Dog breeds are each bred for specific purposes. However, we tend to breed dogs for different reasons nowadays, so some newer breeds have less specialized purposes. But many breeds still come with some fascinating backgrounds and some great breed-specific behaviors that accompany them. One such dog is the St. Bernard.
Breed Description
The St. Bernard is known for its massive size, thick fur coat, and a droopy face. This gentle giant stands at about 26 to 30 inches at the shoulder and can weigh as much as 180 pounds (reference 1). They have a thick brown and white coat (though their coats can come in a wide variety of colors, including brindle and red and white) with a black mask, and some have a speckle pattern on their snout (reference 1).
Breed Temperament
This massive breed is well known for its gentle demeanor. Its sweet spirit makes it an excellent dog for rescue work and a great option for families who don’t mind some extra fur and drool. St. Bernards are often happy to lounge around the house as long as they have had their exercise and mental needs met. When they get exercise, play, walks, and the occasional hike in cold air are great for these mountain dogs. They love to roam and tend to move at slower speeds; though this doesn’t mean individuals won’t enjoy a good run or a tousle with a friend. The St. Bernard can also be an excellent guard dog. Though they generally get along with most people, many St. Bernards will be ready at a moment’s notice to let you know if someone is coming and even give the visitor the occasional warning bark if the dog feels the need to do so.
Breed History
The St. Bernard got its start in a monastery and hospice in the Swiss Alps. The monastery, started by St. Bernard de Manthon, got a hold of some Asiatic mastiff-like dogs that were thought to be descendants of the kinds brought over by the Romans (reference 2). For years, these dogs served as companions and watchdogs to those at the monastery and in the hospice (reference 2). Over time, others outside the monastery began to use these dogs when their search and rescue abilities were discovered while accompanying the guides, called marroniers, who led travelers through the Alps (reference 2). Over time, their breeding with larger dogs (probably various mastiffs) transformed them into the giants we know and love today (reference 2). These big, lovable dogs eventually became trackers, as they were used to track people after storms, rescuing those caught in avalanches and other weather-related accidents. The popular image of a big St. Bernard with a small barrel of liquor is a well-known image. However, according to the Smithsonian, this practice has never been verified (reference 2).
Breed Behaviors
Because these bog dogs were originally bred for the cold weather of the Alps, there are a couple of behaviors you should know about if you plan to get one. The main two are seeking out cold and roaming.
Seeking Cold
Seeking cool temperatures is often the more well-known behavior of St. Bernards. Though this isn’t quite as dramatic as in Huskies, St. Bernards seem to prefer cooler temperatures and may seek cold places, such as shade and even ice and snow, on hot days. If you live in an area that gets hot in the summer, please ensure that you have adequate air conditioning and ample opportunities for your St. Bernard to access shade and maybe even cooling pads.
Roaming
Because these dogs are built for long-distance search and rescue among the mountains, they often tend to want to roam. Though they don’t tend to be high energy, they like walks and hikes, and if they do not get their mental and physical needs met, they may wander out of the yard and find something more interesting to do. To remedy this, ensure that you can take your St. Bernard on walks and, though you do not need to take them hiking if you do not want to, make sure it has enough to do so each day so that it will be able to entertain itself between walks. That being said, these dogs are great for anyone who lives in the mountains and loves to hike. If you do not live in a mountainous location or do not like to hike, you can still make it work, but you need to ensure that your St. Bernards physical and mental needs are met.
Breed Health
St. Bernards might come with some health risks. These big dogs can develop bloat, as all large dog breeds can, along with hip and eye problems (reference 1). It is important that you check with your vet and get your dog tested for issues with its hips and eyes while it is still young and throughout its life (especially if you plan to hike with your dog). As for the bloat, speak with your vet and ensure you know how to spot this dangerous health risk, as speed is the key to treatment.
Training and Management Tips
Because these dogs are search and rescue working dogs but are pretty easygoing, I just have one main training tip. Ensure your St. Bernard has some challenges to solve. Though they may enjoy lounging around or doing their rounds checking out each person in the house. They need a job. Work this into your training regime; you might even consider doing scent work with your St. Bernard, as this can be great fun for them and a wonderful way to give them mental stimulation.
Closing Thoughts
In short, these dogs are pretty chill. They generally get along with most people and tend to be on the calm side temperament-wise. That being said, they still need exercise and mental stimulation to ensure they do not get bored, and training needs to accommodate those needs. They also come with some health risks that you will need to discuss with your vet as early as possible. Regular vet checkups can be a great way to help prevent any health issues in your gentle giant. Despite their general all-around loveable demeanor, it is important not to assume your St. Bernard will be a couch potato. Please ensure you are ready for the puppy phase and adolescence and can meet your St. Bernard’s needs throughout your life.
References:
Reference 1: https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/st-bernard/
Reference 2: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/travel/a-brief-history-of-the-st-bernard-rescue-dog-13787665/
Photo Credit - Wix Photos
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