The Bernhardiner dog breed is a large and powerful dog that originated in Switzerland. They are a cross between a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Great Dane.
Bernhardiners are known for their gentle and calm nature, making them a great family pet. They are also highly intelligent and easy to train.
On average, Bernhardiners can weigh between 100 and 150 pounds and stand between 24 and 30 inches tall at the shoulder. They have a thick coat that requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling.
Bernhardiners are generally a healthy breed, but like all large breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues such as hip dysplasia and bloat.
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Physical Characteristics
The St. Bernard is a giant dog, with a weight range of 65 to 120 kg (140 to 260 lb) or more. They are strong and muscular, with a massive, powerful head.
Their muzzle is short and wider than it is long, with a level or scissors bite. The lips and nose are black, with the nose being broad and having wide open nostrils.
The St. Bernard has medium-sized eyes that are dark in color, giving them a slightly sad look. Their eyes are usually brown, but can also be icy blue.
The legs are muscular, with large feet and well-arched toes. The powerful tail is broad and held low when the dog is relaxed.
Here are the typical height and weight ranges for a St. Bernard:
Appearance
The St. Bernard is a giant dog, with a weight range of 65 to 120 kg (140 to 260 lb) or more, and a height at the withers of 70 to 90 cm (28 to 35 in).
Their coat can be either smooth or rough, with a smooth coat being close and flat, while a rough coat is dense and flat, with more profuse hair around the neck and legs.
The St. Bernard's coat color is typically a red shade with white, or a mahogany brindle with white, with black shading often found on the face and ears.
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Their tail is long and heavy, hanging low, which makes them look even more majestic.
The eyes of a St. Bernard are usually brown, but can sometimes be icy blue, and should have naturally tight lids with haws only slightly visible.
The muzzle of a St. Bernard is short and wider than it is in length, with a level or scissors bite.
Their lips and nose are black, with the nose being broad and having wide open nostrils.
The Saint Bernard has medium-sized eyes that are dark in color, giving the dog a slightly sad look to his expression.
Their legs are muscular with large feet and well-arched toes.
The powerful tail is broad and held low when the dog is relaxed.
Their faces and ears are often black, while the ears are set high on the head, dropping and sitting out away from the head a bit.
The coat of a Saint Bernard can be either rough or smooth, but both are dense to protect them from the cold weather.
Their coloring can be a mix of white with markings in tan, red, black, brindle, and in all possible combinations.
Size and Weight
A St. Bernard's size and weight are truly impressive. They fall into the giant size category.
On average, an adult St. Bernard weighs around 155 pounds. This can range from 110 to 200 pounds, with males typically being heavier than females.
The height of a St. Bernard is quite consistent, ranging from 25.5 to 27.5 inches. To give you a better idea, here's a quick rundown of their size and weight:
Overall, St. Bernards are a sturdy breed that requires regular exercise and a balanced diet to maintain their physical health.
History and Origins
The history of the Bernhardiner dog, also known as the St. Bernard, dates back to the 11th century in the Western Alps of Switzerland.
The breed originated from Roman Molossian dogs, which were brought into the Alps by the ancient Romans.
These early dogs were likely descendants of mastiff-style Asiatic dogs, known for their burly, thick fur, and friendly nature.
The monks at the Great St. Bernard Hospice acquired their first St. Bernards in the 1660s and 1670s, which were used as watchdogs and companions.
The monks didn't train the dogs in rescue techniques, instead, younger dogs learned from the older ones.
The St. Bernard's incredible sense of smell and intelligence made them able to discover people buried deep in the snow.
The dogs were used to help pull carts and turn spits, but their true value lay in their ability to find paths through deep snow and locate lost travelers.
The breed was recognized internationally as one of the Molossoid breeds.
The Swiss St. Bernard Club was founded in Basel in 1884, and the breed standard was finally approved in 1888.
The St. Bernard's reputation as a life-saving breed was cemented by dogs like Barry, who reportedly saved between 40 and 100 lives.
The breed's history is closely tied to the Great St. Bernard Pass, a treacherous alpine path that has been a significant merchant route for centuries.
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Personality and Temperament
Saint Bernards are known for their gentle and patient nature, making them a great breed for families with children. They are extremely gentle, friendly, and tolerant of young children's antics.
One of the key characteristics of Saint Bernards is their loyalty and desire for companionship. They love to be around people and can become destructive if left alone for too long. They need daily walks and social interaction to stay happy and healthy.
Saint Bernards are not naturally aggressive, but their size can be intimidating to strangers. They make good guard dogs, but their barking can be a warning sign that they sense something is amiss.
