SAINT BERNARD

This noble giant of the canine world descends from the mastiffs that went with the roman legions that, in turn, descended from the Tibetan mastiff. It received its Monastere Saint Bernard, in the Swiss Alps, where it was carefully bred by the monks from the VI century. In the XIX century, it crossed with the Terranova.

PHYSICAL TRAITS of the SAINT BERNARD
It is a large, vigorous and robust dog. Males are an average of 70 cm to the cross and females are 65 cm. There are two varieties, short haired and long haired, it can be wavy. The base color is white, with blond reddish spots or vice versa, but is never a single color. It has a large and powerful head, with deep creases in the face, medium and drooping ears, large and black nose; round, dark eyes, with a melancholic and tender gaze.

The image of the Saint Bernard with a cognac barrel attached to the neck is unforgettable. Many times it was the only help people lost in the snow could get.

TEMPERAMENT AND ADAPTATION of the SAINT BERNARD
Tame, kind and affectionate, it is ideal for children. It is intelligent and with an acute sense of danger. Its resistance, allied to a generous temperament, makes it a specialist in mountain rescues, quality that has made it famous worldwide. It devotes itself to the adoptive family, adapting itself to their routine and environment, although due to its large size, it has the need to live in a house with enough space.

EXERCISE AND CARE required for a SAINT BERNARD
It should be brushed frequently to keep the fur shiny and get rid of the abundant undercoat during shedding season. It needs a lot of exercise and long walks, reason why, even if it lives in a house with a yard, it is convenient for it to go out in the country frequently to keep it in good physical shape. The Saint Bernard tends to suffer from hip dysplasia and cardiac disorders.