home Audience 5 Saint Bernard rescues. Saint Bernards are rescue dogs! The touching story of St. Bernard Barry

Saint Bernard rescues. Saint Bernards are rescue dogs! The touching story of St. Bernard Barry

Man has long understood that a dog is the most devoted friend who will always help out. We decided to talk about the seven most outstanding dogs.

Saint Bernard Barry

Today, the St. Bernard breed, in the form of a fluffy, lop-eared dog with a barrel of intoxicating drink around its neck, personifies canine devotion and heroism. She was bred in the monastery of St. Bernard, which is located high in the Swiss Alps. There they first came up with the idea of using dogs to rescue people from avalanches. The thick skin protected from the cold, and a keen sense of smell helped to find victims under deep snowdrifts. The most famous St. Bernard was Barry, who served at the monastery at the beginning of the 19th century. During his life, he saved forty people, especially the case of a boy whom he pulled out of an ice cave, warmed and brought home. According to legend, Barry died from a bullet from the forty-first survivor - a Swiss soldier who mistook him for a wolf. Although, another version says that after completing his service, Barry was settled with a Bernese monk, where he quietly lived out his old age. His example has become a tradition; after Barry’s death, one dog of the monastery must bear the name of the good man.

Balto and the Race of Mercy

Who doesn't know the story about Balto, the famous sled dog, the savior of an entire city? In 1925, in the town of Nome, Alaska, lost in the snow, a diphtheria epidemic began, and local hospitals lacked toxoid. An ice storm and storm prevented planes from taking off, so it was decided to deliver the serum to the nearest point of Nenana, and from there (1085 km) by dog sled. During the last crossing, when the city was about 50 miles away, the driver lost consciousness. The leader of that team, Balto, independently, through a snowstorm, took the medicine and the half-dead Gunnar Kassen to the dying Nome. Diphtheria was stopped - the city was saved. This event was called the “Race of Mercy”, and in Alaska, dog racing is still held in honor of this event.

Pavlov's dog

It would be unfair to leave aside the feat of “Pavlov’s dog.” Even if “she” didn’t pull anyone out of the snow and didn’t save the city, she became a victim of science and conditioned reflex for the benefit of humanity. The image of Pavlov’s dog is a collective one – there were many experimental pets, not all of them survived the experiments. But, in fairness, it should be noted that the scientist tried to alleviate the suffering of animals as much as possible; many of the academician’s dogs died a natural death, having lived a calm old age. Nevertheless, continuing to feel guilty, at the end of his life, Pavlov insisted on erecting a monument to the Dog - man’s faithful friend.

First cosmonaut – Laika

Another victim in the name of the future was the famous Laika, the world’s first cosmonaut. Her flight proved that a living creature can survive launch into orbit and the state of weightlessness, which means that the entire Universe is accessible to man. Unfortunately, the dog's fate was predetermined even before the launch. Sputnik 2 was not equipped enough to return to Earth. But Laika had everything to live in outer space at least a week. The experiment was not completely successful. “The loneliest, most unfortunate dog in the world,” as the Western media called it, died four hours after launch from stress and overheating due to a failure of the thermal regulation system.

True Japanese Hachiko

The dog Hachiko, whose film of the same name brought worldwide popularity, became a real symbol of canine devotion. This amazing story took place in Japan, where in 1923 an Akita Inu dog was born, who was given as a puppy to Professor Hidesaburo Ueno. They were inseparable, Hachiko accompanied his friend to the station every day, and then returned there to meet him back. But one day, Ueno did not return - he had a heart attack at work, and the doctors were unable to save his life. Hachiko at that time was only 18 months old - a very young dog.

He kept coming. Every day, Hachiko stubbornly returned to the station and waited. The professor's relatives tried to pick him up, but he ran away each time and ended up at the station again at the appointed time. He waited for the owner for nine whole years. No one will ever know what was going on in his heart. Did he think that he had been abandoned or did he understand everything... Hachiko died in his endless wait, not far from the station. The day of his death was declared mourning in Japan - by this time the whole country knew about the dog, who, like a true Japanese, was devoted to his master to the end.

Sapper Dzhulbars

At the historical parade of 1945, along with other branches of the military, units of military dog breeders marched. The country's chief dog handler, Alexander Mazorev, walked ahead. He was allowed not to take a step or salute - he was carrying in his arms another war hero - a soldier of the 14th assault engineer brigade - a dog named Dzhulbars. The dog was wrapped in Stalin's overcoat. This was the order of the Commander-in-Chief.

Dzhulbas was an ordinary mongrel, but, thanks to his innate instinct, he quickly became an ace in the mine-hunting service, during which he discovered 468 mines and more than 150 shells. This saved not only human lives, but also priceless architectural monuments - St. Vladimir's Cathedral in Kyiv, Palaces over the Danube, Prague castles, Vienna cathedrals.

Mukhtar

During the war, dogs served in many ranks of the army. Another four-legged hero of this time was a medical dog named Mukhtar, who during the war years pulled out about 400 wounded soldiers from the fields and saved his guide, Corporal Zorin, who was shell-shocked during a mission. Sanitary dogs of the Great Patriotic War were trained to determine whether a person was alive and, if successful, to revive him and take him to a safe place. As they say: “All the angels were busy, they sent me.”

