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Archive-name: dogs-faq/breeds/stbernard Posting-frequency: 30 days Last-modified: 09 Nov 1994 This is a regularly posted faq and appears every thirty days in rec.pets.dogs and news.answers. The latest version of this file is a hypertext document available via the Web at http://io.com/user/tittle/dogs-faq/breeds/homepage.html The most recently posted ASCII version of this file is available via anonymous ftp to rtfm.mit.edu in the directory pub/usenet/news.answers/dogs-faq/breeds It is also available via email: check the weekly posting Cindy Tittle Moore (tittle@netcom.com) puts out entitled "Complete List of rec.pets.dogs FAQs" for details. SAINT BERNARDS Author Brenda Bruening email: bru@dr.att.com home phone: 303-530-9086 _________________________________________________________________ Table of Contents * Description * Some Questions You May Have About the Saint Bernard * AKC Standard * Recognized * History * Characteristics and Temperament * Special Medical Problems * References + Books + Breed Clubs _________________________________________________________________ Description Saint Bernards are a giant dog, proportionately tall with heavy bones, a deep chest and a blocky head. There are two coat types for Saints: a long and short. Their color ranges from tan to dark brown with white accents. Many have a dark mask over the eyes but this is not a requirement. Some Questions You May Have About the Saint Bernard (from a pamphlet from the Saint Bernard Club of America) How much do they eat? A Saint Bernard will not "eat you out of house and home." The fact is, a Saint Bernard can be raised and maintained on no more food than required for other large breeds. Since Saints are basically placid dogs, they generally require less food per pound of body weight than most smaller, more active breeds. How much do they weigh? Saint puppies weigh about one and one-half pounds at birth and grow rapidly during the first year, although it may take as long as three years before they reach full maturity. Adult males may reach a height of 28-30 inches at the shoulder and will normally weigh between 140 and 180 pounds. Female are somewhat smaller at about 26-28 inches at the shoulder and typically range from 120-140 pounds. Are they good with children? Definitely. They have an understanding of a child's way and are amazingly careful not to injure a child. They are excellent babysitters and companions. Naturally, a child must never be allowed to torment any dog, regardless of breed. Are they easy to train? Because of the size of the animal, Saint Bernards MUST be trained and this must be done early in their lives. Fortunately, Saints are eager to please and will begin responding to commands as soon as they understand what you want of them. Do they shed? Yes: twice a year, usually in Spring and Fall, they lose much of their coats to help them adjust to the changing seasons. For the remainder of the year, there is seldom any annoyance from shedding. Do they drool? Yes. Depending on the weather, the level of excitement, and the shape of the dog's jowls, most Saints will drool on occasion. Technically, there is no such thing as a "dry mouthed Saint", but most Saints do not drool to a offensive degree. Are they good watch dogs? The Saint's size and bark will discourage most intruders, yet they will learn to recognize your friends and receive them cordially. If an intruder gets by the size and barks, your Saint may decide to lead the intruder straight to the family silver since they would much prefer to be friends to all. The one exception to this is when a member of the family is being threatened. The Saint's instinct to protect those they love becomes very apparent at this time. Why do some Saint Bernards have short hair? The original Saint Bernards were all short-haired dogs. Over 150 years ago, the Monks in Switzerland found it necessary to bring some new blood into their breeding and interbred the long coated Newfoundland with the Saints. Today, the influence of that breeding is still with us and we have both long and short-haired Saint Bernards. How much exercise do they need? Can one be kept in an apartment? Saint Bernards don't need as much exercise as many other breeds, but a fenced yard should be provided so they can get whatever amount they require. The apartment dweller must be walked frequently to make up for the exercise they would otherwise take at their leisure. It is not a good practice to keep a Saint Bernard tied up. How much care do they need? Clean fresh water (especially in Summer), a well balanced diet and thorough brushing weekly, the necessary immunity shots and lots of common sense is all that is necessary. Should I get a male or female? This is strictly