Dog Questions

The St. Bernard is a giant breed, which is most recognizable as a rescue dog in the Swiss Alps and, of course, more recently, as the lovable family pet in the Beethoven films. Most people are aware of the St. Bernard’s reputation as a big softie, but here are some facts about one of the world’s largest dogs that you may not have known.

1. The name St. Bernard comes from a particularly dangerous pass between the Swiss and Italian Alps. It was not given to the St. Bernard dog until sometime in the 1800s, before that, they were known by a number of names, including Barry Dogs.

2. It is a myth that St. Bernards carry barrels of brandy around their necks. In reality, this would be far too cumbersome, as the St. Bernard’s search and rescue job is very precarious and therefore dangerous. In fact, numerous dogs have lost their lives trying to save injured and lost skiers.

3. One famous St. Bernard, named Barry, is thought to have rescued between 45 and 100 people from the Alps, unfortunately the precise figure is unknown. Nevertheless, Barry’s efforts have been rewarded with a memorial at the Natural History Museum of Berne, Switzerland, where he was laid to rest.

4. As one of the largest breeds of dog, it perhaps unsurprising that St. Bernards are also one of the strongest breeds. This is a genetic design, which helps the dogs in their work on farms, as guard dogs and, of course, as rescue animals.

5. Because the St. Bernard can grow to such large proportions it is important that the breed be trained well as a puppy. Although St. Bernards are not in the least aggressive, an over excitable and boisterous animal of its size could be unmanageable if not well trained.

6. As St. Bernards were initially designed as working dogs, they are renowned for their intelligence. Subsequently, they are reasonably easy to train.

7. The breed has an excellent reputation for its docile temperament and patience with both children and other animals. A St. Bernard is not, typically, territorial, but the breed will protect its family and home if necessary.

8. Due to intensive Alpine training and existence in cold climates, the St. Bernard does not tend to cope well in warmer climes. It is best to avoid owning a St. Bernard if you live in a tropical climate. In fact, even a warm room can be too much for the well-insulated creature.

9. St. Bernard is known as one of the most loyal and loving of all dog breeds. Whether it is through genetic design, or centuries of training, the bond between the breed and humans is something quite remarkable and beautiful.

10. Despite their appearance, the St. Bernard is a very active and agile breed of dog. Given its work on the Alps it should perhaps come as no surprise that the St. Bernard is a sure-footed creature. However, their bulk does give them the appearance of a rather ungainly and lazy dog.

Although the St. Bernard comes highly recommended as a wonderful family pet, it is, of course, important to ensure that you have the space and finances to care for one. It is advisable to bear in mind that St. Bernards grow very rapidly. Therefore, they are not really suitable for apartment living, unless you have an exceptionally large apartment. Moreover, the St. Bernard can be expensive to feed, and genetic predisposition to certain illnesses means that veterinary bills may also be a consideration.

Samantha Markham is a professional freelance writer, based in the UK. She is proud to work for Remmeer.com, a high quality supplier of pet products, including dog lover gifts and St. Bernard dog breed gifts.

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