Saint Bernard - the magnanimous giant of the dog world, a true gentleman and true friend. The breed gained wide popularity after the filming of these dogs in the English-language films “Genevieve” and “Beethoven”. Today there are two varieties of St. Bernard - short-haired and long-haired.
Origin of the Saint Bernard breed

The breed comes from Tibetan mastiffs, once brought to the Alps. The name Saint Bernard comes from the French "Chien du Saint-Bernard" (Saint Bernard's dog). Monk Bernard of Menton founded a shelter for travelers on a difficult and dangerous mountain pass in the 11th century. Avalanches and strong winds brought the trail notoriety, but in the 17th century, the monks began to use dogs to save people: their keen sense of smell helped the St. Bernards find victims under the snow, from which the animals themselves were protected by thick skins. Often St. Bernards sensed the approach of avalanches in advance and warned travelers. The dogs worked in teams of four dogs: if a person could not move independently, three of them warmed him with their warmth, and the fourth ran for help. The most famous St. Bernard rescuer is a dog named Barry, who saved four dozen people over 12 years of service. And in the valleys, St. Bernards served as guards for livestock and houses, and were also used as draft power. The first St. Bernard came to Great Britain only in 1865, and breeding of breeding animals occurred at the end of the 19th century. Today, St. Bernards continue to search for missing climbers and serve as guard and escort dogs.
Appearance and main characteristics of St. Bernards

Head: large, massive and wide, with a convex wide forehead, slightly covered with wrinkles. The cranial part is twice as large in girth as the total length of the head. A pronounced transition from the forehead to the muzzle. The cheekbones are rounded, strongly developed, with muscular but flat cheeks. Upper lips black, drooping slightly on the sides. The bridge of the nose is straight, with a large black nose.
Eyes: close to the bridge of the nose, medium size, slightly sunken, dark brown in color.
Ears: Medium size, hanging down to the sides of the head.
Neck: Muscular, with an impressive collar.
Body: withers strongly projecting above the topline, convex ribs, strong short loin and wide back.
Limbs: powerful, well developed, with strong bones and muscles. The paws are large and strong.
Coat: shiny, with thick undercoat. Short-haired Saint Bernards have coarse and dense hair, while long-haired Saint Bernards have feathers, “pants” and a “fox” tail.
Color: all shades of red (rich, reddish, brownish) with white markings, or white with red markings. White spots are located throughout the body in a certain order: the stripe rises from the muzzle to the forehead and further, on the collar, chest, fore and hind legs, and at the tip of the tail. There should be dark “glasses” around the eyes, and the ears should also be darker than the overall color.

Psychological portrait of St. Bernards

Saint Bernards combine the imposing appearance of a giant with a peaceful nature, poise, generosity, kindness and exceptional loyalty. These dogs are independent, and although they can be stubborn at times, they are usually obedient, affectionate, calm and well deserving of the love and attention of their owners. Dogs of this breed get along well with children, behave carefully and very carefully, and will never hurt them. Saint Bernards are intelligent dogs and are easy to train (but do not tolerate monotony and routine). The only drawback of this breed is its intolerance towards small dogs, and an angry St. Bernard can sometimes be difficult to deal with. However, provided that puppies of other breeds grow up with him, most likely, coexistence will be peaceful.

Maintenance and care

It is best to keep a Saint Bernard in a country house with plenty of adjacent free space. In apartments, a large pet feels cramped, but if there are long walks in the fresh air, the situation will be more or less acceptable. Please note that dogs of this breed do not tolerate heat well. St. Bernard needs minimal care; the owner will need to regularly groom the long-haired St. Bernard and clean it with a special brush.

Puppies and training

When choosing a St. Bernard puppy, pay attention to the dog's movements, since this breed often has deficiencies in the structure of the limbs, especially the hind limbs. Babies grow quickly, rapidly gaining weight, so puppies should receive suitable good nutrition- otherwise problems with the musculoskeletal system cannot be avoided. A young St. Bernard should not be overloaded with heavy physical activity and long hikes - regular, non-exhausting walks at a calm pace will be much more beneficial for them.

Dimensions and weight of Saint Bernards
Height at the withers: for males - from 70 cm, for females - more than 65 cm. Weight: from 80 kg and more.

Published: http://natureworld.ru/porodyi-sobak-gruppa-2/senbernar-saint-bernard.html

P.S. - It turns out that in France they even erected a monument to “The Great Barry”, and in the St. Bernard shelter, to this day the best puppy in each litter is named in his honor. The name "Barry" comes from the German "Baren" - "bear".

These massive dogs were bred specifically to save people, and for almost a thousand years they have remained man's faithful friends. A symbol of humanism and courage in canine form - this is a brief description of the St. Bernard breed. Strong, resilient, vigilant, but non-aggressive - they can be both companions and watchmen.

Good-natured white-and-red giants are widely known from history and popular culture. Their courage, willingness to help and devotion are legendary, but not everyone will risk developing 100 kg of muscles of charm and kindness.

Characteristics of the Saint Bernard breed

This is a giant dog with a powerful chest and a proportionate, muscular body. Active international standard The breed requires a large head, triangular hanging ears, a straight back and a long, unkinked tail.

Weight. From 80 kg. Large males can weigh about 100 kg.
Height at withers.
For females - from 65 to 80 cm, for males - from 70 to 90 cm. Larger representatives of the species are not disqualified if they meet the requirements for body proportions. There are no dwarf subspecies in the breed, and dogs smaller than standard height or weight are considered culls.
Color. White with red markings. Shades of red can vary from golden and orange to brown. It is desirable that the markings on the sides and back form a so-called “cloak”. Small patches of black are not considered a fault. Lifespan.
The St. Bernard lives only 8-10 years.
Character. This is a friendly, welcoming and attentive dog. Aggression and cowardice are considered a breed defect - such dogs are excluded from breeding.
Intelligence. His intellectual abilities are above average. Saint Bernards are independent, including in decision-making, but this is not a sign of the breed’s selfishness, but a quality that was initially bred to perform the main task: searching for people after an avalanche. In general, they respond well to training, although the process will require attention and persistence. Security and guard potential.

After proper training they can become excellent watchdogs. They are naturally loyal to their owner and are very sensitive to family members, especially children. They will fearlessly protect the owner and property. Natural good nature makes shaggy giants ideal neighbors not only for humans, but also for other domestic animals. However, the St. Bernard dog breed is not for everyone. Before purchasing a four-legged companion, it is worth realizing: the size of an adult St. Bernard is comparable to a pony or calf. A massive comrade needs a lot of space, proper care and. A table of the breed’s advantages and disadvantages will help you evaluate your capabilities as a St. Bernard owner.

