Saint Bernard : The Gentle Giant

Perhaps one of the most legendary dogs in history is the Saint Bernard. With records that shows its works and deeds and a record that shows that it has saved thousands of lives throughout the centuries, indeed it has earned the place as one of the best companion of man since the early centuries. The very distinct account of its existence is when Archdeacon Bernard de Menthon who founded the hospice of St. Bernard Pass in the Swiss Alps and initially used the dogs as guard dogs and companions of the monks on their trips of mercy and on the hospice. The earliest written account of the Saint Bernard deeds was in the 1707, where the monks discovered that the dogs are an excellent pathfinder and it shows the dogs exceptional talents in locating people who are lost or trapped in the snow and its uncanny ability to detect forth coming avalanches and storms. Since then the breed are known to many as the Saint Bernard or the Saints to some.

Saint Bernards belong to the working group breed of dogs. They are good for farm work such as herding, rescue dogs and watch dogs. They are a very strong, muscular and powerful breed. It is the biggest dog breeds of all. It can weigh 72.5 kg up to 110+kg; it can grow approximately 27½ inches to 35½ inches. It has two types of coats: the rough or the long haired and the smooth. Both coats are very dense that is why it can survive in cold weathers. Ideally those that has long coat are for lowlands in the Alps and the short or smooth coated Saints are for higher altitude. The reason behind this is that the tips of the coats tend to be frozen in high attitudes as compared to the shorter coats. Saints shed only twice a year whether it has a long and a short coat. They usually have white coats and combined with visible colors such as tan, mahogany, red and black.

These dogs are a very gently breed, they are extremely fond of children and people. It is considered to be a family dog with big hearts and friendly temperaments and a very loyal pet. A word of caution though, due to its sheer size, you must think twice before owning a dog such as this, Saint Bernard’s requires much love and care for it gives a lot of love, loyalty and devotion to its owner and family. They love to be with children and are fond of an activity that includes the family; they sulk when not included and thus require being included at all times. Though Saint Bernard’s will not intentionally harm one of its charges, due to its massive paws and powerful tail it may knock over small kids or babies. This is why would be owners of this adorable pets are advised to get them as pups instead of the more mature dogs. Pups could be trained to behave, obey and socialize. An untrained dog could be hazardous to the owner and the family as well as to other people. Despite its size and appearance Saints are mentally slow to mature, that is why training should be handled carefully and gently but firm and consistent.