prior to the official name of St. Bernard, this breed was known as Saint dog, Noble steed, Alpenmastiff or Barry dog. One famous rescue story tells of a St. Bernard named Barry, which saved 40 to 100 people at the pass. Because of this heroic and unforgettable deed, Barry was founded a monument at the Cimetiere des Chiens and his body was preserved at the National History Museum at Berne.

The St. Bernard weighs heavily at 160 to 260 pounds and towers at 27 1/2 to 35 1/2 inches of height. The tail is long, hanging low and heavy but turns upward slightly. The eyes of this dog are tight lid, masked in color black including some parts of the face and both ears.

This dog’s coat can be smooth or rough and that the smooth coat fairly fits the body and is flat. The rough textured coat is flat and dense especially around the neck and legs. The coat colors for this breed are red with white and mahogany brindle with white.

As a house pet, the St. Bernard is reliable, hardworking and eager to please. It is also understanding and patient with children and if it is properly socialized when small, it can be tolerant with smaller animals too during adulthood. This breed is also not so hard to train because it is intelligent and obedient.

This dog, although large, is not as energetic but instead gentle and affable. It does not need a wide space to live on and so an apartment and a small yard would suffice him. Daily exercise for this dog is only comprised of a long walk and this will make him stay healthy mentally and physically.

About the Author:
Troy Richardson is a prime breeder of Saint Bernard dog breed. Go to his online site and read articles such as Saint Bernard puppies, Saint Bernards for sale, Barry and more.

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