Usenet 1994 October/usenetsourcesnewsgroupsinfomagicoctober1994disk1.iso/answers/dogs-faq/breeds/stbernard

Internet Message Format | 1993-12-23 | 24KB

Path: senator-bedfellow.mit.edu!bloom-beacon.mit.edu!pad-thai.aktis.com!pad-thai.aktis.com!not-for-mail
From: [e-mail] (Brenda Bruening)
Newsgroups: rec.pets.dogs,rec.answers,news.answers
Subject: rec.pets.dogs:  Saint Bernards  Breed-FAQ
Supersedes: <dogs-faq/breeds/[e-mail]>
Followup-To: poster
Date: 24 Dec 1993 00:00:25 -0500
Organization: (not given)
Lines: 560
Sender: [e-mail]
Approved: [e-mail]
Expires: 7 Apr 1994 05:00:11 GMT
Message-ID: <dogs-faq/breeds/[e-mail]>
Reply-To: [e-mail]
NNTP-Posting-Host: pad-thai.aktis.com
X-Last-Updated: 1993/11/18
Xref: senator-bedfellow.mit.edu rec.pets.dogs:51665 rec.answers:3452 news.answers:16123

Archive-name: dogs-faq/breeds/stbernard

This faq is not posted on a regular basis, but may be obtained via anonymous
FTP from rtfm.mit.edu under /pub/usenet/news.answers/dogs-faq/stbernard.
Or, send email to [e-mail] with
send usenet/news.answers/dogs-faq/breeds/stbernard
in the body of the message, leaving the subject line empty.

AUTHOR

Brenda Bruening
email: [e-mail]
home phone: [phone]

DESCRIPTION

Saint Bernards are a giant dog, proportionately tall with heavy bones,
a deep chest and a blocky head. There are two coat types for Saints: a
long and short. Their color ranges from tan to dark brown with white
accents. Many have a dark mask over the eyes but this is not a
requirement.

SOME QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE ABOUT THE SAINT BERNARD
(from a pamphlet from the Saint Bernard Club of America)

How much do they eat?
A Saint Bernard will not "eat you out of house and home."  The fact
is, a Saint Bernard can be raised and maintained on no more food than
required for other large breeds. Since Saints are basically placid
dogs, they generally require less food per pound of body weight than
most smaller, more active breeds.

How much do they weigh?
Saint puppies weigh about one and one-half pounds at birth and grow
rapidly during the first year, although it may take as long as three
years before they reach full maturity.  Adult males may reach a height
of 28-30 inches at the shoulder and will normally weigh between 140
and 180 pounds.  Female are somewhat smaller at about 26-28 inches at
the shoulder and typically range from 120-140 pounds.

Are they good with children?
Definitely. They have an understanding of a child's way and are
amazingly careful not to injure a child.  They are excellent
babysitters and companions.  Naturally, a child must never be allowed
to torment any dog, regardless of breed.

Are they easy to train?
Because of the size of the animal, Saint Bernards MUST be trained and
this must be done early in their lives.  Fortunately, Saints are eager
to please and will begin responding to commands as soon as they
understand what you want of them.

Do they shed?
Yes: twice a year, usually in Spring and Fall, they lose much of their
coats to help them adjust to the changing seasons.  For the remainder
of the year, there is seldom any annoyance from shedding.

Do they drool?
Yes. Depending on the weather, the level of excitement, and the shape
of the dog's jowls, most Saints will drool on occasion.  Technically,
there is no such thing as a "dry mouthed Saint", but most Saints do
not drool to a offensive degree.

Are they good watch dogs?
The Saint's size and bark will discourage most intruders, yet they
will learn to recognize your friends and receive them cordially.  If
an intruder gets by the size and barks, your Saint may decide to lead
the intruder straight to the family silver since they would much
prefer to be friends to all.  The one exception to this is when a
member of the family is being threatened.  The Saint's instinct to
protect those they love becomes very apparent at this time.

Why do some Saint Bernards have short hair?
The original Saint Bernards were all short-haired dogs. Over 150 years
ago, the Monks in Switzerland found it necessary to bring some new
blood into their breeding and interbred the long coated Newfoundland
with the Saints.  Today, the influence of that breeding is still with
us and we have both long and short-haired Saint Bernards.

How much exercise do they need?  Can one be kept in an apartment?
Saint Bernards don't need as much exercise as many other breeds, but a
fenced yard should be provided so they can get whatever amount they
require.  The apartment dweller must be walked frequently to make up
for the exercise they would otherwise take at their leisure.  It is
not a good practice to keep a Saint Bernard tied up.