a matter of personal preference. Both are equal in pet qualities. The male, being larger, is more impressive when first viewed. The female however must be considered his equal in all other respects. Once you have made the decision male or female your choice will be the right one: you will have a loving pet and a most rewarding experience. How do they thrive in the hot weather? The dogs will do well as long as they have a cool dry place to nap and plenty of fresh cool water. They will cut down both their food intake and amount of activity. It must be remembered that going from an air conditioned place into the boiling heat can be disastrous. The abrupt change in temperature will be extremely hard on a Saint. Where do I buy a Saint Bernard? There are breeders in most areas who are sincerely interested in supplying you with a Saint you will be proud to own. To these breeders, a dog is infinitely more that just a commodity to be sold for profit. Their interest is in the animal and matching them to the right home. They are anxious to assist you with care, feeding and answering your questions. AKC Standard SHORTHAIRED General - Powerful, proportionately tall figure, strong and muscular in every part, with powerful head and most intelligent expression. In dogs with a dark mask the expression appears more stern, but never illnatured. Head - Like the whole body, very powerful and imposing. The massive skull is wide, slightly arched and the sides slope in a gentle curve into the very strongly developed, high check bones. Occiput only mod- erately developed. The supra-orbital ridge is very strongly developed and forms nearly a right angle with the horizontal axis of the head. Deeply imbedded between the eyes and starting at the root of the muz- zle, a furrow runs over the whole skull. It is strongly marked in the first half, gradually disappearing toward the base of the occiput. The lines at the sides of the head diverge considerably from the outer corner of the eyes, toward the back of the head. The skin of the forehead, above the eyes, forms rather noticeable wrinkles, more or less pronounced, which converge toward the furrow. Especially when the dog is in action, the wrinkles are more visible without in the least giving the impression of morosity. Too strongly developed wrinkles are not desired. The slope from the skull to the muzzle is sudden and rather steep. The muzzle is short, does not taper, and the vertical depth at the root of the muzzle must be greater than the length of the muzzle. The bridge of the muzzle is not arched, but straight; in some dogs, occasionally, slightly broken. A rather wide, well marked, shallow furrow runs from the root of the muzzle over the entire bridge of the muzzle to the nose. The flews of the upper jaw are strongly developed, not sharply cut, but turning in a beautiful curve into the lower edge, and slightly overhanging. The flews of the lower jaw must not be deeply pendant. The teeth should be sound and strong and should meet in either a scissors or an even bite: the scissors bite being preferable. The undershot bite; although sometimes found with good specimens, is not desirable. The overshot bit is a fault. A blank roof to the mouth is desirable. Nose (Schwamm) - Very substantial, broad, with wide open nostrils, and, like the lips, always black. Ears - Of medium size, rather high set, with very strongly developed burr (Muschel) at the base. They stand slightly away from the head at the base, then drop with a sharp bend to the side and cling to the head without a turn. The flap is tender and forms a rounded triangle, slightly elongated toward the point, the front edge lying firmly to the head, whereas the back edge may stand somewhat away from the head, espe- cially when the dog is at attention. Lightly set ears, which at the base immediately cling to the head, give it an oval and to little marked exte- rior, whereas a strongly developed base gives the skull a squarer, broader and much more expressive appearance. Eyes - Set more to the front than the sides, are of medium size, dark brown, with intelligent, friendly expression, set moderately deep. The lower eyelids, as a rule, do not close completely and, if that is the case, form an angular wrinkle toward the inner corner of the eye. Eyelids which are to deeply pendant and show conspicuously the lachrymal glands, or a very red, thick haw, and eyes that are to light, are objectionable. Neck - Set high, very strong and in action is carried erect. Otherwise horizontally or slightly downward. The junction of head and neck is distinctly marked by an indentation. The nape of the neck is very muscular and rounded at the sides which makes the neck appear rather short. The dewlap of throat and neck is well pronounced: too strong