Table - Pros and cons of St. Bernard

The image of St. Bernards as imposing phlegmatic people, patiently waiting to save someone, is deceptive. Their temperament may be different, and it is possible that you will get a cheerful sanguine person who is ready to take you on adventures around the clock.

Origin history and interesting facts

Scientists suggest that the ancestors of St. Bernards were mastiffs - Tibetan or Roman fighting ones. These dogs probably ended up in Switzerland more than 2 thousand years ago and, crossing with local species, gave birth to the giants we know.

The history of the Saint Bernard breed is connected with a mountain monastery, where travelers stopping through the Alps. The monastery was also a first aid point and rescue base. After the avalanche, the monks conducted search and rescue operations to try to find the hikers. It turned out that some dogs can smell living people perfectly at a depth of up to 2 m. This became the starting point of selection, and soon cases were witnessed when “avalanche dogs” could find a person under 5 m of snow. In addition, high in the mountains they replaced the novices with draft cattle and guarded the monastery. According to documents, the number of St. Bernards saved is about 2 thousand.

The name "St. Bernard's Dog", that is, "St. Bernard", became official only in 1880, when they spread throughout western and northern Europe. Wide popularity did not benefit the breed. Different countries tried to develop their own subspecies, which often spoiled the external and working qualities. As a result, by 1887, the ancient breed had to be saved by urgently approving a single standard and selecting dogs suitable for breeding work.

The Barry Foundation (named after the distinguished rescue dog) was created in 2004 to support the conservation of the pure breed. Also, the breeding and development of these four-legged companions at the international level is controlled by the World Union of St. Bernard Clubs.

Varieties

There are only two subspecies of the breed, differing in their coat.

Long-haired Saint Bernard. It has straight guard hair of medium length and a thick undercoat. The coat is slightly wavy on the rump, and fluffy on the hips.
Shorthaired Saint Bernard. He's smooth-haired. It has a double coat with abundant undercoat, but the guard hair is smooth and close-lying.

Both varieties have bushy tails. Colors are standard for the breed.

Requirements for maintenance and nutrition

Its gigantic size makes keeping this breed in an apartment undesirable. An aviary at a private house with a well-equipped booth would be optimal. St. Bernard does not mind frosts in temperate climates. Unlike many other breeds, they need control over temperature conditions not in winter, but in summer - giants can overheat to the point of heatstroke.

Creating the necessary conditions

Room area. It should allow the pet to walk freely around the rooms without the risk of touching furniture and household appliances.
Safety. The floor should not be slippery to avoid joint injuries. Anything that could injure your pet must be removed from its access area. The same should be done with objects that the dog can chew.
Walking.

This is not the most active breed and does not need intense exercise, but it does need prolonged exposure to fresh air. The puppy is walked for a short time, but often, increasing the duration and distance of the walks as the dog gets older. With an adult dog - several hours a day.

Don’t forget to arrange the puppy’s future home: purchase bowls on a special stand (it’s better to be able to adjust the height as the dog grows), a leash and a collar.

The first vaccinations for puppies are usually given by the breeder at about two months of age. The dog is then vaccinated at about three months, six months and one year. It is best to work out a vaccination schedule with your veterinarian. Two weeks before each vaccination, the animal is treated for worms. If your pet is not feeling well or you suspect that he is getting sick, it is better to postpone vaccination.

Hygiene

Caring for a St. Bernard, as can be seen from the following table, is not difficult, but it is important to accustom your pet to grooming from childhood. Dealing with an older rescue dog who doesn't like to be bathed or brushed is very difficult.

Table - Mandatory procedures for caring for a St. Bernard	Procedure	Frequency
Peculiarities	Combing - Once a week;	- daily during shedding - Monitor the condition of the dog’s fur and avoid tangles; - use combs with different frequencies teeth and brush;
- during shedding, comb until the undercoat is removed	Bathing	2-3 times a year - Wash only with neutral pet shampoo so as not to damage the coat;
- refrain from swimming in the autumn-winter period	Eye examination	Daily
If necessary, wipe eyes and eyelids with a cotton pad.	Ear examination - Weekly;	- in the warm season after each walk - Wipe with a damp cotton pad; - make sure that dampness does not accumulate after swimming;
Nail trimming	Once every 1.5-2 months	Nails should be trimmed if your dog doesn't walk on hard surfaces much.

The smooth-haired subspecies sheds less, but if you are going to keep the dog in an apartment, there will still be a lot of cleaning.

This breed is not characterized by an unpleasant odor from its fur. If it appears, then it’s more a matter of the pet’s health than of cleanliness. Make sure the dog gets everything necessary substances with food, and there are no signs of disease on the skin, and there are no bald patches on the coat.

Diet features

For “avalanche dogs” a balanced diet - the most important condition health. Overeating and undereating are equally harmful to them. Excess weight will lead to overload and problems with joints, and will affect the heart and gastrointestinal tract. If the dog does not receive enough food or its composition lacks the necessary elements, its immunity will weaken, its coat will fade and shed more than normal. At a young age, poor nutrition can lead to the development of a number of diseases.

St. Bernard puppies are fed five to six times a day, by six months the number of meals is reduced to three times, and from ten months they switch to an adult schedule - twice a day. In summer - once in the evening.

Factory feed or natural product

The Saint Bernard's diet can be based on store-bought food. For an inexperienced dog breeder or busy people, this is easier than calculating the balance of the menu and cooking themselves. You should buy well-known premium brands of food for large breeds. The feeding rate is indicated on the packaging. The cost of such food, taking into account the size of the dog, will not be cheap, but it fully satisfies its physical needs and does not require the introduction of vitamins and mineral supplements. The food is supplemented with fresh bones and cartilage.

The basis of a natural diet is meat and offal. An adult dog should be given about 0.5 kg per meal. Porridge (rice, buckwheat, millet) and vegetables (except potatoes, onions and garlic) serve as a side dish. The menu also includes eggs, sea fish and fermented milk products. Food should be warm, but not hot.