How much care do they need?
Clean fresh water (especially in Summer), a well balanced diet and
thorough brushing weekly, the necessary immunity shots and lots of
common sense is all that is necessary.

Should I get a male or female?
This is strictly a matter of personal preference.  Both are equal in
pet qualities.  The male, being larger, is more impressive when first
viewed.  The female however must be considered his equal in all other
respects.  Once you have made the decision male or female your choice
will be the right one: you will have a loving pet and a most rewarding
experience.

How do they thrive in the hot weather?
The dogs will do well as long as they have a cool dry place to nap and
plenty of fresh cool water.  They will cut down both their food intake
and amount of activity.  It must be remembered that going from an air
conditioned place into the boiling heat can be disastrous.  The abrupt
change in temperature will be extremely hard on a Saint.

Where do I buy a Saint Bernard?
There are breeders in most areas who are sincerely interested in
supplying you with a Saint you will be proud to own.  To these
breeders, a dog is infinitely more that just a commodity to be sold
for profit.  Their interest is in the animal and matching them to the
right home.  They are anxious to assist you with care, feeding and
answering your questions.


OFFICIAL STANDARD FOR THE ST. BERNARD

Shorthaired

General - Powerful, proportionately tall figure, strong and muscular
in every part, with powerful head and most intelligent expression. In
dogs with a dark mask the expression appears more stern, but never
illnatured.

Head - Like the whole body, very powerful and imposing. The massive
skull is wide, slightly arched and the sides slope in a gentle curve
into the very strongly developed, high check bones. Occiput only mod-
erately developed. The supra-orbital ridge is very strongly developed
and forms nearly a right angle with the horizontal axis of the head.
Deeply imbedded between the eyes and starting at the root of the muz-
zle, a furrow runs over the whole skull. It is strongly marked in the
first half, gradually disappearing toward the base of the occiput. The
lines at the sides of the head diverge considerably from the outer
corner of the eyes, toward the back of the head. The skin of the
forehead, above the eyes, forms rather noticeable wrinkles, more or
less pronounced, which converge toward the furrow. Especially when the
dog is in action, the wrinkles are more visible without in the least
giving the impression of morosity. Too strongly developed wrinkles are
not desired. The slope from the skull to the muzzle is sudden and
rather steep.

The muzzle is short, does not taper, and the vertical depth at the
root of the muzzle must be greater than the length of the muzzle. The
bridge of the muzzle is not arched, but straight; in some dogs,
occasionally, slightly broken. A rather wide, well marked, shallow
furrow runs from the root of the muzzle over the entire bridge of the
muzzle to the nose.  The flews of the upper jaw are strongly
developed, not sharply cut, but turning in a beautiful curve into the
lower edge, and slightly overhanging. The flews of the lower jaw
must not be deeply pendant. The teeth should be sound and strong and
should meet in either a scissors or an even bite: the scissors bite
being preferable. The undershot bite; although sometimes found with
good specimens, is not desirable. The overshot bit is a fault. A blank
roof to the mouth is desirable.

Nose (Schwamm) - Very substantial, broad, with wide open nostrils,
and, like the lips, always black.

Ears - Of medium size, rather high set, with very strongly developed
burr (Muschel) at the base. They stand slightly away from the head at
the base, then drop with a sharp bend to the side and cling to the
head without a turn. The flap is tender and forms a rounded triangle,
slightly elongated toward the point, the front edge lying firmly to
the head, whereas the back edge may stand somewhat away from the head,
espe- cially when the dog is at attention. Lightly set ears, which at
the base immediately cling to the head, give it an oval and to little
marked exte- rior, whereas a strongly developed base gives the skull a
squarer, broader and much more expressive appearance.

Eyes - Set more to the front than the sides, are of medium size, dark
brown, with intelligent, friendly expression, set moderately deep. The
lower eyelids, as a rule, do not close completely and, if that is the
case, form an angular wrinkle toward the inner corner of the eye.
Eyelids which are to deeply pendant and show conspicuously the
lachrymal glands, or a very red, thick haw, and eyes that are to
light, are objectionable.

Neck - Set high, very strong and in action is carried erect. Otherwise
horizontally or slightly downward. The junction of head and neck is
distinctly marked by an indentation. The nape of the neck is very
muscular and rounded at the sides which makes the neck appear rather
short. The dewlap of throat and neck is well pronounced: too strong
development, however, is not desirable.

Shoulders - Sloping and broad, very muscular and powerful. The withers
are strongly pronounced.

Chest - Very well arched, moderately deep, not reaching below the
elbows.