development, however, is not desirable. Shoulders - Sloping and broad, very muscular and powerful. The withers are strongly pronounced. Chest - Very well arched, moderately deep, not reaching below the elbows. Back - Very broad, perfectly straight as far as the haunches, from there gently sloping to the rump, and merging imperceptibly into the root of the tail. Hindquarters - Well-developed. Legs very muscular. Belly - Distinctly set off from the very powerful loin section, only little drawn up. Tail - Starting broad and powerful directly from the rump is long, very heavy, ending in a powerful tip. In repose it hangs straight down, turning gently upward in the lower third only, which is not considered a fault. In a great many specimens the tail is carried with the end slightly bent and therefore hangs down in the shape of an "f". In action all dogs carry the tail more or less turned upward. However it may not be carried to erect or by any means rolled over the back. A slight curl- ing of the tip is sooner admissible. Forearms - Very powerful and extraordinarily muscular. Forelegs - Straight, strong. Hind legs - Hocks of moderate angulation. Dewclaws are not desired; if present, they must not obstruct gait. Feet - Broad, with strong toes, moderately closed, and with rather high knuckles. The so-called dewclaws which sometimes occur on the inside of the hind legs are imperfectly developed toes. They are of no use to the dog and are not taken into consideration in judging. They may be removed by surgery. Coat - Very dense, short-haired (stockhaarig), lying smooth, tough, without however feeling rough to the touch. The thighs are slightly bushy. The tail at the root has longer and denser hair which gradually becomes short toward the tip. The tail appears bushy, not forming a flag. Color - White with red or red with white, the red in its various shades; brindle patches with white markings. The colors red and brown-yellow are of entirely equal value. Necessary markings are: white chest, feet and tip of tail, noseband, collar or spot on the nape; the latter and blaze are very desirable. Never of one color or without white. Faulty are all other colors, except the favorite dark shadings on the head (mask) and ears. One distinguishes between mantle dogs and splash-coated dogs. Height at Shoulder - Of the dog should be 27X inches minimum, of the bitch 25X inches. Female animals are of finer and more delicate build. Considered as faults - are all deviations from the Standard, as for instance a swayback and a disproportionately long back, hocks too much bent, straight hindquarters, upward growing hair in spaces between the toes, out at elbows, cowhocks and weak pasterns. LONGHAIRED The longhaired type completely resembles the shorthaired type except for the coat which is not shorthaired (stockhaarig) but of medium length plain to slightly wavy, never rolled or curly and not shaggy either. Usually, on the back, especially from the region of the haunches to the rump, the hair is more wavy, a condition, by the way, that is slightly indicated in the shorthaired dogs. The tail is bushy with dense hair of moderate length. Rolled or curly hair on the tail is not desirable. A tail with parted hair, or a flag tail, is faulty. Face and ears are covered with short and soft hair; longer hair at the base of the ear is permissible. Forelegs only slightly feathered; thighs very bushy. Approved May 12, 1959 The Swiss or International Standard has had several changes since the version currently in use by the Saint Bernard Club of America (SBCA) (an AKC member club) was accepted. The most recent set of changes made in 1993 are controversial and it is unclear if the SBCA will adapt those changes into its standard. The Swiss standard is used by most other Kennel Clubs and the World Union of Saint Bernard Clubs. There is also an "English" standard used by the Kennel Club of Great Britain which is also different from the Swiss. Recognized American Kennel Club British Kennel Club Canadian Kennel Club FCI and most major kennel organizations History (reprinted from the AKC Complete Dog Book 17th edition 1987) It seems most probable that the Saint Bernard developed from stock that resulted from the breeding of heavy Asian 'Molosser' (Canis Molossus), brought to Heveti a (Switzerland) by Roman armies during the first two centuries A.D., with native dogs which undoubtedly existed in the region at the time of the Roman invasions . During the following centuries, these dogs were widely used in the valley farms and Alpine dairies for a variety of guarding, herding, and drafting duties. Referred to as "Talhund" (Valley Dog) or "Bauernhund" (Farm Dog), they were apparently well establish by 1050A.D. when Archdeacon Bernard de Menthon founded the famous