For some people, large and skillful dogs are attractive, especially for those who rely on canine companions to help them in their job. Such large breeds are known for their powerful physique and tough characteristic. Most of the time, they are used as guard dogs since they could easily intimidate intruders, mainly because of their strong appearance.
A perfect example of a large and powerful breed is Saint Bernard. This breed is famous around the globe for its massive body and excellent qualities. However, don’t be deceived by its intimidating looks; Saint Bernard is a clear definition of a man’s best friend. Besides its large body, this dog is known for having a playful nature. Plus its adorable looks, Saint Bernard is a true dog lover’s delight. It may have been known as a hard-working dog, but it also gains recognition for its irresistible charms. Many dog lovers admire this breed not only for its large body; its affectionate nature also works great as a dog lover magnet.
If you are looking for a strong, charming, and massive dog, Saint Bernard is a breed that might spark your interests. In this article, we are going to look into the incredible characteristics and origins of the playful giant: Saint Bernard.
Origins of the Saint Bernard
Despite the breed’s popularity, Saint Bernard’s origins are quite unclear until today. Speculations state that this breed originated hundreds of years ago in the cold ranges in the Alps. A monk named Bernard of Menthon was responsible for building a hospice on the snowy pass of the mountain range, wherein it focused on helping pilgrims traveling to Rome. The hospice was a significant help to travelers since traveling across the freezing pass is quite dangerous. It is prone to accidents, mainly because of the thick snow and avalanches.
To further help the travelers on their journey, the hospice monks developed powerful dogs to work in the field. Years of development took place in the snowy region, hoping to create a breed that is capable of working in the freezing temperatures of the mountain. The dog’s primary job is to locate and rescue travelers buried under thick layers of snow. It is believed that hospice monks’ work led to the creation of Saint Bernard: a large and powerful dog capable of working in the extreme climate on the Alps.
Today, Saint Bernard is known for these great traits. This breed earned a solid reputation as a working dog, mainly working in cold climates. Besides its robust features, Saint Bernard gained further recognition as an excellent companion – thanks to its playful and affectionate nature.
Characteristics of Saint Bernard
Height: 26 – 30 inches
Weight: 120 – 180 pounds
Life Expectancy: 8 – 10 years
Hypoallergenic: No
Just by looking at Saint Bernard, you could quickly tell that it is a tough dog. Its body size showcases a powerful appearance; it could stand up to more than thirty inches tall and weighs up to nearly two hundred pounds. This incredible size of Saint Bernard allows it to work effectively in the field, especially in cold climates.
Moreover, Saint Bernard possesses incredible qualities that make it more interesting. This dog is known for its adorable looks; it has a huge head, wrinkled brow, short muzzle, and deep dark eyes. These features are what attract dog lovers, especially those who are fans of massive and muscular dogs. Besides the breed’s large body, Saint Bernard also has a beautiful and thick coat covering it. Its coat comes in a brown and white pattern on its body, along with a dark brown mask on its head.
Interestingly, Saint Bernard is a breed of pure greatness. Because of its excellent traits, it is no wonder this breed is known to be among the most popular dogs around the globe. As mentioned earlier, this dog has built its reputation as an exceptional working dog. It works hard in the field with the help of its strong and large body. Furthermore, intelligence is another trait of this dog, making it capable of working in other canine tasks. Despite being known as a substantial working dog, many people admire Saint Bernard for its playful and affectionate nature – making it an excellent family companion, even with children.