Back - Very broad, perfectly straight as far as the haunches, from
there gently sloping to the rump, and merging imperceptibly into the
root of the tail.

Hindquarters - Well-developed. Legs very muscular.

Belly - Distinctly set off from the very powerful loin section, only
little drawn up.

Tail - Starting broad and powerful directly from the rump is long,
very heavy, ending in a powerful tip. In repose it hangs straight
down, turning gently upward in the lower third only, which is not
considered a fault. In a great many specimens the tail is carried with
the end slightly bent and therefore hangs down in the shape of an "f".
In action all dogs carry the tail more or less turned upward. However
it may not be carried to erect or by any means rolled over the back. A
slight curl- ing of the tip is sooner admissible.

Forearms - Very powerful and extraordinarily muscular.

Forelegs - Straight, strong.

Hind legs - Hocks of moderate angulation. Dewclaws are not desired; if
present, they must not obstruct gait.

Feet - Broad, with strong toes, moderately closed, and with rather
high knuckles. The so-called dewclaws which sometimes occur on the
inside of the hind legs are imperfectly developed toes. They are of no
use to the dog and are not taken into consideration in judging. They
may be removed by surgery.

Coat - Very dense, short-haired (stockhaarig), lying smooth, tough,
without however feeling rough to the touch. The thighs are slightly
bushy. The tail at the root has longer and denser hair which gradually
becomes short toward the tip. The tail appears bushy, not forming a
flag.

Color - White with red or red with white, the red in its various
shades; brindle patches with white markings. The colors red and
brown-yellow are of entirely equal value. Necessary markings are:
white chest, feet and tip of tail, noseband, collar or spot on the
nape; the latter and blaze are very desirable. Never of one color or
without white. Faulty are all other colors, except the favorite dark
shadings on the head (mask) and ears. One distinguishes between mantle
dogs and splash-coated dogs.

Height at Shoulder - Of the dog should be 27X inches minimum, of the
bitch 25X inches. Female animals are of finer and more delicate build.

Considered as faults - are all deviations from the Standard, as for
instance a swayback and a disproportionately long back, hocks too much
bent, straight hindquarters, upward growing hair in spaces between the
toes, out at elbows, cowhocks and weak pasterns.

Longhaired

The longhaired type completely resembles the shorthaired type except
for the coat which is not shorthaired (stockhaarig) but of medium
length plain to slightly wavy, never rolled or curly and not shaggy
either. Usually, on the back, especially from the region of the
haunches to the rump, the hair is more wavy, a condition, by the way,
that is slightly indicated in the shorthaired dogs. The tail is bushy
with dense hair of moderate length. Rolled or curly hair on the tail
is not desirable. A tail with parted hair, or a flag tail, is faulty.
Face and ears are covered with short and soft hair; longer hair at the
base of the ear is permissible. Forelegs only slightly feathered;
thighs very bushy.

Approved May 12, 1959


RECOGNIZED
American Kennel Club

The Swiss or International Standard has had several changes since the
version currently in use by the Saint Bernard Club of America (SBCA)
(an AKC member club) was accepted.  The most recent set of changes
made in 1993 are controversial and it is unclear if the SBCA will
adapt those changes into its standard.  The Swiss standard is used by
most other Kennel Clubs and the World Union of Saint Bernard Clubs.

There is also an "English" standard used by the Kennel Club of Great
Britain which is also different from the Swiss.


HISTORY
(reprinted from the AKC Complete Dog Book 17th edition 1987)

It seems most probable that the Saint Bernard developed from stock
that resulted from the breeding of heavy Asian 'Molosser' (Canis
Molossus), brought to Heveti a (Switzerland) by Roman armies during
the first two centuries A.D., with native dogs which undoubtedly
existed in the region at the time of the Roman invasions .

During the following centuries, these dogs were widely used in the
valley farms and Alpine dairies for a variety of guarding, herding,
and drafting duties.  Referred to as "Talhund" (Valley Dog) or
"Bauernhund" (Farm Dog), they were apparently well establish by
1050A.D. when Archdeacon Bernard de Menthon founded the famous
Hospice in the Swiss Alps as a refuge for travelers crossing the
treacherous passes between Switzerland and Italy.

Just when dogs were first brought to the Hospice is debatable, since
the Hospice was destroyed by fire in the late 16th century, and, soon
after, a large part of the Hospice archives were lost.  The first
notation concerning the dogs was not until 1707.  This, however, was
merely a casual reference to the dogs at the Hospice and carried the
implication that their rescue work at the St. Bernard Pass was a fact
well known at the time.  From a digest of early references, it appears
that the dogs were first brought to the Hospice sometime between 1660
and 1670.  It is likely that large dogs were recruited from the valley
areas below to serve as watchdogs for the Hospice and companions for
the Monks during the long winter months when the Hospice was almost
completely isolated.