Hospice in the Swiss Alps as a refuge for travelers crossing the treacherous passes between Switzerland and Italy. Just when dogs were first brought to the Hospice is debatable, since the Hospice was destroyed by fire in the late 16th century, and, soon after, a large part of the Hospice archives were lost. The first notation concerning the dogs was not until 1707. This, however, was merely a casual reference to the dogs at the Hospice and carried the implication that their rescue work at the St. Bernard Pass was a fact well known at the time. From a digest of early references, it appears that the dogs were first brought to the Hospice sometime between 1660 and 1670. It is likely that large dogs were recruited from the valley areas below to serve as watchdogs for the Hospice and companions for the Monks during the long winter months when the Hospice was almost completely isolated. This isolation of the Hospice no doubt resulted in inbreeding of the original stock which soon produced the distinctive strain of "Hospice Dog." It also follows that only those animals with the strongest instincts for survival in the extremely adverse conditions at the Hospice were to leave their genetic imprint upon the breed during those early years. The lonely Monks, who took the dogs along on their trips of mercy, soon discovered the animals were excellent pathfinders in the drifting snow, and the dogs' highly developed sense of smell made them invaluable in locating helpless persons overcome during storms. Thus began this working together of Monk and dog which made many of the world's most romantic pages of canine history. During the three centuries that Saint Bernards have been used in rescue work at the Hospice, it is estimated that they have been responsible for the saving of well over 2,000 human lives. Although the building of the railroad tunnels through the Alps has lessened foot and vehicular travel across the St. Bernard Pass, the Monks have continued to maintain these fine dogs for companionship and in the honor of the Hospice tradition. We are told that Saint Bernards required no training for their work since generations of service in this capacity seemed to have stamped the rescuing instinct indelibly upon their character. It would be more accurate to say that the dogs' rescue instincts were used as the basis for training by the Monks. In the company of the Monks, young dogs were taken on patrols with a pack of older dogs in search of possible traveler casualties. When the dogs came upon a victim, they would lie down beside him to provide warmth for their bodies, and lick the person's face to restore consciousness. In the meantime, one of the patrol dogs would be on his way back to the Hospice to give the alarm and guide a rescue party to the scene. In addition to their pathfinding capabilities and keen sense of smell which enables them to locate human being buried under the snow, the dogs are reputed to possess and uncanny sixth sense which warns them of approaching avalanches. Instances have been reported where a dogs would suddenly change position for no apparent reason a few seconds before an avalanche came hurtling down across the spot where he had stood, burying it under tons of snow and ice. Although it was well known that a special type of dog did rescue work at the Hospice by 1800, the breed at that time had been given no name other than "Hospice Dogs." Between 1800 and 1810, Barry, perhaps the most celebrated dog in history, lived at the Hospice. For fully half a century after his death, the Hospice dogs in certain parts of Switzerland were called "Barryhund" (Barry dog) in his honor. Barry is credited with saving forty lives. Although legend has it that he was killed by the forty-first person he attempted to rescue, who mistook his bulk for that of a wolf, this tale is only an interesting story. As a matter of fact, Barry was given a painless death in Bern, Switzerland, in 1814, after he had attained a ripe old age. His likeness in mounted form is now preserved in the Natural History Museum in Bern. The year 1816 and 1818 were seasons of uncommonly severe weather at the Hospice and, as a result, many of leading Hospice strains perished. It was easy at that time, however, to get good animal of like breeding from the lower valleys, and within a few years, the dog situation at the Hospice was again satisfactory. Confronted by a similar situation in 1830, coupled with the fact that their breed was considerably weakened by inbreeding and disease, the Monks resorted t o an outcross to give added size and new vigor to their dogs. The Newfoundland, which at the time was larger than the Saint Bernard and shared strong rescuing instincts, was the breed decided upon to give the new blood. Results of this crossing