Saint Bernard

SAINT BERNARD  Origin:Switzerland  Particular uses: Companion dog and hunting dog  Life expectancy: -  Male height: 70 - 90 cm. approx.  Male weight: 55- 80 kg approx.  Female height: 62 - 82 cm. approx.  Female weight: 51 - 72 kg approx.  FCI-Standard: No. 61 - Group 2

Historical Summary of the Breed
Descendant of the Roman Molossers, it is an ancient Swiss guard dog.  The first dogs of this breed had short hair.  After that arose those with long hair, thanks to the cross with long-haired Newfoundlands, with the purposes of renewing the bloodline.  First they were used for protection against bandits and ferocious animals that existed in the area, though later they were trained and dedicated to saving stranded mountaineers.  Owing to its aptitudes, it is an excellent dog for finding wounded or lost travelers.

General Appearance
It has a huge head with a short muzzle, triangular, droopy ears.  There are two varieties: the short-haired and the long-haired.  The Saint Bernard has a white and red coat with a normally dark mask.  Its body and head are basically more square in the type found in the Pyrenees mountains.  The breed has a wide head and skull and a deep chest.  Its muzzle is deeper than it is long.

Its medium-sized eyes, dark with a hazelnut shape, transmit intelligence and affection.  Its ears are droopy, triangular and relatively large.  Its neck is strong and slightly arched, with a dewlap.

Temperament and Behavior
The Saint Bernard is a good-natured and peaceful breed, a quality you can see at first glance.  Furthermore, it is very intelligent and easy to educate and train.  That said, it is a bit pig-headed, so you should start it as a puppy.  It is incredibly loyal to its masters and it is especially dedicated to the children it adores.  It also has a very strong instinct to protect.