Saint Bernard Show Dogs Thrive in Competitive Conformation

Saint Bernard show dogs are a sight to behold, with their massive size and gentle nature. They're a favorite among breeders and owners alike.

Their thick coats require regular grooming, which can be a challenge for some owners. Saint Bernards have a double coat, with a soft undercoat and a long, coarse outer coat.

Their friendly demeanor makes them a natural fit for families with children. Saint Bernards are known for their patience and calmness around kids.

Their intelligence and trainability also make them a popular choice among experienced dog owners.

Related reading: Bernese Mountain Dog Coat

To become a show dog, Saint Bernards must meet specific breed standards, which include a muscular build and a broad, flat head.

Saint Bernards must also have a distinctive coat that is long, dense, and fine in texture.

A good show dog should be confident and calm in the presence of strangers, which is essential for a successful show experience.

Becoming a show dog is a big commitment, but it can be incredibly rewarding for both you and your dog. Saint Bernards, for example, require a lot of grooming, with some owners spending up to three hours per session getting their dogs ready for a show.

At maturity, Saint Bernards can weigh anywhere from 150 to 175 pounds, depending on their sex. Males can reach a whopping 175 pounds.

Saint Bernards are originally from the Swiss mountains, where they were bred as mountain guide dogs and rescue dogs. This background has given them a strong work ethic and a desire to please.

Grooming can be a challenge, especially for the long-haired variety, which has a thick undercoat to keep them warm in cold temperatures.

The St. Bernard is a giant dog, recognized internationally as one of the molosser breeds.

Its coat is smooth, being close and flat, which is a great characteristic to focus on when grooming your dog.

The St. Bernard's coat color is primarily white with smaller or larger red patches, and the most desirable colors are a clear to dark red mantle and reddish-brown mantle.

A long and heavy tail is a distinctive feature of the St. Bernard, hanging high and adding to its impressive appearance.

The eye color of a St. Bernard ranges from light brown to dark brown, and it's essential to ensure that the lids are naturally tight, with haws only slightly visible.

Winning awards is a significant milestone for Saint Bernard show dogs, and it's a testament to their owners' hard work and dedication. Ian, a smooth coat Saint Bernard, won the Select Dog Award at a dog show, which was a great achievement for his owner, Bratcher.

He didn't stop there, though - Bratcher is already looking for his next challenge, aiming for the Best of Breed award. This shows that winning awards is not just about achieving a goal, but also about continually striving for excellence.

Ian's success was also a reminder that winning awards is not just about the dog, but also about the people involved. Bratcher mentioned that Ian loves showing and knows when he's at a show, which makes the experience even more enjoyable.

The St. Bernard has received recognition from various kennel clubs around the world. The Fédération Cynologique Internationale recognizes the breed as a Molosser in Group 2, Section 2.

The St. Bernard is also recognized by The Kennel Club (UK) in the Working Dog group. The breed is a popular choice for many dog owners in the UK.

The Canadian Kennel Club and the American Kennel Club also recognize the St. Bernard, placing it in the Working Dog group. Both kennel clubs have a long history of promoting the breed.

In the United States, the United Kennel Club places the St. Bernard in the Guardian Dog Group. This group is made up of breeds that are known for their protective instincts.

The New Zealand Kennel Club and the Australian National Kennel Council also recognize the St. Bernard, placing it in the Utility Group. This group includes breeds that are versatile and adaptable.

Broaden your view: List of Best in Show Winners of the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show

Ian, a smooth coat Saint Bernard, won the Select Dog Award at a dog show, which was a great experience for owner and handler Bratcher.

Bratcher's dog is a hall-of-famer and has broken the previous record for lifetime points by an owner and handler for a breed.

Coming home with a ribbon made coming home a lot easier for Bratcher after the show.

Bratcher's dog, Ian, loves showing and knows when he's at a show, earning him the nickname "my George Clooney, he's so cool".

The Five Valley Kennel Club, which Bratcher is a member of, hopes Ian's success will translate into more people getting into dog showing.

For another approach, see: Dog Show Clothing