Saint Bernard: learn all about the giant dog breed

 Saint Bernard: learn all about the giant dog breed

Tracy Wilkins

The Saint Bernard is the typical giant dog with an even bigger heart! With a muscular and hairy body, the Saint Bernard breed is also known for its docile and extremely affectionate personality. In addition, there is no shortage of peculiar skills in a Saint Bernard. The dog of the breed can act as a guard and sniffer dog or serve as a babysitter for children! Anyway, one thing is certain: the St. Bernard is the best dog in the world!he Saint Bernard dog is one of the most loyal companions anyone can have. If you want to know more about the personality of the Saint Bernard dog breed, its physical characteristics, curiosities, essential care and still know the incredible story behind this giant dog, check out the article that Patas da Casa has separated below!

The Saint Bernard originated in the Swiss Alps and was active in rescuing people

The Saint Bernard dog is a very old breed. There are documented records of its presence as far back as 1965! The Saint Bernard dog is believed to have originated in the Swiss Alps, through the crossing of dogs from the region and Mastiff type dogs. Its name is related to the Saint Bernard gorge, a region where some monasteries were located in Switzerland. The Saint Bernard dog waspractically the mascot of the monks, using all his size and stamina to serve as a guard dog and sled puller. The Alps region was also a crossing from Switzerland to Italy, but as the way was very dangerous because of the complicated terrain and snowfalls, many people got lost. So the St. Bernard dog started to play a new role based on his strengths.great sniffing ability: rescue of lost or buried people.

São Bernardo: dog is considered to be of giant size

Undoubtedly, size is one of the characteristics that draws the most attention in a St. Bernard. Breed is considered giant, measuring between 70 and 80 cm in height. As for the weight of the St. Bernard, dog can reach 80 kg. It is possible to find even larger sizes of St. Bernard! Puppy is considered one of the largest dog breeds in the world and, therefore, is not so suitable for those who live invery small apartments, ideally with a large space to make him feel comfortable.

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The body of the Saint Bernard is hairy and quite muscular

The hairy appearance of the Saint Bernard is one of the most striking characteristics of the breed. There are two types of coat: long-haired and short-haired. They are thick and dense, as well as very soft. The Saint Bernard dog has very abundant undercoat, which further contributes to its hairy appearance. The predominant color in the Saint Bernard breed is white with shades of brownThe red can appear as spots of varying sizes and shapes or as a kind of cloak that covers the back of the Saint Bernard. The dog breed has a muscular and robust body, which gives it an imposing appearance. Its eyes are usually more drooping with a friendly manner, another very prominent trait of the breed.

The Saint Bernard breed is known for its docile and affectionate manner

The giant size of a Saint Bernard can make some people think that it is a more serious and even aggressive dog. However, it is exactly the opposite! The Saint Bernard dog is extremely docile, calm, quiet, lazy and loves to receive a good affection. It is a very kind and loyal animal, very attached to its guardians. Despite its large size, it is not a good idea to leave it always in the house.They like to be alone in the backyard, so a large space inside the house is ideal for those who want to have a Saint Bernard. They are not aggressive, but they are very attentive and observant, always paying attention to possible dangers.

The Saint Bernard dog breed is the perfect companion for children and the elderly

The sociable way of the Saint Bernard makes it great to live with anyone! Very calm, patient and protective, it is the perfect companion for children, even considered as a "babysitter" for the youngest! In addition, they are ideal for the elderly and also have no problems with other animals. But remember that socialization is essential for this sociable and cautious behavior to be maintained.keep - especially with visitors, as the breed's watchdog instinct can make it a little suspicious at first. Also, socialization is key to avoiding accidents with a Saint Bernard. The dog does not usually attack anyone, but, being very affectionate, it can jump on people. Unintentionally, its size can end up hurting someone during play, especiallychildren.

Obedience is a defining personality trait of a Saint Bernard

Obedience is a defining characteristic of the Saint Bernard! The dog is very loyal to his owner and always seeks to please him. This makes him learn commands quickly and easily, greatly speeding up the training process. The Saint Bernard, however, can be a little stubborn. Therefore, the ideal is to start training the dog from an early age, teaching what the rules of the house are. Without training,the adult Saint Bernard becomes very stubborn, making it more difficult to correct inappropriate behavior.

St. Bernard skills: dog has very keen hearing and sense of smell

The sniffing abilities of a Saint Bernard are exceptional! The dog's sense of smell is very acute, a characteristic that makes this one of the preferred breeds for rescue work. The Saint Bernard can find people with great ease, even if they are buried far underground. Its hearing is also extraordinary, perceiving any sound with great sensitivity. Aobedient personality is another factor that makes this dog one of the most used breeds for work. A Saint Bernard will never give up a mission until it is completed!

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Curiosities about São Bernardo!

