Breed of the Week: SAINT BERNARD Country of Origin: Switzerland (photos below) The Saint Bernard was developed in the seventeenth century by Swiss monks at the Hospice of Saint Bernard, a refuge for travelers crossing the mountain passes between Switzerland and Italy. They were used as drafting, guarding, turn-spit, and search and rescue dogs. Saint Bernards are believed to have saved over 2,000 lives through their work at the hospice. They were likely descended from Roman mastiffs. The breed first came to the U.S. in the nineteenth century. The Saint Bernard is a large, powerful, square shaped dog with a large head with a deep furrow over the skull. The skull is twice as long as the short, blunt muzzle. When alert, the skin wrinkles under the diamond shaped, dark brown eyes. The medium size drop ears are set high, and are shaped like rounded triangles. The nose is broad and black and there are strongly developed flews. The feet are large and the tail is naturally long. The double coat has a dense undercoat and thick, straight outer coat that is short or long. It is red, brown, or brindle, with white markings at the chest, feet, tip, of tail, nose band, and neck. Sometimes there are also markings at the collar, muzzle, between the eyes, belly, legs, and the lower half of the tail. There is generally a dark mask and ears. AVERAGE HEIGHT: 25.5 to 30 inches AVERAGE WEIGHT: 120 to 180 pounds Temperament: This is an affectionate, fun loving, and playful dog that is equally friendly with strangers and family. It makes a poor guard dog, but will bark at intruders. It is very good with children. It has a moderate activity level and it is best suited in a home where neatness is not a concern. A rural or suburban home is preferred, although it can adapt to city life as long as it has enough room. SPECIAL NEEDS: Protection from heat POSSIBLE HEALTH CONCERNS: Albinism, bloat, epilepsy, hip dysplasia, skin allergies, laryngeal paralysis, temperament problems
Posted on: Thu, 24 Jul 2014 20:28:24 +0000
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