St. Bernard - description of the breed and character of the dog

Anyone who dreams that next to him was always a reliable faithful friend, should pay attention to St. Bernard. These large animals have a great degree of affection, kindness, and other similar feelings. Such animals are characterized by boundless feelings of kindness and devotion. Suffice it to recall such a film as “Beethoven,” and much immediately becomes clear.

Description, history and general characteristics

These dogs deserve a lot of respect. This circumstance is explained by the fact that they have an extremely kind heart and high IQs. The dogs are naturally given rescue skills, which makes it possible to call them real heroes of our time. St. Bernards are distinguished by good wit and prudence. If you look into the eyes of a dog, then involuntarily it seems that a dog in a second will give out something clever that will make the owner wonder and admire.

Historical roots send a user who is interested in these representatives in the 11th century to the lands of Switzerland. For the first time such dogs appeared in the walls of the monastery of St. Bernard. This, in fact, explains their name. The predecessors of the breed are considered Molossian dogs, which were imported by Roman legionaries. Naturally, the crossing did not take place without the participation of local dogs. The result was this wonderful breed with excellent rescue qualities.

Animals in the monastery lived for a reason, they acted as guards. Travelers often rested in this monastery. But getting here was not easy. The road went through the pass, which often lurked danger in the form of an avalanche. Sometimes she unexpectedly laid a person going to the monastery. For their search and rescue and used these dogs. To find a wanderer in trouble dogs could due to the presence of acute instinct.

This ability of dogs was quickly adopted by monks, who began to use dogs to rescue travelers in trouble. Warm and thick skin did not allow dogs to freeze in cold conditions.

Public interest began to manifest itself only towards the end of the 19th century. It was at this time that they started breeding "pure" breed. Currently, St. Bernards are used in the following cases:

• Guide-dog.
• Rescuer.
• Watchman.

In spite of the fact that there is no exact data on the origin of this dog, there is more adherence to the version that their participles correlate with Roman molossi. History shows that such dogs existed already in the times of the Bronze Age. At a time when the Roman Empire reigned supreme, these dogs interbred with those that were in the Apennines. This led to the purification of the breed.The guard dog was different from the one that was meant to feed. And this, in turn, had differences from the hunters. The mountains of Switzerland have become the place where this dog began to be used as a special subspecies.

It is difficult to accurately calculate how many lives managed to save this dog during the entire existence of the shelter. In those days, it was possible to observe a large number of robbers. The dog was a reliable guard from them.

It is noteworthy that the club of supporters of this breed was founded only in 1900. But the work on selection in relation to this breed was actively carried out long before that.

With its large size and decent physical strength, St. Bernard has a very good endurance. These dogs by nature have an extremely sharp nose. There are even cases when a dog predicted an approaching avalanche.

Breed differs pronounced prudence. Obviously not for her to make an empty meaningless movement. To train a pet delivers pleasure. They are very well amenable to training. But the animal does not tolerate ill-treatment. If you practice it in classes, you will never see the expected result.If you approach the pet with a soul, he will certainly respond in the same way. The dog shows amazing thrift against children. Such an animal will be a true friend to all family members, without exception.

External data

When they begin to describe any breed of dog, they always start with the overall dimensions:

1. In males growth reaches 70 cm. But more than 90 it should not be.
2. In bitches, this indicator is more modest in size (up to 80 cm maximum).
3. Body weight must be at least 70 kg. This parameter is a requirement of international canine standards.

Currently, you can meet representatives whose weight is more than 100 kg. Dogs have a large and strong physique. Life expectancy of dogs of this breed does not exceed 10 years. They often have a natural atavism in the form of the third century. It is a permanent source of eye infection. Therefore, it should be deleted.

Separately, you should consider the characteristics of the head:

• It has a large size.
• The bulge of the forehead on closer examination is marked by the presence of characteristic wrinkles.
• Strong skull is marked by the presence of a wide face.
• There is a somewhat inflated location of the cheekbones.
• The eyelids are wet.
• Marked proximity of the eyes in relation to the nose.
• On a wide nose are flat nostrils.
• On a short muzzle there is a somewhat blunt bridge of nose.
• Eyes have a black border. The same color nose.

The description of the breed can be supplemented with the following characteristics:

1. Ears of small size, with medium length, hang.
2. The head is located on a powerful and strong neck. It is covered with wool to form a characteristic collar.
3. The back is wide with steep loins. The ribs have distinct outlines.
4. Closer to the base, the tail widens.
5. Paws are characterized by massiveness with the location of the vaulted toes.
6. In the color of the standard allows any ginger shade.
7. Wool is soft, has a thick undercoat.
8. Saint Bernards are phlegmatic. The training takes a lot of time. This is especially true of their professional profile.

