Saint Bernard or St. Bernard
Found in the Western Alps in Italy and Switzerland, the Saint Bernard is a dog breed originally bred for the rescue work of the hospice or hostel of the St. Bernard Pass.
Breed Profile
Height
28 – 35
Inches
Weight
140 – 180
Pounds
Life Span
8 – 10
Years
Health
health
Osteosarcoma
What is it?:
Osteosarcoma or osteogenic sarcoma is the cancer in the bone. It mainly occurs in bigger dog breeds like the German Shepherd, Rottweiler, Boxer, St. Bernard, etc. It accounts for 85% of all the cancers found in dogs.
Clinical signs
Lameness
Swelling or a mass in the skull, jaw or ribs
Lethargy
Lack of appetite
Reluctance to walk or play
Breathing difficulties
Treatment
The condition is not curable but treatable. The treatment may include surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
Eligible vet bill
$5,000
*Hypothetical reimbursement examples illustrate reimbursement of an eligible vet bill at the noted reimbursement rate, assuming the annual deductible had already been satisfied and the annual coverage limit has not yet been met. Annual deductible, co-insurance, benefit and coverage limits, and exclusions may apply. Eligibility may vary. Visit https://www.spotpetinsurance.ca/sample-policy for full terms. For Canada enrollments only, reimbursement rate is based on the pet's age.
health
Hip or Elbow Dysplasia
What is it?:
This genetic health issue is the one where the hip or elbow joints loosens up which causes dysfunction and pain. Over time, this may result into arthritis, muscle atrophy and limitations in mobility
Clinical signs
Staying in bed instead of going out
Decreased range of motion
Difficulty or reluctance in climbing stairs, rising up, jumping or running
Loss of muscle mass in the thighs
Noticeable enlargement of the shoulder muscles as they compensate for the hind end
Flinches when the lower back muscles are touched
Treatment
Treatment may require surgery and chiropractic therapy
Eligible vet bill
$2,000
*Hypothetical reimbursement examples illustrate reimbursement of an eligible vet bill at the noted reimbursement rate, assuming the annual deductible had already been satisfied and the annual coverage limit has not yet been met. Annual deductible, co-insurance, benefit and coverage limits, and exclusions may apply. Eligibility may vary. Visit https://www.spotpetinsurance.ca/sample-policy for full terms. For Canada enrollments only, reimbursement rate is based on the pet's age.
Personality
Calm
The instinct of strangers to get scared looking a such a big dog will go away due to its calm nature
Gentle
Although big in size, Saint Bernards are often very gentle and caring in general
Affectionate
These dogs love to be around their family members and be a part of every activity they do. They might even sulk down if they feel left out
Lifetime Care
Coat
There are 2 versions here – long haired and short haired. Both of them are a double coated variant which helps them keep warm in winter
Colors
You won’t be disappointed with the variety of colors available in the Saint Bernard. It includes brindle grizzle, brown and white, mahogany and white, orange and white, red and white, rust and white, white and brown, white and orange, white and red, brownish yellow, reddish-brown brindle, reddish-brown splash, and reddish-brown mantle.
Hypoallergenic
No
Grooming
Both the long and the short haired ones should be brushed 2-3 times a week. While for the long-haired ones, a pin brush should be used, for the short-haired ones, a regular rubber brush should do. Apart from that regular teeth, ears and nail cleaning should be done
Training
Being a working dog, a St. Bernard is easy to train given its intelligence and energy levels.
Originally bred to be watch-dogs, the Saint Bernards have actually saved a lot of human lives. Their life saving abilities have been known to save more than 2000 human lives till date from including places like avalanches. The breed of dogs have also been known to assist monks given their sagacity and fidelity. In an alleged fact, these Bernards were known for carrying brandy for travelers across the Alps to keep them warm. Know more about how much does your Saint Bernard costs in 2024.
St. Bernard Dog: Introduction to the Breed
The breed makes excellent family dogs due to their love and affection side. However, it is always better to do know as much as possible about a breed before bringing them home.
St. Bernard Dogs are generally:
Gentle and quiet
Non-aggressive
Tolerant
Well behaved
Protective
Health Risks for a Saint Bernard Puppy
Apart from the above-mentioned common health problems, these lifesaving dogs are also prone to some other health related issues which can give the owner a hard time to their time, head and even wallet.
St. Bernards are very susceptible to eye disorders called entropion or ectropion in which the eye-lid turns in or out.
They are even prone to common dog eye problems like cataracts
The breed is also susceptible to epilepsy and seizures
Apart from all these there are even chances of a heart disease called dilated cardiomyopathy and eczema
Things to watch-out before deciding to own a St. Bernard
There are a few cautions that you need to know before deciding to adopt a Saint Bernard
They may be very sweet and gentle but can also loose their temperament if enough physical stimulations are not given to them
Because of its size, it can easily reach all the tables in your house creating an opening for some destruction there at times
They do not respond well to punishment. These dogs should be trained with utmost patience and positive reinforcements
Routine medical care is generally more costly for bigger dogs as compared to their smaller counterparts
They are also known to have an occasional stubborn streak
These are not very energetic dogs. They are more on the side of a couch potato. So, if you’re looking for extra energy in the house, these probably aren’t the ones
They can develop separation anxiety and destructive behaviors in case of being left alone for a very long time
Conclusion
Looking for a big giant but gentle dog then St. Bernard is the one for you. Very much calm and well-behaved, you are going to get praises from your family if you gift them one of these as they are highly affectionate and loving and at the same time protective of kids and other family members in the house.
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