Kind and patient, Saint Bernards are not only noted for their large size, but also for their enormous, devoted hearts for their human friends. Let’s learn some fascinating Saint Bernard facts for kids today.
Saint Bernard Facts for Kids 1-9
1. Despite popular belief that the dog originated at a monastery hospice in the Swiss Alps in the 11th century, the dog’s earliest confirmed appearance at the monastery, or anyplace else, likely occurred some 600 years later.
2. Experts believe the original monastic dogs were intended to serve as guard dogs. However, their lifesaving abilities were obvious shortly later.
Saints were credited with saving more than 2,000 lives during the subsequent three centuries.
3. A male Saint Bernard’s height and weight can span between 28 and 30 inches and 140 and 180 pounds (63 to 81 kilograms).
A female’s height and weight might vary between 26 and 28 inches and 120 and 140 pounds, (54 to 63 kilograms).
4. The dogs may have either long or short hair. There are red and white coats, brown and white coats, and brindle and white coats. Certain canines have dark masks covering their eyes.
5. The ears are positioned high on the skull and are floppy. The eyes are black and slightly sagging.
The forehead is pretty wrinkled. Also, Saint Bernards have jowls, making them prone to drooling.
6. Due to their size, the dogs take longer than most other breeds to fully mature. Typically, they do not reach maturity until age 2 or 3.
7. Saint Bernards are gentle, affectionate dogs. It is possible that their natural friendliness will overcome a stranger’s initial anxiety about approaching such a large dog.
However, Saint Bernards are just as ready to defend family members they perceive to be in danger.
8. Saints are particularly suitable for families with well-behaved children since they are so kind, tolerant, and patient.
Saints, who are renowned for their remarkable tolerance and patience, are careful not to harm children.
9. The eagerness of these dogs can make training them easier than with other breeds.
Saint Bernard Facts 10-18
10. Saint Bernards have a great deal of fur, yet they do not require multiple visits to the groomer.
They have an oily, water-resistant coat that protected them from snow and ice when they lived in mountainous regions.
It is best not to overwash them because washing will strip their fur of vital oils.
11. Due to the unique head and jaw structure of the Saint, their lips and loose skin hang down, causing them to drool more than other breeds. When they are hungry, hot, or aroused, this behavior tends to worsen.
To reduce the amount of water they leave behind, try to keep them cool and prepare food out of sight.
Some dog owners may even carry a drool rag to sometimes wipe their dog’s muzzle.
12. Saint Bernards are social creatures. Participating in family activities is his greatest source of joy. In contrast, this dog is inclined to pout if he believes he is being excluded from any pleasure.
Because the adult Saint is so huge, training is required as soon as possible. It’s common knowledge that the breed can be stubborn at times.
However, once he learns what is expected of him, a Saint’s innate desire to please typically overcomes his stubbornness.
13. Even while Saints don’t require as much physical activity as other working dog breeds, they still need to have a daily walk every day.
14. Saint Bernards shed twice yearly, in the spring and fall. Regular brushing will aid in reducing this shedding.
15. While the dog must consume enough food to maintain a healthy weight, a Saint should not be overfed.
Excess weight can strain the dog’s joints and exacerbate hip and elbow issues.
16. Saint’s genetics define its susceptibility to elbow and hip dysplasia, disorders that bring excruciating pain, terrible arthritis, and ultimately joint deterioration.
In addition, they are susceptible to disorders such as autoimmune thyroiditis, cardiac problems, osteochondrosis, etc.
17. Saints may require less food per pound than other breeds since they have a calmer disposition and require less exercise than many other dog breeds.
18. Similar to other large dog breeds, Saint Bernards have very limited lifespans. The average lifespan is 8 to 10 years.