Is a large guard dog breed. Since ancient times, it has been known to everyone as a rescue dog. She inherited her enormous height from her ancestors, in whose veins the blood of Tibetan Mastiffs and Great Danes flowed. The breed received its name in honor of the monastery of St. Bernard, located in the Swiss Alps. The story goes that in the eleventh century, the monk Bernard created a shelter for weary travelers.
St. Bernard photo of a lifeguard with a barrel on his neck
It was located on the Great Saint Bernard Pass, at an altitude of about 2472 meters. Due to strong winds, the danger of avalanches, steep cliffs and transitions, this is a very difficult and dangerous area for travelers. Local dogs were kept at the monastery, with thick skins and thick hairs that protected them from snow and frost. They were famous for their unusually keen sense of smell and the ability to find people affected by avalanches. In those days, St. Bernard outwardly was very different from today's beloved "Beethoven", the hero of the film of the same name. The breed is not so massive, which allowed it to move more actively.
The most famous was the St. Bernard named "Barry", he was able to find in the snow and save the lives of 40 people. Once he found a little boy in the snow and carried him five kilometers to the monastery. On March 15, 1884, the Swiss St. Bernard Club was founded in Basel. On June 2, 1887, the St. Bernard was officially recognized as a Swiss breed, and the standard was declared mandatory. Thoroughbred breeding was started at the end of the twentieth century. Today the St. Bernard is increasingly used as a guard or companion dog.
Description of the Saint Bernard breed and FCI standard
- Country of origin: Switzerland.
- Purpose: companion, guard and farm dog.
- FCI classification: Group 2 (Pinschers and Schnauzers, Molossos, Swiss Shepherd Dogs and other breeds). Section 2.2 (Molossian type dogs, Mountain Cattle dogs). No working tests.
- General view: St. Bernard is of two types:
- Shorthaired
- Longhaired
- Important proportions:
- the ratio of height at withers to length of body (measured from the point of the shoulder to the point of the buttock) is ideally 9:10.
- the depth of the sternum is almost equal to half the height at the withers.
- the ratio of muzzle depth to muzzle length is almost 2: 1.
- the length of the muzzle is slightly more than one third of the total length of the head.
- Behavior / Temperament: welcoming, friendly and very alert.
- Head: powerful, impressive, expressive.
- Skull: Strong, broad, slightly rounded when viewed from the side and from the front. When alert or agitated, the base of the ears and the top of the skull form a straight line that merges into a smooth, curved line at the sides and then slopes down to the high, well-developed cheekbones. The forehead line merges into the muzzle in a short, steep arc. The occipital protuberance is moderately developed, the superciliary arches are very strongly developed. From the base of the forehead, through the middle of the skull, there is a deep, noticeably pronounced frontal groove. On the forehead, above the eyes, small, slightly visible folds converge towards the frontal groove. When alert, folds become more visible.
- Stop (transition from forehead to muzzle): well expressed.
- Nose: The nose is black, large, square in shape with wide open nostrils.
- Muzzle: Broad along its entire length, without tapering towards the nose. The bridge of the nose is straight, with a slight groove.
- Lips: The edges of the lips are pigmented black. The lips of the upper jaw are thick, dense, not too pendulous, forming a wide bend towards the nose. The corners of the lips remain visible.
- Jaws / Teeth: Jaws strong, broad, of equal length. Correct scissor or pincer bite. Undershot without retreat is allowed, as well as the absence of first premolars and / or third molars.
- Eyes: Medium in size, not set too deeply, dark brown to hazel-colored eyes. The expression in the eyes is friendly. The eyelids fit snugly. A slight angulation of the lower eyelid with a slightly visible conjunctiva and a slight crease in the upper eyelid are acceptable. The edges of the eyelids should be completely pigmented.
- Ears: Set on high and well apart with well developed cartilage. Medium in size, soft, triangular in shape. The ends of the ears are rounded. The front edge of the ears is close to the cheekbones, the rear edge is slightly raised.
- Neck: Good length, strong and well muscled. The dewlap on the neck is moderately developed.
- Body: Impressive, well proportioned, well muscled.
- Withers: Well defined.
- Back: broad and strong. The topline is straight and horizontal to the loin.
- Croup: Long, slightly sloping, blending smoothly to the root of the tail.
- Chest: Moderately deep, ribs well sprung, but not barrel-shaped. Should not fall below elbow level.
- Belly and underline: The abdomen is slightly tucked up towards the ischial tuberosity.
- Tail: Long, wide and thick at the base. The last vertebra reaches the hock. In a calm state, the tail is lowered down or slightly curled up in the last third; in an alert state, it raises it higher.
- Front limbs: straight and parallel when viewed from the front, rather wide apart.
- Shoulders: Sloping, well muscled, lying close to the ribcage.
- Shoulders: Longer than the shoulder blades. The angle between the shoulder blade and the shoulder is not too obtuse.
- Elbows: Fit well. They look straight back, not turned in or out.
- Forearm: Straight, strong bone and lean muscles.
- Pasterns: Seen from the front, vertical, extending from the forearms; when viewed from the side, they are slightly oblique.
- Front feet: Broad. The toes are tight, arched. The pads are elastic. Strong nails.
- Hind limbs: muscular, with moderate angulation. Seen from the rear, they are parallel and set wide apart.
- Upper thigh: Strong, muscular and broad.
- Knee joints: prominently angled, turned neither in nor out.
- Lower thigh: Sloping, rather long.
- Hock joints: with moderate angles.
- Metatarsus: Straight, parallel when viewed from behind.
- Hind feet: Broad, with strong arched toes. Dewclaws are allowed provided they do not interfere with movement. The paw pads are elastic. Strong nails.
- Gait / Movement: movements are harmonious with a wide lunge of the forelegs and good drive from the hindquarters, while the back remains straight and strong. The front and hind limbs move in a straight line.
- Coat:
- The short-haired St. Bernard has a double coat: the guard hair is dense, smooth, close-fitting, coarse. The undercoat is abundant. There are slight feathering on the thighs. The tail is covered with dense, fluffy thick hair.
- Long-haired St. Bernard: guard hair of medium length, straight, plentiful undercoat. On the muzzle and ears, the hair is short; above the hips and on the croup, usually slightly wavy; feathering on the forelimbs, "pants" on the thighs. The tail is fluffy, densely covered with hair.
- Height Weight:
Dogs of both species have an impressive size, balanced, strong and muscular body, large head and lively expressive eyes.
Photo of St. Bernard at their summer cottage
In the photo, a powerful and loyal St. Bernard
Height at withers:
- Males min. 70 cm - max. 90 cm
- Bitches min. 65 cm - max. 80 cm
Dogs exceeding the maximum height are not penalized if the excess does not violate the proportions of the structure and the correctness of movement.
- Weakly expressed sexual type
- Disproportionate physique
- Short-legged
- Severely pronounced large folds on the head and neck
- Shortened or elongated muzzle
- Too loose lips of the lower jaw
- Missing teeth other than first premolars and / or third molars, small teeth (especially incisors)
- Minor undershot
- Light eyes
- Damp eyelids
- Saggy or hunched back
- Croup too high (above the level of the withers) or too sloping croup
- Tail wrapped around the back
- Lack of required markings
- Crooked forearms
- Insufficient hind angulation, hind limbs with insufficiently fixed or close hocks
- Wrong movements
- Curly wool
- Poorly pigmented nose, areas around the nose, lips, or eyelids
- Deviations from the basic coat color, for example, red spots or specks in areas with a mandatory white color
- Cowardice, aggressiveness
- Overshot, pronounced undershot
- Belmo
- Ectropy, entropy
- Completely white or completely red coat color (no background color)
- Wool of any other color
- Height at withers below minimum
- Clearly showing physical or behavioral impairment will be disqualified.
N.B .: Male animals should have two normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.
Saint Bernard color
Little St. Bernard puppy - photo on the grass
The main color of the St. Bernard is white with reddish-brown markings. Markings vary in size from reddish brown to light brown. On the back and sides, the presence of a solid or “torn” reddish-brown “cloak” is encouraged; on the head, a dark edging is desirable. Fawn with brindle and brownish yellow colors are permissible. Small blotches of black on the case are not considered a defect. On the chest, paws, on the tip of the tail, on the muzzle and on the neck, there are obligatory white markings.
Desirable markings: white collar and a symmetrical dark mask on the muzzle.
Saint Bernard character
The St. Bernard is an intelligent breed that always strives to please its owner. It lends itself well to training, and definitely needs training from a puppy's age. Given the size and strength of an adult pet, he must obey you, and obey from the first word.
By nature, St. Bernards are silent, which, in principle, is characteristic of many representatives of large breeds. The voice gives out when absolutely necessary, if it barks, pay attention and find out the cause of the concern. Although they are very sluggish, this is more than compensated for by their enormous strength and excellent scent. He is infinitely loyal to the owner and loves family members without exception. They really need to communicate with people, fall into depression when left alone for a long time. Get along well with different pets.
They love children and love to play with them. Families with small children should definitely be careful. Due to its large size, it can inadvertently harm the child. It is famous for its excellent orientation in space, it can easily find its way home.
Not suitable for keeping in a city apartment, due to its large size. For him, content in a country house and a spacious aviary are better suited.
If you decide to buy a St. Bernard, remember that he needs moderate physical activity and obligatory walks in any weather. Likes to walk a lot and spend hours in the fresh air. He does not need to run and jump a lot, sometimes it is enough just to calmly walk in the park.
St. Bernard care and maintenance
St. Bernard poses for a photo
Caring for St. Bernard is not very difficult, but time consuming. The dog is large and, accordingly, the hygiene procedures will take time.
Brush 2-3 times a week with a long-toothed comb or comb and then a slicker. First, comb it out after the growth of wool, and then, against the direction of its growth. The longer and softer hair behind the ears, on the neck, underside of the chest, tail and thighs is combed out especially carefully.
Combing begins from the neck area, then gradually moves to the sides, chest, limbs and at the end the tail is combed out. The tail hair is parted in the middle and then combed out on each side. The matted wool is carefully disassembled by hand, the treated area of the wool is thoroughly combed. Thistles or thorns are combed out in the same way.
Be sure to keep the pet's resting place clean: 1-2 times a week, vacuum the bedding or lounger, wash them as it gets dirty. Wipe the floor under the lounger regularly with a damp cloth. During the shedding period, the St. Bernard's wool will have to be combed out every day with a furminator or a slicker in order to quickly remove dead hair. Many breeders practice blowing the dead wool with a compressor.
Bathing is necessary rarely, 2 times a year or, if necessary, with a mild neutral shampoo for dogs. After bathing, apply a nourishing balm to the coat. Frequent washing with detergents removes the fatty film from the hair, which protects the wool from moisture and cold penetration. In addition, the hair loses its elasticity, becomes dull and brittle.
- In summer, St. Bernards love to swim in open reservoirs, but after water procedures, be sure to rinse your pet's fur with clean water to wash off river plankton.
- In winter, he will gladly tumble in the snow and thus perfectly cleans his fluffy fur coat. The only thing to be wary of is snow sprinkled with reagents.
After walking in rainy weather, wipe the body, stomach and tail of the St. Bernard with a damp towel. Wash paws with water without using detergent.
Since the St. Bernard is a large breed with a thick coat, bathing and drying it is a very laborious process, breeders practice dry cleaning (dry shampoo or talcum powder). Sprinkle dry shampoo on the dog's dry coat and rub it in until it hits the skin. Then the powder is carefully combed out, which has attracted dirt, sebum and loose hair. But remember, dry cleaning is never a substitute for washing.
Always wipe the face of the St. Bernard with a damp towel after eating to remove food debris that causes an unpleasant odor. The breed is drooling, so a rag to wipe the muzzle will be needed not only after eating, but throughout the whole day. If you are a proud owner, you will need non-wet wipes or diapers, especially for guests. The St. Bernard loves to rest his head on his knees (we remember they slobber) and as a responsible breeder and hospitable host, you must always be prepared to avoid incidents.
White-red St. Bernard, photo on the lawn
The eyes of a healthy St. Bernard are clean, shiny, without watery eyes and sourness. Small gray lumps in the corners of the eyes in the morning are acceptable, thus the eyes are cleared of dust. For prevention, wipe the dog's eyes once a week with chamomile decoction. Each eye is rubbed with a separate piece of soft cloth (lint-free), from the outer corner to the inner corner.
The folds under the eyes are also regularly cleaned of eye discharge. The copious accumulation of tears and secretions will lead to the formation of pus. If the eyes are clean, it is better not to touch them, but it is necessary to regularly examine them. Clean regularly in the booth or aviary, dirt, dust and wool are strong allergens. Noticing profuse souring, lacrimation, swelling of the eyelids, be sure to contact your veterinarian, St. Bernard is prone to eye diseases and improper treatment ends quite sadly.
Brush your teeth 2-3 times a week with a toothpaste for dogs with a brush. Be sure to include in your diet solid foods that mechanically remove plaque during chewing, and fresh tomatoes also prevent the appearance of tartar.
The St. Bernard's ears are poorly ventilated because they fit snugly against the head. They need to be examined 1-2 times a week in order to notice changes in time and prevent the development of infection. Veterinarians recommend plucking the fur inside the ear canal to allow fresh air to enter. This simple procedure is done with your fingers (every day, pluck a little wool from the ear canal so that the dog does not feel discomfort) or cut with blunt-ended scissors.
Another way to get some fresh air into your ear is to wave your ears like a butterfly's wings and the ear will be ventilated.
Once a week, wipe the auricle with a damp cloth to remove dust and wax. Healthy St. Bernard ear with a pleasant pink color without excess sulfur and unpleasant odor. If you notice a rash, skin redness, excess sulfur, liquid, or an unpleasant odor, be sure to contact your veterinarian.
Trim the nails once a month with a nail clipper for large breeds. Too long claws break, spoil the gait and cause discomfort when walking.
Inspect paws regularly. Always check your paw pads after walking for injuries, splinters or cracks. Treat all wounds with an antiseptic, and in order to avoid cracking, rub vegetable oil into the pads and be sure to include it in the diet of your St. Bernard (sea buckthorn, olive, flaxseed, etc.). The oil improves skin condition and elasticity. The hair on the paws and between the toes is cut to prevent tangles that interfere with walking.
Given the large size of the St. Bernard, teach him to hygiene from a puppy age, otherwise you will not cope with an adult. Combs, brushes, nail clippers and other tools should be in a place where pets are constantly located. The puppy will get used to their smell, and will not be afraid in the future.
After any procedure, always praise your St. Bernard and treat him to a treat.
- Fleas cause itching, allergic reactions and worms if the dog swallows them while biting.
- Ticks pose a great threat not only to health, but also to the life of St. Bernard. The ixodid tick is a carrier of piroplasmosis (babesiosis), a deadly disease for dogs.
Symptoms of piroplasmosis:
- High body temperature (above 39 degrees)
- Apathy, lethargy
- Refusal to eat and drink
- Red-brown urine
- Hind legs give up
- Yellow whites of the eyes
Noticing this, immediately seek help from a veterinarian, only a specialist will be able to diagnose and prescribe the correct treatment in order to save the health, and most importantly, the life of your pet.
Today, the product market offers a large selection of flea and tick remedies for dogs:
- Drops on the withers
- Collar
- Spray
- Tablets
Before choosing any drug, consult your veterinarian which is best for your St. Bernard, given his weight, health and age.
Rescue dog waiting for the command
Walking: Unfortunately, St. Bernards are prone to dysplasia. Therefore, the right walks are as important for them as the correct diet. Do not allow a puppy to walk up the stairs until three months old, if you live in a high-rise building, you will have to take it for a walk in your arms. With constant walking up the stairs, the front limbs that have not yet become strong will bend. The larger and heavier the puppy, the more susceptible it is. He can independently climb the stairs after three months. If you live in a private house, it will be useful for her to spend time outdoors, but you should gradually accustom her to the street.
- St Bernard puppy walks should be started from 5-10 minutes and every day they are increased by several minutes. With a puppy up to six months of age, they walk 4-5 times a day, then you can teach them to walk 3 times a day. Walking the puppy is necessary so that it receives ultraviolet light for proper growth.
- Walks for a grown-up and an adult St. Bernard are long 1.5 -3 hours and moderately active, with elements of training, games, walking and educational process, the main thing is the absence of exhausting and exhausting exercises.
In the city, walk the dog on a leash, and from puppyhood, gradually train it to the muzzle if you are going to walk in crowded places. He is not afraid of rain, snow and wind, the St. Bernard is perfectly adapted to different weather conditions and feels great, tumbling in the snow.
In the summer, in extreme heat, protect the St. Bernard from overheating. It is recommended to walk with St. Bernard in the morning before 12 noon and in the evening after 5 hours, when the heat is less noticeable. If you have your own garden in which the St. Bernard loves to walk, be sure to build a shelter for the dog to rest in the shade. It is recommended to take a walk before feeding, both in the morning and in the evening. The dog needs to rest after eating for normal digestion.
A harness is suitable for a St. Bernard puppy for a walk, it is easy to adjust and a tarpaulin or leather leash. An adult St. Bernard is put on a collar (leather or tarpaulin or a snatch chain) and a leash, respectively, strong (tarpaulin, leather) 1.5-3 m in length. You will also need a leash-walker 0.25-0.50 cm long for hiking in crowded places (veterinary clinic, shop, etc.).
Toys: Provide the pet with toys for dogs: balls, bones for chewing from veins, bones from ropes and toys made of dense rubber, otherwise everything that it gets to will eat or nibble. But some toys will not be enough, St. Bernard needs constant communication with people. They need to practice and take time like their own child, play, teach commands and educate.
St. Bernards, like most dogs of large breeds, mature for a long time, up to two years of age this is a large child, although in appearance it is a huge fully formed dog. If you are a busy person and do not intend to devote a lot of time, consider choosing another, less problematic breed.
St. Bernard disease
- Bloating
- Osteosarcoma
- Congenital deafness
- Epilepsy
- Extended cardiomyopathy
- Pyoderma
- Lymphosarcoma
- Hip dysplasia
- Elbow dysplasia
- Dislocated patella
- Cranial cruciate ligament rupture
- Turn of the century
- Eversion of the century
- Cherry eye
- Cataract
St. Bernard video
Popular love for these phlegmatic giants began to wane as soon as the film "Beethoven" disappeared from the Russian screens, the title character of which was St. Bernard.
History of the breed
The homeland of the dog of St. Bernard (Chien du Saint-Bernard) is considered the Swiss Alps, where the Catholic monk Bernard erected a shelter for wandering. The ancestors of the St. Bernards are often called the Tibetan Great Danes, mated at one time with mastiffs. Great Danes were brought to the European continent (first to Ancient Greece, and then to Ancient Rome) by the legendary Alexander the Great.
The first breeders of St. Bernards were monks who bred dogs right in the monastery monastery. The latter (thanks to their thick skin and fur) were not afraid of the cold and were endowed with a sharp nose, which helped to quickly find a person under the snow and even predict an imminent avalanche. The dimensions turned the dog into a living heating pad - he lay down next to the unfortunate, warming him until the rescuers arrived.
The St. Bernards began to rescue travelers from the snow captivity from about the 17th century, facilitating the work of monks who were forced to periodically leave their cells to look for and dig up unlucky travelers. The shelter stood on a steep pass, where rocks often crumbled and avalanches came down, so the St. Bernards had a lot of work. The delivery of provisions was also part of the duties, which was facilitated by their size and good nature.
Alas, at the dawn of the century before last, most of the shelter dogs died due to an unknown disease. Restoring the livestock, the monks crossed the remaining representatives of the breed with, but the experiment failed.
Puppies, who looked more spectacular than their short-haired counterparts, completely lost their working qualities: snow adhered to the long hair, the coat got wet and covered with an ice crust. True, the shaggy St. Bernards came in handy below, where they began to carry out guard duty, and the short-haired remained on the mountain passes.
In 1884, a fan club of the breed was founded with headquarters in Basel (Switzerland), and after 3 years the St. Bernards acquired their own standard and appeared in the breed register.
In the Soviet Union, St. Bernard's dogs were seen only after the Great Patriotic War, when several selected producers arrived here from Germany. At first, they were used as additional blood when crossing, having received, for example, the Moscow sentry. The revival of the breed in the Russian Federation began with the creation of the National Club of St. Bernard fans (1996), which united breeding nurseries and regional clubs. It was they who took up the development / improvement of the breed, at the same time returning it to its former glory.
Description of St. Bernard
Today, 2 types of St. Bernards are recognized - short-haired and long-haired. Both are massive and large in size, have a down-muscled body and an imposing head.
Appearance
Saint Bernard is required to maintain a harmonious physique with impressive height and weight (at least 70 kg). The larger the size of the dog, the better: females should fit within the 65-80 cm range, and males between 70 cm and 90 cm. However, animals that outgrow the recommended frames are not penalized at shows if they have the correct proportions and movements. ...
Breed standards
Head
The expressive head, whose forehead merges abruptly into the muzzle, is slightly more than 1/3 of the height at the withers in length. Developed superciliary arches and a moderately pronounced occiput. The skin on the forehead forms slight folds above the eyes, which become more noticeable with arousal.
The ears are of medium size and set wide and high. On a short, wide muzzle that does not taper towards the end of the nose, flat, muscular cheeks are observed. Moderately drooping black lips, the corner of the mouth is constantly visible.
Important. The eyes, whose lids are tightly closed, have a welcoming expression and are set moderately deep. The color of the iris ranges from deep brown to nutty. Well-defined feet, wide nostrils, angular black nose.
Well developed jaws of equal length have a full complement of teeth. When closed, they form a pincer or scissor bite. The strong long neck is complemented by a slight dewlap.
Frame
The height of the St. Bernard at the withers should be related to the length of its body (from the shoulder-blade joint to the buttock) as 9 to 10. The body is characterized by optimal balance, muscularity and stature.
The pronounced withers merge into a strong, strong back, which runs perfectly straight to the loin. The abdomen is tucked up, the rib cage with markedly curved ribs is comparatively deep, but not barrel-shaped. The elongated croup (slightly sloping) flows smoothly into the base of the heavy tail.
The last vertebra of the long tail can reach the hock. When the St. Bernard is calm, its tail hangs or is barely bent up (in the lower third), but when excited it rises.
The forelegs, with reclining elbows, are set wide apart and, viewed from the front, appear parallel. The wide forefeet ends in well-arched and close-fitting toes. The parallel hindquarters, set at a slight angle, have broad, muscular thighs. The feet are also equipped with strong arched toes, where dewclaws are allowed as long as they do not impede movement.
When running, the hind and forelimbs move in one line. In general, a harmonious movement is noted, when the back does not lose stability with good drive from the hind legs.
Color and coat
In the color of spotted St. Bernards, white color prevails, diluted with red (of different sizes) areas, and in the color of raincoat dogs - a solid red color that fills the back and dog sides. Both colors are permitted by the standard, provided that the mottling ranges from light to reddish brown. The presence of black on the case is possible. Desirable:
- dark edging in the head area;
- dark mask on the face;
- White collar.
Attention. Mandatory includes white markings on the forehead, near the nose, on the nape, chest, tip of the tail and paws.
Short-haired dogs are distinguished by their short and dense, and close-fitting guard coat, complemented by an abundant undercoat. Thick hair also grows on the tail, but the thighs have a weak coat.
The long-haired type (with short hair on the ears / muzzle) exhibits straight and long guard hair with a pronounced undercoat. On the croup and thighs (with pants), the coat can be somewhat wavy, on the front legs there are feathers, and on the tail there is longer (in comparison with short-haired) fur.
The character of the dog
According to the breed standard, St. Bernards can be both very calm and quite mobile, but always friendly. Their affection extends to almost all people and animals, except (not always). manifests itself in joint entertainment, when pets turn a blind eye to excessively close hugs and childish leprosy. It is not for nothing that the representatives of the breed are considered excellent nannies.
In their youth, St. Bernards are active and impetuous, as much as possible with their massiveness, and from an excess of emotions they often knock people down.
With age, dogs noticeably settle down and begin to think more and more about the vicissitudes of life, lying on a rug or sofa. At this time, the dog is not so much sleeping as watching others. Over the years, passive pastime becomes protracted, leading to physical inactivity, which shortens the dog's life.
It is almost impossible to piss off a true St. Bernard. He is unshakable like a rock, which does not prevent him from giving a stern rebuff to those who encroach on members of his master's family. Strangers are treated evenly or with sympathy, leaving the yard cats met on a walk without attention.
Life span
St. Bernards, like most dogs, do not live very long, within 8-10 years.
Shaggy mastodons fit well in city apartments, but it is preferable to keep them outside the city. St. Bernard is not advised to be chained, but this is not a hard and fast rule. Short walks and moderate exercise are recommended for these lazy dogs. Outdoor games with running are good in early childhood and adolescence: in adulthood, measured walks are enough.
Care and hygiene
The most serious difficulty, especially for inexperienced dog breeders, is the increased salivation of St. Bernards, which intensifies in the heat.
Wool
Pets will shed twice a year: the longer the hair, the stronger the shedding. If the dog lives in the yard, the change in coat will be more intense. In urban dogs with long hair, molting is not so active, but they also need daily combing with a large comb. Short-haired St. Bernards are combed less often during molting, usually 2 times a week.
Bathing
If the dog does not participate in exhibitions, it is washed as rarely as possible (once a quarter), as a rule, when it begins to shed: this removes dead hair and undercoat. they bathe before exhibitions to show them in all their glory.
For washing, in addition to a neutral shampoo, you will need a balm and conditioner, which help to degrease and easily comb the clean wool. When bathing, the ear canals of the St. Bernards are not plugged with cotton, since their ears are hanging. After the final rinse, the dog is wrapped in a warm towel, completing the blow-drying process.
Eyes
They need constant attention and careful care. The St. Bernard has sagging heavy eyelids that do little to protect the cornea from dust and debris. Unsurprisingly, the eyeball is often inflamed.
Important. Eyes should not be wiped with cotton wool / cotton pads: this is done with a gauze swab or soft cloth dipped in warm tea or boiled water. The eyes need to be cleaned daily.
Auricles
Paw care
Claws are trimmed mainly for elderly dogs, as well as for dogs that do not walk on hard surfaces. Young and active ones grind their claws during walks. Due to the fact that the St. