Saint Bernard - description of the breed and character of the dog

Anyone who dreams that a reliable and faithful friend is always with him should turn his attention to Saint Bernard. These large animals have a great deal of affection, kindness, and other similar feelings. Such animals are characterized by a limitless sense of kindness and devotion. It is enough to recall a film such as Beethoven, and much immediately becomes clear.

Description, history and general characteristics

These dogs deserve great respect. This circumstance is explained by the fact that they have an extremely kind heart and high intelligence. Dogs are given rescue skills by nature, which allows them to be called real heroes of our time. St. Bernards are distinguished by good quick wits and prudence. If you look into the eyes of a dog, you involuntarily get the impression that in a second the dog will give out something clever that will make the owner wonder and admire.

The historical roots send the user interested in these representatives to the lands of Switzerland in the 11th century. For the first time such dogs appeared in the walls of the monastery of St. Bernard. This, in fact, explains their name. The predecessors of the breed are considered Molossian Great Dane, which were imported by Roman legionnaires. Naturally, the cross did not pass without the participation of local dogs. As a result, this wonderful breed appeared with excellent rescue qualities.

Animals in the monastery lived for a reason, they acted as guards. Travelers often rested in this monastery. But getting here was not easy. The road went through a pass, on which danger in the form of an avalanche often lay in wait. Sometimes she unexpectedly covered the person going to the monastery. These dogs were used for their search and rescue. Dogs could be found in trouble by the presence of their keen sense of flair.

This ability of dogs was quickly taken up by monks who began to use dogs to rescue travelers in trouble. Warm and thick skin did not allow dogs to freeze in the cold.

Public interest began to show itself to them only at the end of the 19th century. It was at this time that they began to breed “pure” breed. Currently, St. Bernards are used in the following cases:

• Guide-dog.
• Rescuer.
• Watchman

Despite the fact that there is no exact data on the origin of this dog, it is more adhered to the version that their communion correlates with Roman molosses. History indicates that already in the Bronze Age such dogs existed. At a time when the Roman Empire reigned supreme, these dogs crossed with those on the Apennines. This led to the cleansing of the breed. The guard dog was different from the one intended to graze. And this, in turn, had differences from hunters. The mountains of Switzerland became the place where this dog began to be used as a special subspecies.

It is difficult to accurately calculate how many lives this dog managed to save over the entire life of the shelter. In those days, a large number of robbers could be observed. The dog was a reliable guard from them.

It is noteworthy that the club of supporters of this breed was founded only in 1900. But selection work in relation to this breed was actively conducted long before that.

With its large size and decent physical strength, St. Bernard has a very good stamina. Such dogs naturally have an extremely sharp sense of smell. There are even cases when a dog predicted an approaching snow avalanche.

The breed is distinguished by pronounced prudence. It is clearly not for her to make empty, meaningless movement. Training a pet is a pleasure. They are very good at training. But the animal does not tolerate abuse. If you practice it in class, you will never see the expected result. If you approach the pet with a soul, he will certainly answer the same. The dog shows amazing thrift in relation to children. Such an animal will be a true friend to all family members, without exception.

External data

When they begin to describe any breed of dog, they always start with overall dimensions:

1. In males, growth reaches 70 cm. But it should not be more than 90.
2. In bitches, this indicator is more modest in size (up to 80 cm maximum).
3. Body weight should be at least 70 kg. This parameter is a requirement of international cynological standards.

At present, you can meet representatives whose weight is more than 100 kg. Dogs are large and strong physique. The life expectancy of dogs of this breed does not exceed 10 years. They often observe natural atavism in the form of a third century. It is a constant source of eye infection. Therefore, it should be removed.

Separately, you should consider the characteristics of the head:

• It has large sizes.
• A bulge of the forehead upon careful examination is noted by the presence of characteristic wrinkles.
• A strong skull is marked by the presence of a wide front.
• There is a somewhat overestimated location of the cheekbones.
• The eyelids are wet.
• Close proximity of the eyes to the bridge of the nose is noted.
• Flat nostrils are located on a wide nose.
• On the short face is a somewhat dull nose bridge.
• The eyes have a black border. The same color of the nose.

The breed description can be supplemented with the following characteristics:

1. Ears of small size, with medium length, hang.
2. The head is located on a powerful and strong neck. It is covered with wool with the formation of a characteristic collar.
3. The back is wide with a steep lower back. The ribs have a distinct outline.
4. Closer to the base, the tail expands.
5. The paws are massive with the arrangement of vaulted fingers on them.
6. In color, the standard allows any red tint.
7. Wool is soft, there is a thick undercoat.
8. St. Bernards are phlegmatic. Learning takes a lot of time. This is especially true of their professional profile.

Content, rules of care, health

These dogs require careful care:

1. If the representative has a short coat, then it needs to be combed 1-2 times a week. Dogs with long hair are combed every day.
2. For combing, a brush with a hard bristle is used.
3. At the time when the animal is molting, combing the dog is required much more often.
4. The animal should take water procedures as it needs it.
5. After the walk, the dog needs to wash its paws.
6. Do not forget about cleaning the ears and teeth of the pet.
7. It is necessary to wipe the eyes with a damp cloth. Do it every day. In the presence of purulent discharge, you should contact a veterinary clinic.
8. After the pet has lunch, he needs to wipe his face.

Such dogs have their own specific features:

1. A dog is capable of drooling. In this regard, even bulldogs are not competitors to the St. Bernards.
2. The eyes of such dogs are always a weak spot. They are constantly watering.They require that they be constantly looked after and cleaned.

3. Dogs are prone to gain extra pounds. Therefore, the dog can not be overfed and create the conditions for sufficient physical activity.

Despite the relatively large size, pets are allowed at home. St. Bernards need constant walking around the city. Young dogs are extremely playful. Walking the dog, you can not forbid them to frolic in plenty. Otherwise, you may encounter damage to the interior of the apartment. Puppies are excommunicated from the mother under the age of one month. They grow up quickly, but only in terms of the physical. At heart, they continue to remain children for a long time. A dog can be considered an adult only when it reaches the age of 1.5 years.

Initially, the puppy's diet contains regular food. If the withdrawal from the mother was sharp, then a little milk should be added to the dairy products. At the time of purchase, you should inquire whether the puppy has been dewormed and whether vaccinations have been performed.

Saint Bernard must get used to the new situation. At first, she will scare him. We must prepare for everything, even the worst in connection with the appearance of a dog in the house. If he ruined a thing, you should not scold him, but it’s better to explain that you can’t do this. If the owner will do just that, then in him the dog will see a mentor and friend.

It is necessary to determine the place. It should be a warm corner, even close to the owner’s bed. It is better not to arrange a place for the dog in the hallway. There are always drafts and noisy stomp in it, which will give the puppy certain inconveniences. If the puppy is left alone in the house, it is recommended to remove valuable things away. It’s good if the radio is left on.

From a very early age, the puppy is taught to nickname. She should not be in the singular. Let there be more affectionate names. As soon as the dog begins to grow up, various commands are introduced into the training. It is necessary to train at home. Then gradually training classes are transferred to the street. Good socialization for the dog is the main condition in this regard.

Food

It is necessary to feed the dog with natural products, but you can use dry food. The best in this regard is Magnusson dog food. This product contains enough vitamins necessary for the animal. There is a direct link between what the dog is fed and its health. Proper nutrition should be organized not only for an adult dog, but also for puppies. What method to use for feeding the dog - its owner chooses. From the second month, the pet can be given milk. A little later, it is replaced with fermented baked milk and kefir. From childhood, you need to teach a dog to vegetables, but potatoes should not be given. The diet involves two meals a day. It is better to do this at the same time.

If the diet consists of natural products, then you can give the following types:

1. A significant part in the diet is given to raw meat. It is preferable to give beef or veal. Unlike pork, it is better absorbed by the dog’s body. An adult should eat at least 500 g of meat daily. In principle, you can give any meat, but in relation to pork, you must be extremely careful. It is better if the meat is boiled. You can bring helminths with raw meat.
2. In the diet, the use of offal is allowed, but they can be given to the dog only in boiled form. A sheep’s stomach will be useful. It has a positive effect on digestion. By the way, it can be given even raw. Caution should be exercised with the kidneys and the udder, as they contain excess fat. Varieties of mainly non-fat meat should be present in the diet. Useful in this regard would be a boiled scar, heart.
3. Indispensable in the diet is fish.It is an important source of protein. The best option is when the meat is alternated with fish. It is necessary to arrange fish days 2-3 times a week. In raw form, you can only give sea fish. River product should be boiled.
4. Bones and cartilage should also be introduced into the diet. Their mineral composition is represented by calcium in large quantities. Enough in them and vitamins.
5. Of dairy products, preference should be given to cottage cheese.
6. Vegetable products are best given raw.

Puppy food

It is slightly different from what an adult dog is fed:

1. At a time when the puppy is growing, he can eat more milk and cottage cheese than an adult dog.
2. Meat products are cut into small pieces before giving them to the puppy. They can be given together with water or cereals. A moderate amount of porridge is required. Excess of such dishes in the diet will lead to the fact that the dog will quickly gain excess weight.
3. The diet requires the addition of egg yolk. But this must be done carefully. Do not forget that it may cause allergic reactions.
4. In the morning, it is better for the puppy to give cottage cheese with egg or milk porridge.
5. Fruits can be given as a treat. Vegetables are offered at night.

Parenting

The dog is distinguished by stunning self-control and willingness to obey the owner throughout. If the dog understands that the family loves her and she is dear to her, then the dog will certainly reveal all his talents with full force. You should never put her on a chain and scold. This can lose all confidence on the part of the dog.

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