showed all of the desired objectives and, at the same time, did not destroy the Saint Bernard type and characteristics. Due to this crossing, however, the first longhaired Saint Bernards appear-prior to 1830 all the Saint Bernards were shorthaired dogs. At first it was believed that the longhaired variety might have an advantage in the snow and icy conditions existing at the Hospice. Unfortunately, ice clung to the coat and made the longhaired dogs unsuited to the tasks of the rescue dogs. After this was determined, the Monks gave the longhaired dogs as gifts to friends and benefactors in the valley areas, and only the shorthaired dogs were kept at the Hospice. The English, who as early as 1810, imported some of the Hospice dogs to replenish their Mastiff blood, referred to the breed for a number of years as "Sacred Dogs." In Germany, around 1828, the name of "Alpendog" was proposed. In 1833, a writer, Daniel Wilson, first spoke of the so-called Saint Bernard dog, but it was not until 1865 that this name definitely appeared, and only since 1880 has it been recognized as the official designation for the breed. During the last half of the 1800s, breeding of both the longhaired and shorthaired Saint Bernard continued in the valleys of Switzerland, and eventually the breed spread across Germany and other continental European countries and England. In 1887, an International Congress was held in Zurich which was guided by Swiss authorities on the breed. At this Congress, an International Standard for the perfection of the breed was developed. The Saint Bernard Club of America was organized in 1888, the year following the Zurich Congress and the International Standard was adopted by it. This club continues to function for the interests of the Saint Bernard and is one of the oldest specialty clubs in the United States. Characteristics and Temperment Saints in general are very gentle dogs although each has its own personality. They are people oriented dogs and enjoy human companionship. Some may not be easy to train for obedience because they are too laid back and it is hard to make them move briskly. Special Medical Problems As with any large dog, Saint Bernards are prone to hip dysplasia. They have short lives (8-10 years) as is also common with giant breeds. Gastric bloat, or torsion, can be a problem for some Saints. Saints may also have eye problems including entropion, a malformation of the eye causing the eye lash to rub on and irritate the eye. References BOOKS The Saint Bernard Classic, Albert de la Rie, Briarcliff Publishing Comapnay, Kansas City, MO, First Edition 1974 74-80478 (out of print but available from Jerri Hobbs, Saint Bernard Club of America Classic Chairperson, 2742 West Warren Ave, Dever CO 80219, USA, 303-936-9744) This is the Saint Bernard, Marlen J. Anderson and Joan Brearly, TFH Publication, Neptune City, NJ, 1973. Your Saint Bernard, Marina J. Sharp Denlinger's Publishers LTD, Fairfax, VA, 1978, 77-92120 Saint Bernards Martin Weil, TFH Publications, Neptune City, NJ, 1982 BREED CLUBS United States Saint Bernard Club of America, Inc. Corresponding Secretary Ms. Carole A. Wilson 719 East Main Street Belleville, IL 62220 Saint Fancier (official publication of the SBCA) Robert E. Bostrom Editor Route 1, Box 80 Quenemo, KS 66528 913-453-2363 There are local Saint Bernards in various parts of the United States: the SBCA should be able to direct you to a club in your area. Australia The St Bernard Club (NSW) Mrs Sharron Andrews 29 Pyramid St Emu Plainns NSW 2750 Saint Bernard Club of Queensland Mrs Ann Inmon 926 Boston Road Chandler QLD 4133 The St Bernard Social Club of Tasmania Miss Susan Teniswood "Boronia Hill" 44 Jindabyne Rd Kingston TAS 7050 St Bernard Club of Victoria Miss Marjorie Dowsey Merribuff Lodge Binghams Road Harcourt VIC 3453 Saint Bernard Breed Specialist Assoc. B. Chadwick 20 Ibis Pl High Wycombe WA 6057 09 255 1595 Europe St Bernard Club of France Chrisian Tessier La Valoises Breancon F 95640 Marines FRANCE Bernhardinerna Sweden Anita Eriksson Rasbokil Kolinge 755 95 Uppsala SWEDEN Schweizerischer St Bernhards Club Peter Buckingham Kobelwies 1231 9463 Oberriet SWITZERLAND St Bernard Club of Ireland Mr Joseph A Moynihan Ballinamona Lr., Old Parish, Co. Waterford IRELAND St Bernhards Club of Germany Wolfgang Ketzler LessingstraBe 35 5012 Bedburg GERMANY Belgische Sint-Bernard Club Mr. Joseph Van Hummelen Leliestraat 12 B-2820 Rijmeham BELGIUM Britain United St Bernard Club Mrs R J Beaver The Cricketer's House 80 Ashover Road Old Tupton, Chesterfield Derbyshire S42 6HJ New Zealand North Island St Bernard Assoc Mrs Catherine Tippett 19 Barrett Road New Plymouth _________________________________________________________________ Saint Bernard FAQ Brenda Bruening, bru@dr.att.com