Did you know that there are actually two different types of Saint Bernard breeds? While the Saint Bernard is well-known for its large size and gentle nature, many people may not be aware that there are two distinct varieties: the shorthaired and the longhaired. Despite their common ancestry, these breeds have slight differences in appearance, temperament, and grooming needs. In this article, we will explore the variations between these two types of Saint Bernards and help you understand which one may be a better fit for your family.
Origin of the Saint Bernard Breed
Origins in the Swiss Alps
The Saint Bernard breed can trace its origins back to the Swiss Alps, where it was bred for its incredible strength, endurance, and ability to navigate treacherous mountain terrain. The breed’s roots can be traced back to the monks of the Saint Bernard Hospice, a hospice and monastery located in the Great St. Bernard Pass. These monks needed a dog that could assist them in their duties of aiding travelers who were either lost or trapped in the harsh alpine conditions.
Working as Alpine rescue dogs
The Saint Bernard quickly gained a reputation as excellent Alpine rescue dogs due to their size, strength, and intelligence. These gentle giants were trained to search for lost travelers, dig through the snow to create shelter, and even revive those who were freezing by providing warmth and licking their bodies. They were also adept at carrying small supplies and messages in specially designed packs. Through their remarkable rescue missions, the Saint Bernards saved countless lives, earning them the nickname “snowy saviors.”
Standard Saint Bernard Breed
Appearance and size
The standard Saint Bernard breed is known for its impressive size and powerful build. Males typically stand between 27 and 30 inches at the shoulder, while females range from 25 to 28 inches. They have a distinctive broad head with kind, expressive eyes, and medium-sized, drooping ears. Their strong, muscular bodies are covered in a dense, water-resistant double coat that helps them withstand cold temperatures.
Temperament and personality traits
The standard Saint Bernard breed is known for its gentle, patient, and friendly nature. They are incredibly loyal and protective of their families, making them excellent family pets. Despite their large size, they are surprisingly gentle with children and other household pets. Saint Bernards are also known for their patience and tolerance, making them excellent therapy dogs. They have a calm and easygoing demeanor and are naturally inclined to please their owners.
Smooth-Coated Saint Bernard Breed
Distinct features
The smooth-coated Saint Bernard breed, also known as the short-haired Saint Bernard, stands out for its shorter and smoother coat compared to the standard breed. The coat is still dense and water-resistant, but it lacks the longer fur commonly associated with the breed. The smooth-coated Saint Bernards have a sleeker appearance, highlighting their muscular build and well-proportioned bodies.
Differences from the standard breed
While the smooth-coated Saint Bernard shares the same traits and temperament as the standard breed, its shorter coat requires less grooming and maintenance. The absence of longer fur also means they are more comfortable in warmer climates, making them a popular choice in regions with milder weather conditions. Despite the slight variation in appearance, the smooth-coated Saint Bernard retains all the qualities that make the breed so beloved.
Rough-Coated Saint Bernard Breed
Distinct features
The rough-coated Saint Bernard breed, also known as the long-haired Saint Bernard, is characterized by its dense, longer fur that keeps them warm in cold weather conditions. Their luxurious coat provides them with extra protection from the elements, particularly in mountainous regions. The rough-coated Saint Bernards, like their smooth-coated counterparts, boast a well-muscled body and share the same overall appearance.
Differences from the standard breed
Apart from their longer and thicker coats, rough-coated Saint Bernards are otherwise the same as the standard breed in terms of temperament and personality traits. The main difference lies in their grooming needs. The dense, long fur requires regular brushing and occasional trimming to maintain its health and prevent matting. While grooming may be more time-consuming, the beautiful coat of a rough-coated Saint Bernard can be a sight to behold.
Short-Haired Saint Bernard Breed
Distinct features
The short-haired Saint Bernard breed, also known as the smooth-faced Saint Bernard, stands out due to its short muzzle and smaller head compared to the standard breed. The short-haired variety is bred for a more proportional and compact build, giving them a slightly different appearance. Their shorter face and smaller head contribute to a more refined and elegant look.
Differences from the standard breed
While the short-haired Saint Bernard may have a different facial structure and smaller head, they still possess the same temperament and personality traits as the standard breed. Their shorter face may contribute to fewer health issues, including respiratory problems, which can be more common in dogs with longer snouts. The short-haired variety offers a unique twist on the classic Saint Bernard appearance while maintaining the breed’s beloved traits.
