A Late-Night Cold Sufferer Fills The TV Screen. His Night-Time Affliction Causes Him To Toss And Turn, Each Cough Painful And Every Sneeze Wracking His Body. Then A Deep-Throated Bark Draws This Invalid To His Door, Where He Finds A Massive Dog With A Flask Attached To His Collar. By The End Of The Commercial, Saint Bernard Has Done His Job And The Cold Sufferer Is Fast Asleep.
Saint Bernard really saved people from the cold, not from viruses, of course, but from the cold winds and snow of the Alps, which are tricky for travelers. Fearless, he is a kind, gentle, intelligent dog with a good sense of humor. It is also a very large dog, which can reach 30 inches in height and weigh 180 pounds. The Saint comes in short-haired and long-haired varieties, with short hair that is chosen by the monks of the Hospice Saint Bernard from where the dog originated. Despite its size, Saint Bernard is a calm indoor dog that makes a great family companion.
Although it is quiet in the house, it is good if it has easy access to a garden where it can move freely. However, he can live in a small house, as long as he gets a good walk every day. More important than the size of your home is your noise tolerance. Saints are not the best choice for a demanding housekeeper. They tend to drool and track in mud and dirt. Cleanliness is not their strongest suit.
Saints are not meant to live outside in isolation. They must live at home with their families. They are not violent, but they will howl when necessary, and their sheer size acts as a deterrent to intruders. Any potential attacker or thief will think twice before approaching.
The Saint is gentle and patient with children but can accidentally knock them over due to its large size. It enjoys lounging around while you read or watch TV.
The Saint Bernard does not require a lot of exercise. He is not a runner and struggles in hot weather. Saints suffer from heat exhaustion easily and need shade and plenty of cool water in hot conditions. However, they thrive in cold environments and love the snow.
Sadly, the Saint Bernard’s large size gives it a shorter lifespan. It can also suffer from various genetic disorders and health issues.
The Saint Bernard is a beloved breed today. With proper care and the right environment, it can be a wonderful companion for those who are prepared for a large dog.
Known as a classic example of a gentle giant, Saint Bernards are calm, patient, and affectionate with adults, especially children. However, like all large dogs, Saint Bernard must be socialized early to avoid fear-based aggression or territorial behavior. The biggest risk for young children is being accidentally knocked over due to the dog’s size.
Saint Bernards are generally gentle, loyal, and loving. Proper training and socialization should begin when the Saint Bernard is a puppy to prevent behavioral issues. An untrained Saint Bernard can be difficult to manage, even for a strong adult. Proper control and obedience training are essential.
Although not naturally aggressive, a Saint Bernard can become protective when necessary. Its sheer size alone is often enough to deter intruders.
Originally bred for rescue work, Saint Bernards retain their natural ability for tasks like tracking and search-and-rescue missions. With the right training, they can excel in these areas.