In terms of training, Saint Bernards can be stubborn at times, but they are highly intelligent and respond well to consistent training and socialization. They need to be taught basic obedience commands, such as walking on a leash and not jumping up on people.
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Here are some key personality traits of Saint Bernards:
Overall, Saint Bernards are a loving and loyal breed that make great companions for families and individuals who are willing to provide them with the attention and care they need.
Health and Maintenance
The Bernhardiner dog is a large breed that requires regular health checks to prevent certain health issues. These include Distichiasis, Gastric Torsion, Elbow Dysplasia, Hip Dysplasia, Heart Problems, and Wobbler's Syndrome.
Some common health issues in Bernhardiners include cardiac problems, eye issues, hip dysplasia, and elbow dysplasia. Regular check-ups with your veterinarian can help detect these issues early on.
To keep your Bernhardiner's coat clean and healthy, use a firm bristle brush and a mild soap designed for dogs. Be sure to pay special attention to the eyes, as they can be prone to watering and irritation.
A daily walk is essential for keeping your Bernhardiner trim and fit. Divide their daily food intake into two to three small meals to prevent bloat.
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Here are some common health checks for Bernhardiners:
- Cardiac
- Eye
- Hip
- Elbow
- Blood Test
- Blood And Urine Protein Screens
- X-Rays
- Eye Examination
- Physical Examination
Bernhardiners are prone to obesity, so it's essential to monitor their weight and adjust their diet accordingly. Feed them high-quality dry food, divided into two meals a day, and ensure they get enough exercise.
Diet and Weight
A St. Bernard can easily gain weight if you don't pay attention to its diet, so it's essential to monitor its food intake and exercise regularly.
To keep your St. Bernard happy and fit, feed it high-quality dry dog food and make sure it gets more than one daily walk.
The recommended daily food intake for a St. Bernard is 6 to 8 cups of high-quality dry food, divided into two meals.
If you notice any weight gain, consult your veterinarian and create a diet plan to reduce unhealthy food and snacks.
To maintain a healthy weight, measure your St. Bernard's weight regularly and find a balance between exercise and feeding.
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Health
Saint Bernards are a relatively healthy breed, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues. One of the most common health concerns is hip dysplasia, which affects the joint between the hip bone and the thighbone.
A Saint Bernard's average lifespan is 9 years, which is relatively short compared to some other breeds. This is why regular veterinary check-ups are essential to monitor their health and catch any potential problems early on.
Regular exercise is crucial for Saint Bernards, but they don't need as much as some other breeds. A daily walk and some playtime should suffice. Saint Bernards are also prone to obesity, so it's essential to monitor their food intake and ensure they get enough physical activity.
Some common health issues that can affect Saint Bernards include distichiasis, gastric torsion, elbow dysplasia, heart problems, and Wobbler's Syndrome. Regular check-ups with a veterinarian can help identify these issues early on.
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Here are some common health problems that can affect Saint Bernards:
- Distichiasis
- Gastric Torsion
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Hip Dysplasia
- Heart Problems
- Wobbler's Syndrome
A Saint Bernard's diet should consist of high-quality dry food, and they should be fed 6 to 8 cups of food per day, divided into two meals. It's also essential to monitor their weight and ensure they get enough exercise to prevent obesity.
Allergies and Grooming
Allergies can be a challenge for St. Bernard owners. They are prone to allergies, which can be managed with regular grooming and veterinary check-ups.
Their coats require regular brushing to prevent matting and tangling. A firm bristle brush is ideal for this purpose.
St. Bernard's eyes are also prone to watering, so it's essential to keep them clean and free from irritation. Special attention should be paid to the area around the eyes to prevent infections.
Here's a list of common health risks associated with St. Bernard's allergies:
- Cataracts
- Entropion
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Regular grooming sessions are also an opportunity to check for any signs of parasites like ticks or fleas.
Dog Age in Human Years
As pet owners, we've all wondered how old our furry friends are in human years. For example, a 1 year old St. Bernard is equivalent to a 15 human year old.
Calculating a dog's age in human years can be a bit tricky, but it's essential for understanding their developmental stages and health needs. A 2 year old St. Bernard, for instance, is roughly equivalent to a 22 human year old.
Here's a rough guide to help you estimate your St. Bernard's age in human years:
Keep in mind that this is just a rough estimate, and individual dogs may age at different rates depending on their breed, size, and overall health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did St. Bernards carry a barrel?
St. Bernards carried a barrel of brandy to help keep avalanche victims warm while awaiting rescue, although this practice is now considered medically unsound.
What happened to Barry the dog?
After retiring in Bern, Switzerland, Barry's body was preserved and is now on display at the Natural History Museum of Bern, with his skin taxidermied and his skull modified to match the Saint Bernard breed of the 1920s.
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