Alpine Mastiff Breed
Origin and history
The Alpine Mastiff breed, closely related to the Saint Bernard, shares a similar origin story in the Swiss Alps. These dogs were also developed by the monks of the Saint Bernard Hospice. The Alpine Mastiff breed played a crucial role in the evolution of the Saint Bernard breed, serving as an ancestor to the modern-day Saint Bernards we know today.
Similarities and differences with Saint Bernards
The Alpine Mastiff and the Saint Bernard have many similarities due to their shared ancestry. Both breeds possess the same strength, intelligence, and endurance that allowed them to excel as working dogs in the alpine region. However, there are slight differences in appearance and temperament. Alpine Mastiffs are generally larger and heavier than Saint Bernards and have a more dominant and protective nature. These differences contribute to their distinct breed classification while highlighting their close relationship with the Saint Bernard.
Barry Dogs
First known Saint Bernard-like dogs
The origin of the Saint Bernard breed can be further traced back to the Barry dogs. Barry was a legendary Saint Bernard who lived at the Saint Bernard Hospice in the early 1800s. He gained fame for his remarkable rescue stories and is credited with saving the lives of over 40 individuals. The Barry dogs are considered the direct ancestors of the Saint Bernards we have today, passing down their heroic nature and innate rescue instincts.
Role in the development of the breed
The Barry dogs played a crucial role in the development of the Saint Bernard breed. Their bravery, loyalty, and extraordinary abilities helped shape the breed’s character and purpose. The stories of Barry and his offspring inspired the continued breeding and preservation of the breed for their invaluable contribution to human safety and companionship. Today, the legacy of the Barry dogs lives on as the Saint Bernard breed continues to exemplify the bravery and selflessness of their ancestors.
Breed Development and Preservation
Selective breeding practices
The development and preservation of the Saint Bernard breed involved careful and selective breeding practices. Breeders focused on maintaining the breed’s size, strength, and temperament while also addressing specific characteristics unique to each variety. Generations of breeding efforts allowed the breed to consistently exhibit the desired traits, ensuring the continuation of their important role as rescue dogs and beloved family pets.
Efforts to preserve the breed’s original purpose
Throughout history, efforts were made to preserve the original purpose of the Saint Bernard breed as Alpine rescue dogs. Despite technological advancements in rescue techniques, the breed’s unique abilities and natural instincts are still valued. Many organizations continue to train and utilize Saint Bernards in search and rescue operations, keeping the breed connected to its original vocation while also providing them with versatile roles beyond their traditional duties.
Recognition and Breed Standards
International Kennel Club recognition
The Saint Bernard breed gained recognition by international kennel clubs, solidifying their status as a distinct breed. Organizations such as the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) and the American Kennel Club (AKC) acknowledge the breed’s importance and contribution to society. This recognition ensures the breed’s adherence to specific standards and regulations set forth by these reputable organizations.
Breed standards and traits required for show dogs
To maintain the breed’s integrity and standardization, kennel clubs have established specific breed standards that dictate the ideal appearance and temperament of a Saint Bernard. These standards outline details such as size, coat color and texture, head shape, and overall structure. Show dogs are carefully evaluated against these standards, ensuring that breeders strive to maintain the breed’s unique qualities.
Popularity and Ownership
Global popularity as family pets
The Saint Bernard’s gentle and friendly nature has made it a popular choice as a family pet around the world. Their loyal and protective instincts, combined with their inherent sweetness, make them excellent companions for households of all sizes. Many families are drawn to their gentle temperament and their ability to get along well with children and other pets. This breed’s popularity as a family pet extends far beyond their original role as rescue dogs.
Considerations for Saint Bernard ownership
While the Saint Bernard’s affectionate nature and loyalty make them a desirable breed, potential owners must consider a few important factors. Due to their large size, they require ample space for exercise and must be provided with a balanced diet to maintain a healthy weight. Saint Bernards also have a tendency to drool and shed, and their grooming needs can be demanding, especially for those with long coats. Additionally, their strong protective instincts mean they require consistent training and socialization from an early age. With proper care and attention, however, owning a Saint Bernard can be a rewarding and enriching experience.