Veterinarians do not recommend mixing natural food and dry food. If you need to switch your pet from one diet to another, do it gradually, carefully observing the animal’s behavior and stool. In the medium term, the best indicator of a pet's health and nutrition is a healthy, shiny coat.

Training issues

The Saint Bernard was bred to help people, and not to obey unquestioningly, so their upbringing and training is based on mutual respect and trust. Do not use violence - it will lead to disappointment in the owner and make the pet less obedient.

Education starts from day one. The puppy must be accustomed to his place for sleeping and eating. Do not allow him to do anything that he cannot do in the future - it is extremely difficult to wean a grown-up St. Bernard from sleeping in your bed.

Rescue dogs are very smart. Judging by the reviews of the owners about the St. Bernard, you can teach them the basic commands “Come”, “Place”, “No”, “Fu” at home. Methodically achieve the correct execution of the command and only then reward with affection and treats.

It is easier to work with a puppy in a private home. For apartment dwellers it is better to find one nearby quiet place for training, where at the first stage nothing will distract the little shaggy companion. With the right approach to training, over time the dog will obey even despite irritating factors.

Saint Bernards gain more than half their adult size and weight in the first year of life. Therefore, from an early age, teach your pet not to react to strangers and animals on the street.

Considering the strength and power of these dogs, it is better to go along with four-legged friend basic training course from a professional dog handler. This will not only improve your dog's manners, but will also teach you proper handling with her. After that independent training it will become much easier.

Diseases and treatment

This is a strong and hardy breed, but, like all large dogs, it is susceptible to a number of genetic diseases.

Dysplasia of the pelvic or elbow joints. The disease is often inherited, but it is diagnosed only after the formation of the skeleton has completed. That is, during the purchase phase, it is impossible to find out whether your puppy has inherited this disease. Dysplasia is manifested by rapid fatigue, incorrect positioning of the paws when running, lameness and lethargy.
Wobbler syndrome. This is pathology cervical spine spine, which leads to impaired coordination of movements.
Ophthalmic diseases. Common ones include cataracts and entropion or inversion of the eyelid. You should regularly examine your pet's eyes, and if you notice any discharge or redness, contact your veterinarian immediately.

The breed is prone to gaining excess weight, and with age - to laziness and obesity, which creates additional stress on the joints, cardiovascular system and digestive organs. Prevention is healthy eating and moderate but regular physical activity.

Top nicknames

Most often, the name of the St. Bernard reflects the solidity of its dimensions, sedate character and self-confidence.

Nicknames for a St. Bernard “boy”:

Nicknames for St. Bernard “girls”:

Often the choice of nickname is influenced by the past of the breed and its Swiss origin. The main thing is to remember that the name of the four-legged giant should not overlap with the teams.

Photo review

Often in photos of St. Bernard puppies and dogs you can see a barrel of brandy on the dogs’ necks. This is nothing more than a publicity stunt. “Alpine rescuers” never carried a container with a strong drink. Most of them worked in teams with people - if flasks of brandy were included in the first aid kit, they were not with the dog. In addition, such a container would interfere with the dog’s movements, and the smell of alcohol right under his nose would hardly sharpen his sense of smell.

Cost and where to buy

In Moscow, the cost of a purebred puppy starts from 30 thousand rubles (data as of January 2018). The final price depends on exhibition prospects and suitability for breeding, titles and parentage.

Choosing a puppy

Decide in advance whether you are getting an animal as a pet or planning to participate in exhibitions and breed with it. If you want to become the owner of a champion, you will need a show class puppy. For breeding, you can buy both show and breed class.

There are often more males on the market for breeding than females, so if you are planning to become a breeder, it is better to take a “girl”, choosing a dog with good heredity. It is recommended to breed St. Bernards after two years (“for girls” - on the third heat). Pregnancy lasts about two months, and birth occurs on average at 64 days. If you are not going to breed an animal regularly, experienced owners recommend avoiding breeding altogether. Untied males and females will eventually lose their attraction to the opposite sex, while animals that have begun sexual activity will become anxious and bother you.

Pay attention to behavior and appearance potential pet. He must be active, mobile, curious and not shy. Healthy puppy has a shiny coat, a soft belly and strong paws without suspicion of rickets.

Nurseries

Contact only kennels with a solid reputation, otherwise you may buy a dog with health or mental problems. Although the peak of popularity of this breed in the post-Soviet space has already passed, there are St. Bernard nurseries in many regional centers and major cities Russia and CIS countries:

nursery of St. Bernards and Newfoundlands “My element” in Moscow- https://www.moya-stikhiya.com;
"Crystal St. Bernard" in St. Petersburg- https://vk.com/club47232602;
ALPINE EDELWEISS in Kharkov- http://alpine-edelweiss.com.ua.

With their intelligence, devotion and ability to take care of their owners, these giant dogs have long won human love. The description of the St. Bernard breed suggests that with the right approach, they learn quite easily. If your living conditions allow it and you are ready to devote time to your dog, then the “Alpine Rescue” is an excellent choice.

– a large guard dog breed. Since ancient times, it has been known to everyone as a rescue dog. She inherited her enormous height from her ancestors, in whose veins flowed the blood of Tibetan mastiffs and Great Danes. The breed received its name in honor of the monastery of St. Bernard, located in the Swiss Alps. The story goes that in the eleventh century, the monk Bernard created a shelter for weary travelers.

Saint Bernard photo of a rescuer with a barrel around his neck

It was located on the Big Saint-Bernard pass, at an altitude of about 2472 meters. Because of strong winds, dangers of avalanches, steep cliffs and crossings, this is a very difficult and dangerous area for travelers. Local dogs were kept at the monastery, with thick skins and thick hair that protected them from snow and frost.