This isolation of the Hospice no doubt resulted in inbreeding of the
original stock which soon produced the distinctive strain of "Hospice
Dog." It also follows that only those animals with the strongest
instincts for survival in the extremely adverse conditions at the
Hospice were to leave their genetic imprint upon the breed during
those early years.

The lonely Monks, who took the dogs along on their trips of mercy,
soon discovered the animals were excellent pathfinders in the drifting
snow, and the dogs' highly developed sense of smell made them
invaluable in locating helpless persons overcome during storms.  Thus
began this working together of Monk and dog which made many of the
world's most romantic pages of canine history.

During the three centuries that Saint Bernards have been used in
rescue work at the Hospice, it is estimated that they have been
responsible for the saving of well over 2,000 human lives.  Although
the building of the railroad tunnels through the Alps has lessened
foot and vehicular travel across the St. Bernard Pass, the Monks have
continued to maintain these fine dogs for companionship and in the
honor of the Hospice tradition.

We are told that Saint Bernards required no training for their work
since generations of service in this capacity seemed to have stamped
the rescuing instinct indelibly upon their character.  It would be
more accurate to say that the dogs' rescue instincts were used as the
basis for training by the Monks.  In the company of the Monks, young
dogs were taken on patrols with a pack of older dogs in search of
possible traveler casualties.  When the dogs came upon a victim, they
would lie down beside him to provide warmth for their bodies, and lick
the person's face to restore consciousness.  In the meantime, one of
the patrol dogs would be on his way back to the Hospice to give the
alarm and guide a rescue party to the scene.

In addition to their pathfinding capabilities and keen sense of smell
which enables them to locate human being buried under the snow, the
dogs are reputed to possess and uncanny sixth sense which warns them
of approaching avalanches.  Instances have been reported where a dogs
would suddenly change position for no apparent reason a few seconds
before an avalanche came hurtling down across the spot where he had
stood, burying it under tons of snow and ice.

Although it was well known that a special type of dog did rescue work
at the Hospice by 1800, the breed at that time had been given no name
other than "Hospice Dogs." Between 1800 and 1810, Barry, perhaps the
most celebrated dog in history, lived at the Hospice.  For fully half
a century after his death, the Hospice dogs in certain parts of
Switzerland were called "Barryhund" (Barry dog) in his honor.

Barry is credited with saving forty lives. Although legend has it that
he was killed by the forty-first person he attempted to rescue, who
mistook his bulk for that of a wolf, this tale is only an interesting
story.  As a matter of fact, Barry was given a painless death in Bern,
Switzerland, in 1814, after he had attained a ripe old age.  His
likeness in mounted form is now preserved in the Natural History
Museum in Bern.

The year 1816 and 1818 were seasons of uncommonly severe weather at
the Hospice and, as a result, many of leading Hospice strains
perished.  It was easy at that time, however, to get good animal of
like breeding from the lower valleys, and within a few years, the dog
situation at the Hospice was again satisfactory.  Confronted by a
similar situation in 1830, coupled with the fact that their breed was
considerably weakened by inbreeding and disease, the Monks resorted t
o an outcross to give added size and new vigor to their dogs.  The
Newfoundland, which at the time was larger than the Saint Bernard and
shared strong rescuing instincts, was the breed decided upon to give
the new blood.  Results of this crossing showed all of the desired
objectives and, at the same time, did not destroy the Saint Bernard
type and characteristics.  Due to this crossing, however, the first
longhaired Saint Bernards appear-prior to 1830 all the Saint Bernards
were shorthaired dogs.

At first it was believed that the longhaired variety might have an
advantage in the snow and icy conditions existing at the Hospice.
Unfortunately, ice clung to the coat and made the longhaired dogs
unsuited to the tasks of the rescue dogs.  After this was determined,
the Monks gave the longhaired dogs as gifts to friends and benefactors
in the valley areas, and only the shorthaired dogs were kept at the
Hospice.

The English, who as early as 1810, imported some of the Hospice dogs
to replenish their Mastiff blood, referred to the breed for a number
of years as "Sacred Dogs." In Germany, around 1828, the name of
"Alpendog" was proposed.  In 1833, a writer, Daniel Wilson, first
spoke of the so-called Saint Bernard dog, but it was not until 1865
that this name definitely appeared, and only since 1880 has it been
recognized as the official designation for the breed.

