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Saint Bernard

 

This heavy giant breed makes a good family dog, but due to its size is best suited to a country life. They are a friendly, welcoming breed that loves people. They enjoy being outdoor dogs and have a menacing stance when guarding property.PURPOSE OF BREED:The noble Saint Bernard was developed by the ?Monks of the Hospice du grand St. Bernard,? where they were used to assist the monks and travelers through the treacherous Alpine paths. They were also used as search and rescue dogs when avalanches occurred.AVERAGE LITTER SIZE:10 puppies

Country of origin: 
Switzerland
Grooming: 

There are two varieties of coats found among Saint Bernards; both are very dense, short or medium in length and tough but smooth lying. The long coated variety has feathering on the back of their legs, undercarriage and tail. The long coats require weekly brushing to keep their hair clean and healthy. Saint Bernards are usually red and white, or red/black and white.

Common ailments: 

Hip and elbow problems.

Temperament: 

Saint Bernard is good with children, but must be supervised around small or young children due to their size.

Trivia: 
The dogs served as guard dogs of the Hospice located in the Pass (founded by Archdeacon Bernard de Menthon), and the lonely Monks, who took the dogs along on their trips of mercy, soon discovered the excellent pathfinding and scent abilities of the dogs. The dogs' highly developed sense of smell enabled the breed to locate the freezing and helpless during snowstorms. The Monks and Saints were immortalized in many of the world's most romantic pages of canine history; it is estimated that during the three centuries of rescue work, the Saints have saved over 2000 lives. <a href="http://www.akc.org/">(Credit: AKC.org)</a>
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