They were famous for their unusually keen sense of smell and ability to find people injured by avalanches. In those days, the St. Bernard looked very different from today's beloved "Beethoven", the hero of the film of the same name. The breed is not so massive, which allowed it to move more actively. The most famous was the St. Bernard named “Barry”, he was able to find and save the lives of 40 people in the snow. One day he found in the snow little boy and carried him five kilometers to the monastery. On March 15, 1884, the Swiss Club of St. Bernard Fanciers was founded in Basel. On June 2, 1887, the Saint Bernard was officially recognized Swiss breed , and the standard is declared mandatory for compliance. Close breeding purebred

started at the end of the twentieth century. Today, the St. Bernard is increasingly used as a guard or accompanying dog.

Country of origin: Switzerland.
Purpose: companion, guard and farm dog.
FCI classification: Group 2 (Pinchers and Schnauzers, Molossians, Swiss Cattle Dogs and other breeds). Section 2.2 (Molosser type dogs, Mountain herding dogs). No operational tests.
General appearance: St. Bernard comes in two types:
1. Shorthair
2. Longhair

Dogs of both species have an impressive size, a balanced, strong and muscular body, a large head and lively, expressive eyes.

Important proportions:
1. The ratio of the height at the withers to the length of the body (measured from the shoulder point to the ischial tuberosity) is ideally 9:10.
2. the depth of the sternum is almost equal to half the height at the withers.
3. The ratio of muzzle depth to muzzle length is almost 2:1.
4. the length of the muzzle is slightly more than one third of the total length of the head.

Photo of St. Bernard on a summer cottage

The photo shows a powerful and loyal St. Bernard

Coat:
1. The short-haired Saint Bernard has a double coat: the guard hair is dense, smooth, close-lying, and coarse. The undercoat is abundant. There are small fringes on the thighs. The tail is covered with dense, fluffy thick hair.
2. Long-haired Saint Bernard: guard hair of medium length, straight, abundant undercoat. The hair on the face and ears is short; above the hip joints and on the croup usually slightly wavy; there are featherings on the forelimbs, and “pants” on the hips. The tail is fluffy, densely covered with hair.
Height Weight:

Height at withers:

Males min. 70 cm - max. 90 cm
Bitches min. 65 cm - max. 80 cm

Dogs exceeding the maximum height are not penalized if the excess does not violate the proportions of the structure and the correctness of movements.

Weight: 65 - 120 kg

Disadvantages/Defects: any deviation from the above is considered a deficiency and the seriousness with which the deficiency is assessed must be proportionate to the degree of its severity and impact on health and well-being.

Weakly expressed sexual type
Disproportional physique
Short-legged
Strongly pronounced large folds on the head and neck
Short or long muzzle
Too loose lips of the lower jaw
Absence of teeth, with the exception of first premolars and/or third molars, small teeth(especially incisors)
Minor snack
Light eyes
Damp eyelids
Sagging or hunched back
Croup that is too high (above the level of the withers) or a very sloping croup
Tail curled over the back
Missing required marks
Crooked forearms
Insufficient angulation of the hind legs, hind legs with insufficiently fixed or close hock joints
Incorrect movements
Curly wool
Poorly pigmented nose, areas around the nose, lips or eyelids
Deviations from the main coat color, for example, red spots or specks in areas with a mandatory white color

Disqualifying faults:

Cowardice, aggressiveness
Underbite, pronounced overbite
Belmo
Ectropy, entropy
Completely white or completely red coat color (no background color)
Wool of any other color
Height at withers below minimum
Obviously showing physical or behavioral abnormalities will be disqualified.

N.B.: Males must have two normal testes fully descended into the scrotum.

Saint Bernard color

Little Saint Bernard puppy - photo on grass

The main color of the Saint Bernard is white with reddish-brown markings. Markings are acceptable in varying sizes from red-brown to light brown. A solid or “torn” reddish-brown “cloak” is desirable on the back and sides; a dark edging on the head is desirable. Red with brindle and brownish-yellow colors are acceptable. Small inclusions of black color on the body are not considered a defect. There are mandatory white markings on the chest, paws, tip of the tail, muzzle and neck.

Desirable markings: white collar and symmetrical dark mask on the muzzle.

Saint Bernard character

The Saint Bernard is an intelligent breed that always strives to please its owner. It is easy to train and definitely needs training from puppyhood. Considering the size and strength of an adult pet, he should obey you and obey from the first word.

By nature, St. Bernards are silent, which is, in principle, characteristic of many representatives of large breeds. It only makes its voice when absolutely necessary; if it barks, it is better to pay attention and find out the cause of the disturbance. Although they are very slow, this is more than compensated by their enormous strength and excellent sense of smell. He is infinitely devoted to his owner and loves family members without exception. They really need to communicate with people, they become depressed when left alone for a long time. Get along well with a variety of pets.

They love children and love playing with them. Families with small children should definitely be careful. Due to its large size, it can unintentionally cause harm to a child. Famous for its excellent orientation in space, it can easily find its way home.

Not suitable for keeping in a city apartment due to its large size. Keeping him in a country house and a spacious enclosure is better suited for him.

If you decide to buy a St. Bernard, remember that he needs moderate physical activity and mandatory walks in any weather. Likes to walk a lot and spend hours in the fresh air. He doesn't have to run and jump a lot; sometimes just a calm walk in the park is enough.

St. Bernard care and maintenance

Saint Bernard posing for a photo

Caring for a St. Bernard is not very difficult, but labor-intensive. The dog is large and therefore hygiene procedures will take time.

Comb 2-3 times a week with a comb or comb with long teeth, and then with a powder brush. First, comb the hair growth, and then, against the direction of its growth. The longer, softer hair behind the ears, on the neck, underside of the chest, tail and hips should be combed especially carefully.

Combing begins from the neck area, then gradually moves to the sides, chest, limbs, and finally the tail is combed. The fur on the tail is parted in the middle, and then each side is combed. The matted wool is carefully sorted out by hand, and the treated area of the wool is thoroughly combed. Burdocks or thorns are combed out in the same way.

Be sure to keep your pet's resting place clean: vacuum the bedding or bed 1-2 times a week, and wash them when they get dirty. Wipe the floor under the lounger regularly with a damp cloth. During the molting period, the St. Bernard's coat will have to be combed every day with a furminator or slicker brush to quickly remove dead hair. Many breeders practice blowing out dead wool using a compressor.