During the last half of the 1800s, breeding of both the longhaired and
shorthaired Saint Bernard continued in the valleys of Switzerland, and
eventually the breed spread across Germany and other continental
European countries and England.

In 1887, an International Congress was held in Zurich which was guided
by Swiss authorities on the breed.  At this Congress, an International
Standard for the perfection of the breed was developed.

The Saint Bernard Club of America was organized in 1888, the year
following the Zurich Congress and the International Standard was
adopted by it.  This club continues to function for the interests of
the Saint Bernard and is one of the oldest specialty clubs in the
United States.


CHARACTERISTICS AND TEMPERMENT

Saints in general are very gentle dogs although each has its own
personality.  They are people oriented dogs and enjoy human
companionship. Some may not be easy to train for obedience because
they are too laid back and it is hard to make them move briskly.


SPECIAL MEDICAL PROBLEMS

As with any large dog, Saint Bernards are prone to hip dysplasia. They
have short lives (8-10 years) as is also common with large breeds.
Gastric bloat, or torsion, can be a problem for some Saints. Saints
may also have eye problems including entropia a misformation of the
eye causing the eye lash to rub on and irritate the eye.

REFERENCES

1. Books

"The Saint Bernard Classic", Albert de la Rie, Briarcliff Publishing Comapnay,
Kansas City, MO, First Edition 1974 74-80478 (out of print but available from
Jerri Hobbs, Saint Bernard Club of America Classic Chairperson,
2742 West Warren Ave, Dever CO 80219, USA, 303-936-9744)

"This is the Saint Bernard", Marlen J. Anderson and Joan Brearly,
TFH Publication, Neptune City, NJ, 1973.

"Your Saint Bernard", Marina J. Sharp Denlinger's Publishers LTD, Fairfax, VA,
1978, 77-92120

"Saint Bernards" Martin Weil, TFH Publications, Neputne City, NJ, 1982

2. Breed Clubs

Saint Bernard Club of America (SBCA)
Carol Wislon, Corresponding Secretary
719 E Main St.
Belleville, IL 62221
USA
618-473-2443

Saint Fancier
(official publication of the SBCA)
Robert E. Bostrom Editor
Route 1, Box 80
Quenemo, KS 66528
USA
913-453-2363

There are local Saint Bernards in various
parts of the United States the SBCA should
be able to direct you to a club in your area.

The St Bernard Club (NSW)
Mrs Sharron Andrews
29 Pyramid St
Emu Plainns NSW 2750
AUSTRALIA
047 35 3661

Saint Bernard Club of Queensland
Mrs Ann Inmon
926 Boston Road
Chandler QLD 4133
AUSTRALIA
07 245 6991

The St Bernard Social Club of Tasmania
Miss Susan Teniswood
"Boronia Hill"
44 Jindabyne Rd
Kingston TAS 7050
AUSTRALIA
002 29 6615

St Berndard Club of Victoria
Miss Marjorie Dowsey
Merribuff Lodge
Binghams Road
Harcourt VIC 3453
AUSTRALIA
054 74 2291


Stain Bernard Breed Specialist Assoc.
B. Chadwick
20 Ibis Pl
High Wycombe WA 6057
AUSTRALIA
09 255 1595

Belgische Sint-Bernard Club
Mr. Joseph Van Hummelen
Leliestraat 12
B-2820 Rijmeham
BELGIUM
015 51 6364

United St Bernard Club
Mrs R J Beaver
The Cricketer's House
80 Ashover Road
Old Tupton, Chesterfield
Derbyshire S42 6HJ
ENGLAND
0246 86 2486

St Bernard Club of France
Chrisian Tessier
La Valoises
Breancon
F 95640 Marines
FRANCE

St Berndard Club of Ireland
Mr Joseph A Moynihan
Ballinamona Lr.,
Old Parish, Co. Waterford
IRELAND
058 46 239

St Bernhards Club of Germany
Wolfgang Ketzler
LessingstraBe 35
5012 Bedburg
GERMANY
0 2272 3760

North Island St Bernard Assoc
Mrs Catherine Tippett
19 Barrett Road
New Plymouth
NEW ZEALAND
06 751 1494

Bernhardinerna Sweden
Anita Eriksson
Rasbokil Kolinge
755 95 Uppsala
SWEDEN
018 35 1158

Schweizerischer St Bernhards Club
Swiss St Bernard Club
Peter Buckingham
Kobelwies 1231
9463 Oberriet
SWITZERLAND
071 78 2208