Content, rules of care, health

For such dogs requires careful care:

1. If a representative has short hair, then it is necessary to comb it 1-2 times a week.Dogs with long hair are combed every day.
2. For brushing, a brush with a stiff bristle is used.
3. At a time when the animal sheds, combing the dog is required more often.
4. The animal should take water procedures as it needs it.
5. After walking, the dog must wash its paws.
6. Do not forget about cleaning the ears and teeth of a pet.
7. It is necessary to wipe the eyes with a wet wipe. Do it every day. In the presence of purulent discharge should contact the veterinary clinic.
8. After the pet has had dinner, it is necessary to wipe its face.

These dogs have their own specific features:

1. The dog is capable of drooling. In this regard, even the Bulldogs are not competitors to the St. Bernards.
2. The eyes of such dogs is always a weak spot. They are constantly watery. They require that they are constantly looked after and cleaned.

3. Dogs are prone to gaining extra pounds. Therefore, the dog can not overfeed and create her conditions for adequate physical exertion.

Despite the relatively large size, allowed home maintenance of dogs. St. Bernards need constant walks through the city.Young dogs are extremely playful. Walking the dog, you can not forbid them enough to frolic. Otherwise, you can face damage to the interior of the apartment. Puppies are weaned from mothers up to one month old. They grow up quickly, but only in terms of the physical. In the shower, they continue to be children for a long time. A dog can be considered an adult only when it reaches the age of 1.5 years.

Initially, in the diet of a puppy present ordinary food. If weaning was sharp, then a little milk should be added to fermented milk products. At the time of purchase should ask about whether the puppy was de-wormed and whether vaccinations were performed.

The St. Bernard should get used to the new environment. At first she will scare him. It is necessary to prepare for everything, even the worst in connection with the appearance of a dog in the house. If he has spoiled any thing, it is not worth scolding him, but it is better to explain that it is impossible to do so. If the owner does this, then the dog will see the tutor and friend in it.

It is necessary to determine the place. It should be a warm corner, even close to the master's bed.Better in the hallway do not make the dog a permanent place. It is always drafts and noisy tramp that will give the puppy some inconvenience. If the puppy of necessity remains in the house alone, then it is recommended to remove valuable things away. Well, if it is left on the radio.

From a very young age, a puppy is trained to a nickname. It should not be in the singular. Let it be more gentle names. As soon as the dog starts to grow up, various commands are entered into the training. Training must begin at home. Then gradually training classes are transferred to the street. Good socialization for the dog is the main condition in this regard.

Nutrition

Feed the dog must be natural products, but you can use dry food. The best in this regard is the Magnusson dog food. This product contains enough vitamins necessary for the animal. There is a direct connection between what the dog is fed and its health. Proper nutrition should be organized not only for an adult dog, but also puppies. What method to use for feeding a dog is chosen by its owner.From the second month you can give milk to your pet. A little later, it is replaced with ryazhenka and kefir. From childhood you need to teach the dog to vegetables, but potatoes should not be given. Diet involves feeding twice. Better to do it at the same time.

If the diet consists of natural products, you can give the following types:

1. A significant part in the diet is given to raw meat. It is preferable to give beef or veal. Unlike pork, it is better absorbed by the dog's body. An adult individual should eat at least 500 grams of meat daily. In principle, you can give any meat, but with regard to pork, you must be extremely careful. It is better if the meat is boiled. With raw meat you can bring worms.
2. In the diet it is allowed to use offal, but they can be given to the dog only in boiled form. A lamb's stomach will be good for the dog. It has a positive effect on the digestive processes. By the way, it can be given even raw. Care should be taken with the kidneys and the udder because they contain excess fat. In the diet should be present varieties, mostly fat-free meat.Useful in this regard bude boiled scar, heart.
3. Indispensable in the diet is fish. It is an important source of protein. The best option would be when the meat alternates with fish. It is necessary to arrange fish days 2-3 times a week. In its raw form, you can only give sea fish. River product should be boiled.
4. Bones and cartilage must also be introduced into the diet. Their mineral composition is represented by calcium in large quantities. Enough in them and vitamins.
5. Of dairy products, preference should be given to cottage cheese.
6. Vegetable products are best given raw.

Puppy food

It is slightly different from what an adult dog is fed:

1. At a time when the puppy is growing, he can eat more milk and cottage cheese than an adult dog.
2. Meat products are cut into small pieces before giving them to the puppy. They can be given with water or porridges. It is required to give a moderate amount of porridge. The excess of such dishes in the diet will lead to the fact that the dog will quickly gain excess weight.
3. Add egg yolk to the diet. But this must be done carefully.We should not forget that it is possible the occurrence of allergic reactions.
4. In the morning it is better for a puppy to give cottage cheese with an egg or milk porridge.
5. Fruit can be given as a treat. Vegetables are offered overnight.

Upbringing

The dog has stunning self-control and willingness to obey around the owner. If the dog understands that the family loves her and she is dear to her, then the dog will certainly reveal all his talents with full force. You should never put it on a chain and scold. This can lose the dog of any confidence.

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