It is necessary to bathe rarely, 2 times a year or, if necessary, with a mild neutral shampoo for dogs. After bathing, lubricate the coat with a nourishing balm. Frequent washing with detergents washes away the fatty film from the hair, which protects the hair from the penetration of moisture and cold. In addition, the hair loses elasticity, becomes dull and brittle.

In the summer, St. Bernards love to swim in open water, but after water treatments, be sure to rinse your pet’s fur with clean water to wash off the river plankton.
In winter, he will gladly tumble in the snow and thus perfectly clean his fluffy coat. The only thing you should be wary of is snow sprinkled with reagents.

After walks in rainy weather, wipe the St. Bernard's body, belly and tail with a damp towel. Wash your paws with water without using detergent.

Since the Saint Bernard is a large breed with thick hair, bathing and drying it is a very labor-intensive process, breeders practice dry cleaning (dry shampoo or talcum powder). Dry shampoo is sprinkled onto the dog's dry fur and rubbed in until it gets on the skin. Then carefully comb out the powder, which has attracted dirt, sebum and lost hair. But remember, dry cleaning will never replace washing.

Always wipe your St. Bernard's face with a damp towel after eating to remove food residues that cause an unpleasant odor. The breed slobbers, so a rag to wipe its face will be needed not only after eating, but throughout the whole day. If you are the lucky owner, you will need waterproof wipes or diapers, particularly for guests. St. Bernards love to rest their heads on their laps (we remember that they slobber) and to avoid incidents, you, as a responsible breeder and hospitable owner, should always be prepared.

White and red St. Bernard, photo on the lawn

The eyes of a healthy St. Bernard are clean, shiny, without tearing or souring. Small gray lumps in the corners of the eyes in the morning are acceptable; the eyes are thus cleared of dust. For preventative purposes, wipe your dog’s eyes once a week with chamomile decoction. Each eye is wiped with a separate piece of soft cloth (lint-free), from the outer corner to the inner.

The folds under the eyes should also be regularly cleaned of eye discharge. Excessive accumulation of tears and discharge will lead to the formation of pus. If the eyes are clean, it is better not to touch them, but they need to be examined regularly. Clean your kennel or enclosure regularly; dirt, dust and fur are strong allergens. If you notice excessive souring, lacrimation, swelling of the eyelids, be sure to contact a veterinarian, the St. Bernard is prone to eye diseases and incorrect treatment ends quite sadly.

Brush your teeth 2-3 times a week with a toothpaste for dogs using a brush. Be sure to include solid foods in your diet, which mechanically remove plaque during chewing; fresh tomatoes also prevent the formation of tartar.

The St. Bernard's ears are poorly ventilated because they fit tightly to the head. They need to be examined 1-2 times a week in order to notice changes in time and prevent the development of infection. Veterinarians recommend plucking the fur inside ear canal to ensure the penetration of fresh air. This simple procedure is done with your fingers (pluck a little hair from the ear canal every day so that the dog does not feel discomfort) or cut with blunt-tipped scissors.

Another way to get fresh air into your ear is to simply wave your ears like the wings of a butterfly and the ear will be ventilated.

Wipe once a week auricle with a damp cloth to remove dust and sulfur. Healthy ear of St. Bernard Pleasant Pink colour without excess sulfur and unpleasant odor. Noticing a rash, redness of the skin, copious discharge sulfur, liquid or foul odor, be sure to contact your veterinarian.

Trim the nails once a month with a nail clipper for large breeds. Too long claws break, spoil the gait and cause discomfort when walking.

Check your paws regularly. Always check your paw pads after walks for injuries, splinters or cracks. Treat all wounds with an antiseptic, and rub into the pads to avoid cracks. vegetable oil and be sure to include it in your St. Bernard’s diet (sea buckthorn, olive, flaxseed, etc.). The oil improves skin condition and gives elasticity. The hair on the paws and between the toes is trimmed to prevent the appearance of tangles that interfere with walking.

Given the large size of the St. Bernard, train him to hygiene procedures from puppyhood, otherwise you won’t be able to cope with an adult. Combs, brushes, nail clippers and other tools should be kept in the place where the pet is constantly located. The puppy will get used to their smell and will not be afraid in the future.

After any procedure, always praise your St. Bernard and treat him with a treat.

Fleas cause itching allergic reaction and cause the appearance of worms if the dog swallows them while biting them.
Ticks pose a great threat not only to the health, but also to the life of St. Bernard. The Ixodid tick is a carrier of piroplasmosis (babesiosis), a deadly disease for dogs.

Symptoms of piroplasmosis:

If you notice this, immediately seek help from a veterinarian; only a specialist will be able to make a diagnosis and prescribe the correct treatment to save the health, and most importantly, the life of your pet.

Today the goods market offers big choice flea and tick repellents for dogs:

Drops on the withers
Collar
Spray
Pills

Before choosing any drug, consult your veterinarian about which one is best for your St. Bernard, taking into account his weight, health and age.

Rescue dog waiting for command

Walking: Unfortunately, St. Bernards are prone to dysplasia. Therefore, proper walks are as important for them as a proper diet. Do not allow a puppy under three months to walk on the steps; if you live in a high-rise building, you will have to carry him for a walk in your arms. When constantly walking up the stairs, the front limbs, which are not yet strong enough, become twisted. The larger and heavier the puppy, the more susceptible he is to this. He can climb stairs independently after three months. If you live in a private house, it will be useful for her to spend time outdoors, but she should be accustomed to the street gradually.

Walks for a St. Bernard puppy should start from 5-10 minutes and increase by several minutes every day. Until the age of six months, the puppy is walked 4-5 times a day, after which it can be accustomed to walking 3 times a day. It is necessary for a puppy to walk so that it receives ultraviolet light for proper growth.
Walks for a grown-up and adult St. Bernard last 1.5-3 hours and are moderately active, with elements of training, games, walking and the educational process, the main thing is the absence of tiring and exhausting exercises.

