Description: The Saint Bernard is a affectionate and gentle breed, and a highly rated member of the Working group. A dog that's devoted to its family members and always aims to please, and a breed that's great with children, and easy to train.

History Of The Saint Bernard: The roots of the Saint Bernard are believed to date back to great Roman Molossian dogs. Although, it wasn't until the 1600's that these dogs established itself as a life safer.

It was at that time the Saint Bernard first arrived at the St. Bernard Hospice - a refuge camp for those traveling to Switzerland and Germany. Early duties of these dogs were to pull carts and act as watchdogs. It did not take long for Monks to notice that these dogs where gifted at tracking lost travelers in the icy mountains.

The Saint Bernard was soon renowned for finding lost people quickly. If a traveler were found to be lying on a track these dogs would lick their face to aid in warming and reviving them. This was a valuable service depended on for three centuries. It's believed that over 2000 individuals were saved at the hands of a Saint Bernard. These dogs where to be known by a variety of names, on common one was 'Hospice Dog'.

It was in the early 1800's that the number of Saint Bernard's significantly dropped. Disease and inbreeding resulted in a lot of these dogs dying, also treacherous weather conditions where also a problem for these dogs. For those dogs that remained, a breeding program was put in place to cross with Newfoundland’s throughout the 1830's.

The resulting breed was a long-haired variation of the St. Bernard. Although, the long coat often hindered these animals when the coats long strands would freeze as its traveled in snow.

The St. Bernard's made there way to England in 1810, and known at that time as a 'Sacred Dog'. Later in 1860's the breed was common place and had its name altered to Saint Bernard.

Saint Bernard Care: Exercise for these dogs is several walks on a leash and time for playing and games in a secure yard to remain content and healthy. It's often best to allow these dogs a lot of time to roam outside, even as a puppy.

These dogs aren't suited to living in hot climates, and in need of all year-round cool weather conditions. Grooming consists of a good brushing once per week, often more when shedding. Drooling is common part of these dogs.

Health Information: Health conditions seen with the Saint Bernard include elbow dysplasia, gastric torsion, entropion, osteosarcoma, CHD, ectropion, seizures, cardiomyopathy, diabetes, OCD, and hot spots. Vets recommend that these dogs are checked for elbow, hip, cardiac, and eye related problems.