Le Saint-Bernard: a giant with a big heart
The Saint-Bernard is a large mountain dog which is distinguished as much by its impressive stature as by its great intelligence. With massive and powerful appearance, it displays an attentive expression and a body that is both muscular and harmonious. Its very supplied coat and its physical constitution make it a particularly robust animal.
- Origins and Historical
- Physical characteristics
- Behavior and education
- Living conditions
- Health and maintenance
- The Saint-Bernard at a glance
Origins and Historical
The Saint-Bernard breed owes its name to the Col du Grand-Saint-Bernard, in Switzerland, at the top of which was a hospice. The monks raised these dissuasive and robust dogs there for guard and defense, but also for the rescue of travelers and pilgrims lost in the snow. The Swiss Saint-Bernard club was created on March 15, 1884 in Basel and the Standard of the breed was established in 2003.
Physical characteristics
The Saint-Bernard is a harmonious and robust dog. Here are some of its distinctive characteristics:
- Hair : Short, fine and soft texture.
- Color : Unicolore, in all the shades of fawn (from mahogany to Isabelle). Small white marks with chest and the end of the legs are tolerated.
- Head : Massive and angular, with a wide skull and symmetrical wrinkles.
- Ears : Small, slightly raised to their attachment and drooping.
- Eyes : Oval, hazelnut with dark brown, with a frank and determined look.
- Body : Powerful, with a wide and muscular back, a robust chest and well -descended ribs.
- Tail : Strong to its attachment, driven low but raised in action without rolling.
Behavior and education
The Saint-Bernard is a generally soft and peaceful dog, while being stubborn sometimes. The rescue instinct is very developed in him, just like that of the territory. He is particularly kind to children and knows how to be respected in front of foreigners. This dog needs firm and early education, without being brutal. Its imposing stature requires natural authority, but it is very receptive to learning if it starts from an early age.
The Saint-Bernard food guide
Due to its large size, the Saint-Bernard has specific nutritional needs. It is important to provide him with a balanced diet to ensure his health and vitality:
- Proteins: They are essential for its muscle development and strength. Opt for high quality animal proteins such as chicken or beef.
- Fat: Fats provide concentrated energy. Choose foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids for healthy and shiny coat, as well as good heart health.
- Fibers: Whole vegetables and grains help digestion and maintain optimal, crucial weight to avoid joint problems.
Treaty recommendations
To please your Saint-Bernard while supporting his health, Marly & Dan offers suitable treats. Here is a recommendation:
- Vitality chewing bars: These natural treats support energy production and antioxidant defenses, perfect for keeping your Saint-Bernard in great shape, despite its impressive size.
- Vitality chewing bars: Help reduce plaque and tartar, contributing to better oral hygiene.
Price and maintenance cost of Saint-Bernard
The Saint-Bernard, in addition to being a faithful and protective companion, requires a substantial investment both for the purchase and for regular maintenance.
- Purchase price : The price of a Saint-Bernard varies between € 900 and € 1,200 depending on its pedigree and its breeder.
- Annual maintenance cost: The annual maintenance cost of a Saint-Bernard is between € 2,200 and € 2,250. This includes food, veterinary care, and cleaning products, especially for his eyes and abundant coat.
Living conditions
The Saint-Bernard is not made for apartment life. This large dog needs space to move and run. It is therefore perfectly suitable for families with a large garden where he can flourish. He is calm inside and very faithful to his family, but his sense of territory can be problematic in a small space.
Health and maintenance
The Saint-Bernard is a robust dog, but it is subject to certain health problems, including eye conditions such as entropion and Ecropion, as well as hip and elbow dysplasia. Due to its large size, it is necessary to monitor its growth and offer it a balanced diet. In addition, his eyes should be regularly cleaned, and it requires frequent brushing to maintain the quality of his coat.
His maintenance requires a little work, especially for his abundant coat and her sensitive eyes. Regular grooming is necessary to avoid nodes in hair and eye irritation.
The Saint-Bernard at a glance
Faq
Yes ! Saint-Bernard is an excellent family dog. Its soft and protective nature makes it perfect for children. He is often called "nanny" for his patience and love for the youngest.
No, it is not advised. The Saint-Bernard is a solid dog that needs space to move freely. A house with garden is ideal for this breed.
Like all large dogs, the Saint-Bernard can be subject to problems of hip and elbow dysplasia, as well as eye conditions. It is important to monitor your growth and diet to avoid these problems.