In the city, walk your dog on a leash, and from puppyhood gradually accustom it to a muzzle if you are going to walk in crowded places. He is not afraid of rain, snow and wind; the St. Bernard is perfectly adapted to different weather conditions and feels great when tumbling in the snow.

In very hot summers, protect your St. Bernard from overheating. It is recommended to walk your St. Bernard in the morning before 12 o'clock and in the evening after 5 o'clock, when the heat is less noticeable. If you have your own garden where your St. Bernard loves to walk, be sure to build a shelter for the dog to rest in the shade. It is recommended to walk before feeding, both in the morning and in the evening. The dog must rest after eating for normal absorption.

For a St. Bernard puppy, a harness is suitable for walking; it is easy to adjust and a canvas or leather leash is also suitable. An adult St. Bernard is given a collar (leather or canvas or a snatch chain) and a correspondingly strong leash (tarpaulin, leather) 1.5-3 m in length. You will also need a leash 0.25-0.50 cm long for going to crowded places (vet clinic, store, etc.).

Toys: Provide your pet with dog toys: balls, sinew chew bones, rope bones, and hard rubber toys, otherwise he will eat or chew on anything he gets his hands on. But toys alone will not be enough; the St. Bernard needs constant communication with people. They need to study and devote time like their own child, to play, teach commands and educate.

Saint Bernards, like most large breed dogs, take a long time to mature, up to two years of age. big child, although in appearance it is a huge, fully formed dog. If you busy man and don’t intend to devote much time, think about choosing another, less problematic breed.

St. Bernard diseases

Breed name: Saint Bernard

Country of origin: Switzerland, Italy

Time of birth of the breed: mid-17th century

Type: Molossians

Weight: 50 – 70 kg

Height (height at withers): 65 – 90 cm

Lifespan: 7 – 10 years

ICF classification: Group 2, Section 2, Number 55

Price of puppies: 210 – 850 $

History of the breed

The name of the breed comes from the French Chien du Saint-Bernard and means “Saint Bernard’s dog.” According to one version, St. Bernards are descended from Tibetan mastiffs brought to Europe and crossed with European dogs. According to another, during their campaigns the Romans brought Roman fighting mastiffs to the Alps, which gave rise to the breed.

However, St. Bernards received their name much later than the times of the Roman Empire. In the 11th century, a monk named Bernard founded a shelter for travelers near a mountain path in the Swiss Alps. Over time, the shelter, the trail, and the breed of local dogs were named after St. Bernard. The Great St. Bernard Pass was located at an altitude of 2472 meters, and although the area around was populated, the trail was very dangerous for travelers - strong winds, mountain avalanches and landslides, and sometimes robbers awaited them.

In the 17th century, monks figured out how to use local dogs to save people injured at the pass. The thick skin of St. Bernards allowed them not to be afraid of snow and ice, and their excellent sense of smell clearly led them to the smell of people buried in an avalanche. Saint Bernards also worked as guides, helping travelers and monks cross mountain paths, and it happened that their sense of avalanches saved lives.

The St. Bernards of that time looked different, not like the ones today. They were smaller, not so massive and more mobile. Saint Bernard, nicknamed Barry, a lifeguard from the monastery of Saint Bernard, became famous for saving the lives of forty people between 1800 and 1812. One day, Barry carried a little boy he found through deep snow about 5 kilometers to the monastery.

Saint Bernards began to be bred as a pure breed at the end of the 19th century. Saint Bernards still successfully perform the functions of accompanying dogs and guard dogs today.

Appearance of St. Bernard

The brave rescuers from the monastery of St. Bernard had less impressive dimensions than their relatives today. As for the build of modern individuals, these are real heavyweights with a body weight of 70 kg. The height of an adult St. Bernard male can reach 90 cm, females - 80 cm. In addition, these spotted giants have amazing charisma. Just look at the signature look, which conceals a slight melancholy and the age-old wisdom of the entire canine family.

Character

Despite their stern appearance, these giants of the dog world are quite calm and very obedient. They are highly trainable, responsibly carry out their owner’s commands, and are not prone to displaying aggression without an extreme reason. Possessing a gentle character, St. Bernards become strongly attached to their owner and family members. In addition, these majestic human friends are incredibly sociable and friendly. They relate well to children and, treating them with care and precision, act as natural nannies. If you decide to get a St. Bernard, rest assured that your child will be completely safe with him.

The St. Bernard will find a common language with other pets just as easily as with people. And if both pets met each other at an early age and grew up together, nothing will ever destroy their friendship.

Possessing a good-natured temperament on the one hand, on the other hand, the St. Bernard is reliable security guard and a guardian, under whose protection you can entrust your most valuable possessions. Don't worry, if thieves appear, things are unlikely to come to a fight: usually one menacing appearance of a shaggy guard is enough for the criminal to give up his intentions. In addition, the St. Bernard's main weapon is a low bark; this balanced dog uses its teeth only as a last resort.

It is no secret that St. Bernards are participants in a huge number of rescue operations. It is impossible to count how many times they pulled people out from avalanches, saved the lives of climbers, researchers and just travelers. It seems that the desire to serve man is in this dog’s blood. With such a noble and loyal friend there is no fear of any trouble. Saint Bernard is a reliable guard, best friend and the real pride of its owner.

Health of the St. Bernard breed

Like many other large dogs, St. Bernards do not have a long life - on average no more than 10 years. Most of diseases of the breed are genetically determined or associated with its improper cultivation.

The first type of disease that St. Bernard suffers from is lesions. musculoskeletal system. The large weight of the breed puts enormous stress on the joints, resulting in: dysplasia hip joints, destruction of cartilage with the development of osteoarthritis. Among the serious genetic diseases, bone cancer and Wobbler syndrome should be highlighted, the main symptoms of which are impaired coordination and normal movement of the front paws.