  • The Saint Bernard doesn't bark a lot, making it the perfect pet for those who want a dog that doesn't make a lot of noise. The Saint Bernard only barks if it is trying to alert its owner of something or when it is anxious and missing its owner.
  • The Saint Bernard dog breed can drool a lot, so it's important to keep an eye out to avoid slippery floors.
  • Chances are that when you hear of a Saint Bernard, the first image that comes to mind is Beethoven! The protagonist of the comedy dog movie series is one of the most beloved characters in cinema and has all the makings of a typical Saint Bernard puppy.
  • Beethoven is not the only famous Saint Bernard in fiction! The charismatic breed is present in many works, such as in the classic Peter Pan, with the dog Nana. Remember that the Saint Bernard can be a nanny dog because of its way with children? In the movie, Nana is the nanny of the Darling family!
  • The Saint Bernard dog breed is pretty calm overall, but can also be a bit destructive mainly because of its size, strength, and when it is anxious. Training and exercise routines are ways to avoid this problem.

The Saint Bernard puppy needs special care with exercise and feeding

The Saint Bernard puppy is calm and does not usually give trouble. However, some care must be taken at this stage of life. Feeding needs to be well controlled, as the pet may want to eat a lot, which can lead to obesity. Also, keep an eye on the physical exercises of the Saint Bernard puppy. Dog breed can have a faster growth in the first 18 months and thisThus, physical activities (which can start after the full vaccination) should be more moderate to avoid overdoing it. Always take your Saint Bernard puppy to the vet and get all the essential puppy vaccinations.

The St. Bernard dog needs some care in everyday life

Coat: Whether a Saint Bernard has long or short hair, brushing should be done at least once a week. This care prevents the formation of knots and tangles, in addition to removing dead hairs from the Saint Bernard's coat. The breed may also need hygienic grooming so that the hair does not bother the animal. The eyes and ears need even more care because excess hair can hinder vision and the ability to see.leaving the site prone to dirt accumulation.

Teeth and nails: It is essential to brush the animal's teeth frequently, as this prevents the formation of tartar and other dental problems that can affect the Saint Bernard. The dog also needs to have its nails always well trimmed to avoid discomfort during walks. In addition, even if the Saint Bernard breed is not aggressive, it can jump on people during play. If the nailsare large, you may end up scratching them unintentionally.

Physical exercises: The giant and muscular size of the Saint Bernard does not mean that the breed needs very intense activities. Unlike other large dogs, the Saint Bernard only needs moderate exercise, such as walking and playing. The most important thing is that it is done frequently, preferably every day. This prevents the Saint Bernard from developing obesity and decreases levels of obesity.of boredom and anxiety, which can lead to a destructive dog in the house.

Food: The São Bernardo dog breed has a greater tendency to develop canine obesity. Therefore, care with food is essential. The food should always be offered according to its stage of life, at the ideal frequency and quantity for its age.

Saint Bernard health: dog breed can suffer from dysplasia and gastric problems

The Saint Bernard dog breed is usually quite healthy. However, regular veterinary monitoring is essential, as the breed is predisposed to developing certain diseases. One of them is hip dysplasia, common in large dogs. Elbow dysplasia is also frequent in Saint Bernard dogs. The breed can also suffer from gastric torsion, which occurs when there is a dilation of the gastric cavity.With all the care, the Saint Bernard dog breed usually has a life expectancy of 10 years.

St. Bernard: dog has higher prices when it is a puppy

Having a Saint Bernard dog will surely make your home happier! If you want to buy this dog, pay attention to the values. A Saint Bernard can cost between R$1,000 and R$7,000 reais. Prices change mainly according to lineage and age. São Bernardo puppy is usually more expensive than an adult, for example. Also, take into account the expenses you will have throughout your life.Before buying a Saint Bernard puppy, it is also important to ensure that there is enough space at home for him to live. Even if you buy a very small puppy, you can be sure that he will grow a lot and will need a spacious environment. Finally, when buying a Saint Bernard, choose a reliable kennel that offers quality of life to animals.

X-ray of the Saint Bernard: learn all about the breed!

  • Coat: long or short, with dense, thick and soft hair
  • Colors: White with reddish brown tones
  • Average height: 70 to 80 cm
  • Average weight: 65 to 80 Kg
  • Life expectancy: 10 years

Tracy Wilkins

Jeremy Cruz is a passionate animal lover and dedicated pet parent. With a background in veterinary medicine, Jeremy has spent years working alongside veterinarians, gaining invaluable knowledge and experience in caring for dogs and cats. His genuine love for animals and commitment to their well-being led him to create the blog Everything you need to know about dogs and cats, where he shares expert advice from veterinarians, owners, and respected experts in the field, including Tracy Wilkins. By combining his expertise in veterinary medicine with insights from other respected professionals, Jeremy aims to provide a comprehensive resource for pet owners, helping them understand and address their beloved pets' needs. Whether it's training tips, health advice, or simply spreading awareness about animal welfare, Jeremy's blog has become a go-to source for pet enthusiasts seeking reliable and compassionate information. Through his writing, Jeremy hopes to inspire others to become more responsible pet owners and create a world where all animals receive the love, care, and respect they deserve.