St Bernard Breeders Can Help You Choose Your Next Pet
If you love large dogs, St Bernard breeders are bound to have a dog which will fit your circumstances. Because of their large size, they require a considerable amount of care. Weights range between 140 and 264 pounds and heights can reach a maximum of 35 inches at the shoulders. These dimensions will not suit every apartment or every family.
The breed is named after Stz Bernard de Menthon, a Swiss monk of the 10th century, who maintained hospices on the borders of Switzerland and Italy. Large dogs were kept as guard dogs and companions. It soon became clear that they had a talent for finding people lost in the snow and freezing conditions of the area. There are now two types. The original dogs had smooth, short coats which were very dense. There is also a rough-coated variety.
The dogs are muscular and have massive heads. Those with rough coats have ruffs round the neck and longer hair on the tail and thighs. Brindle, red-brindle and mahogany are the main colors with varying amounts of white on the chest, collar and forelegs. The faces are black with white blazes. They slobber and snore quite a bit and are messy eaters. The rough-coated dogs should be brushed every day with particular attention being paid to any signs of matting behind the back legs, tail and ears.
Bathing a dog too often can remove the natural oils and result in a less water-resistant coat. It is best to bathe this breed only when necessary. Use a mild soap. Grooming with a firm brush will help them get rid of their fur, especially when they shed which is twice a year.
There are a few genetic disorders which can affect this breed. A reputable breeder will have had his stud stock tested for elbow and hip dysplasia. Either of these conditions can lead to arthritis as the dog ages. Another common problem is extropion where the eyelid rim folds outward. Feeding several small feeds a day is recommended. This will reduce the likelihood of the dog succumbing to bloat.
The heavy coat and large body makes them susceptible to heat stress. Always be sure that shade and water is available during hot weather. Save any strenuous exercise for the cooler part of the day. Six to ten years is the average lifespan. Females sometimes have trouble giving birth as the puppies often have very large heads.
As these dogs can weigh 175 pounds by eighteen months of age, it is important they be obedient as an unruly dog of this size can be a real handful. They are by nature gentle and friendly. They are loyal, patient and highly intelligent. Socialize them while young. They are not particularly active indoors but benefit from a long daily walk. Young dogs should not be over-exercised. Give their bones time to strengthen and mature before asking for more than short walks.
Carting, search and rescue and guarding are disciplines which suit the St Bernard. They are often believed to be able to predict bad weather. This may be because of their ability to hear low frequency sounds. St Bernard breeders will be able to share more information about these lovable dogs.
The breed is named after Stz Bernard de Menthon, a Swiss monk of the 10th century, who maintained hospices on the borders of Switzerland and Italy. Large dogs were kept as guard dogs and companions. It soon became clear that they had a talent for finding people lost in the snow and freezing conditions of the area. There are now two types. The original dogs had smooth, short coats which were very dense. There is also a rough-coated variety.
The dogs are muscular and have massive heads. Those with rough coats have ruffs round the neck and longer hair on the tail and thighs. Brindle, red-brindle and mahogany are the main colors with varying amounts of white on the chest, collar and forelegs. The faces are black with white blazes. They slobber and snore quite a bit and are messy eaters. The rough-coated dogs should be brushed every day with particular attention being paid to any signs of matting behind the back legs, tail and ears.
Bathing a dog too often can remove the natural oils and result in a less water-resistant coat. It is best to bathe this breed only when necessary. Use a mild soap. Grooming with a firm brush will help them get rid of their fur, especially when they shed which is twice a year.
There are a few genetic disorders which can affect this breed. A reputable breeder will have had his stud stock tested for elbow and hip dysplasia. Either of these conditions can lead to arthritis as the dog ages. Another common problem is extropion where the eyelid rim folds outward. Feeding several small feeds a day is recommended. This will reduce the likelihood of the dog succumbing to bloat.
The heavy coat and large body makes them susceptible to heat stress. Always be sure that shade and water is available during hot weather. Save any strenuous exercise for the cooler part of the day. Six to ten years is the average lifespan. Females sometimes have trouble giving birth as the puppies often have very large heads.
As these dogs can weigh 175 pounds by eighteen months of age, it is important they be obedient as an unruly dog of this size can be a real handful. They are by nature gentle and friendly. They are loyal, patient and highly intelligent. Socialize them while young. They are not particularly active indoors but benefit from a long daily walk. Young dogs should not be over-exercised. Give their bones time to strengthen and mature before asking for more than short walks.
Carting, search and rescue and guarding are disciplines which suit the St Bernard. They are often believed to be able to predict bad weather. This may be because of their ability to hear low frequency sounds. St Bernard breeders will be able to share more information about these lovable dogs.
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