Eye problems are typical for St. Bernards. The most common of them is entropion of the eyelid, which is accompanied by purulent discharge and redness. This is a fairly sedentary breed. With improper and unbalanced feeding, they experience: bloating, metabolic disorders and, as a result, obesity.

The handsome St. Bernard looks very impressive on the green lawn near the house. Your own home is really more suitable for its maintenance than an apartment. In a city apartment, such a dog will produce a lot of hair and drool, so in the city St. Bernards are kept exclusively by fans of the breed. It is clear that large puppies cannot be raised normally in a city apartment, as they need enough space for play and movement, sun, fresh air and space.

In the yard, the St. Bernard will need an enclosure while strangers are on the property, as well as a kennel and a platform where the dog can sleep in the winter without the risk of catching a cold on a concrete or tiled floor. The floor in the enclosure and in the yard should not be slippery - this creates increased danger for the joints and ligaments of the developing dog. This must be taken into account when choosing paving stones.

In order for the dog’s paws to always be in a ball and the claws to be worn down, it is necessary to walk with it on asphalt and stones, and for correct formation bones and joints, walks should be long but leisurely. As soon as the puppy is tired, you should give him a little rest and head home. The duration of walks should increase gradually.

It is best if the puppy and young dog have the opportunity to constantly contact family members. A puppy raised “underfoot” learns the rules of human society much faster than one that was kept isolated in an enclosure or in the backyard until the age of one year.

We should not forget about preventive vaccinations. They will protect the puppy and young dog from illness and death, since maximum susceptibility to viral infections is observed in dogs under the age of one year.

Walks

An adult St. Bernard should be walked a lot in any weather. At least one walk should be during the daytime. However, in the heat, our massive pets get tired quickly. Therefore, on such days it is better to walk the St. Bernard in the morning, before the heat sets in, and in the evening. On average, an adult St. Bernard should be outside for at least 3-4 hours. These should be full-fledged walks during which the dog could actively move. On weekends, staying outdoors should be longer. This will benefit both your St. Bernard and yourself. To a little puppy shorter walks are required, taking into account his condition and physical capabilities.

The total duration of walks for a one and a half month old puppy should not exceed an hour and a half (this means not just being in the air, but walks with active movement, walking, games, etc.).
By 3 months total duration walks are increased to 2 hours, and by 5 months – to 3-3.5 hours.

For puppies growing on the site, special walks outside the site are required, lasting from half an hour for a two-month-old puppy and up to an hour and a half for puppies over 5 months. Most walks should be during daylight hours. In the evenings, short walks are recommended - exclusively “on business”.

Nutrition

Despite their large size, St. Bernards are fed quality foods in moderate doses.

Most suitable for dogs of this breed natural food. The best diet for an animal is:

Breakfast starts with porridge with meat. It can be boiled buckwheat, rice or rolled oats. As meat product In the morning, beef stomach, meat trimmings, udder or liver are suitable.
For dinner, raw beef offal or clean meat is served.
In addition to the main products, St. Bernards add vegetables (zucchini, carrots, cabbage) to their food.

In extreme heat, these dogs are not given porridge. But this rule does not apply to pregnant or lactating bitches who need a complete diet. St. Bernard puppies eat 6 times a day. It is useful for small dogs and adults to add fermented milk products to their diet: cottage cheese, kefir, yogurt. Low-fat milk is also given.

5-month-old puppies are transferred to three meals a day, and after 2 months - to two meals a day. If owners do not have time to prepare a balanced meal for their pet, they need to stock up on high-quality dry food and canned food.

IN summer season You can feed your dog fruits that contain vitamins important for the animal’s body.

Education and training

The dog has amazing self-control and willingness to obey its owner. A dog will reveal its talents if it understands for sure that it is loved and dear to the family. By punishing, you risk the dog's trust. Important - never keep your dog on a chain. This makes the animal angry and aggressive, the dog turns into an unfriendly animal.

Do not allow your dog to lie on a bed or sofa from an early age; the bad habit will remain for life, causing inconvenience to the owner. For six months, it is better not to leave the puppy alone for a long time. This will make the puppy feel insecure. When leaving home, feed and walk the dog so that the dog can sleep peacefully when alone. If you decide to take a representative of the breed into your home, choose a puppy, not adult dog. It is possible to train a puppy to suit yourself; in adulthood, the breed is extremely difficult to train. It is better to buy a dog from trusted breeders or a good kennel. When choosing, use the standard feature.

The Saint Bernard dog breed is smart, balanced and calm animals. They are easy to train and are characterized by obedience and discipline. The character is not dominated by stubbornness or leadership in the pack. The only negative is that representatives of the species treat small dogs with disdain. If the puppies initially grow up together, there will be no problems.

St. Bernard training begins at an early age. The puppy must gradually get used to the training sessions in order to perceive the lessons as something natural in the future. To provide incentive for subsequent training, do not forget to praise your pet when following commands correctly and encourage him in case of failures. Never push, force or punish your dog unfairly.

Selection and cost of a puppy

The St. Bernard breed has regained popularity with the appearance on television of the film “Beethoven,” which fully illustrates all the behavioral features and character of these dogs. Buy a puppy only from a trusted breeder. The main requirement is that the baby must look strong and active. Eyes healthy dog should be clean and the nose should be wet. The price of a St. Bernard without a class is about $200. A pet-class pet costs approximately 200-300 dollars. A higher class, brid, can be purchased for $300-600. The most expensive puppies are those of the show class. Their price exceeds the $700 mark.

Saint Bernard nurseries

To buy a St. Bernard puppy, you should contact a specialized nursery, because this is the only way to be sure of the purebred of the future pet. The average price for puppies of this breed is approx. 15-25 thousand rubles, although there are babies both cheaper and more expensive.

St. Bernard nursery in Moscow – “Large Paw” www.large-paw.com
St. Bernard nursery in Kyiv – unknown.
St. Bernard nursery in Minsk – unknown.
All St. Bernard nurseries (in the cities of Russia, Ukraine, Belarus).