St Bernard Dog Breed Profiles
The Saint Bernard can even be kept in an apartment
if walked often. They are better suited to a fenced
in enclosure for exercise. They are said to be easy
to train. It might be a good idea to obedience train
early as this breed becomes very large and can be hard
to handle even for the strongest person. They can get
along well with other pets, especially if well socialized
with them early on. They generally love children. As
a reminder, never leave a child unsupervised with a
puppy or dog.
*Approximate Adult Size. The approximate adult size
(two years old or older) of the Saint Bernard is 24
to 28 inches to the withers (highest point of the shoulder)
and 110 to 200 pounds.
*Special Health Considerations. Most dog breeds
have certain inherited health problems associated with
that specific breed and the Saint Bernard is no exception.
Be on the look out for heart defects, bone problems,
arthritis, hot spots, Canine Hip Dysplasia (genetic
based looseness in the hip joint that can lead to arthritis
pain and lameness) and bloat (Gastric Dilation-Volvulus,
the second leading killer of dogs, can kill within the
hour, this space is too limited for a complete explanation
but you should read up on this). Feeding more then once
a day and avoiding exercise right after meals may help
guard against bloat. This disease list is an informative
guideline only. Other diseases may also be significant
threats, please contact your veterinarian for a complete
list.
She should visit the veterinarian several times in the
first year for shots, boosters and check up. Then, as
an adult, she should visit the veterinarian yearly for
shots and check up. As she gets older, six years and
on, she should visit the veterinarian twice a year for
check ups and shots. Remember; avoid feeding your dog
sweets.
*Grooming. The Saint Bernard has a dense, short-haired,
tough and smooth coat. She should be brushed regularly.
Brushing will help her maintain a clean and healthy
coat, help you keep a closer eye on her health and strengthen
your emotional bond with her.
Her teeth should be brushed at least twice a week with
toothpaste and toothbrush designed for dogs. Brushing
removes the accumulation of plaque and tartar which
can cause cavities (rarely) and periodontal disease.
Dog periodontal disease can lead to pain, loss of teeth,
bad breath and other serious disease.
Her toenails may need to be examined for growth and
clipped regularly. The toenails of the rear feet grow
slower than the toenails of the front feet.
*Life Span. The Saint Bernard can live between
8 and 10 years with proper nutrition, medical care and
excellent living conditions.
*History. The Saint Bernard comes from Switzerland
where they were used for locating lost people. They
were first registered by the American Kennel Association
in 1885.
Some Registries:
* Saint Bernard Club of America
*UKC United Kennel Club
*NKC National Kennel Club
*CKC Continental Kennel Club
*APRI Americas Pet Registry Inc.
*AKC American Kennel Club
*FCI Federation Cynologique Internationale
*NZKC New Zealand Kennel Club
*KCGB = Kennel Club of Great Britain
*ANKC = Australian National Kennel Club
*ACR = American Canine Registry
Litter Size: 6 to 8 Saint Bernard puppies
Category: Working Group
Terms To Describe: Powerful, intelligent, gentle, tolerant,
faithful, kind, affectionate, mellow, lazy
*SPECIAL GOOD POINTS
Very good watch dog.
Easy to train.
Tolerant and good with children.
*SPECIAL BAD POINTS
Not a good guard dog.
Do not like hot weather.
Can be a drooler.
*Other Names Known By: St. Bernhardshund
*Every dog is an individual so not everything in this
information may be correct for your dog. This information
is meant as a good faith guideline only.
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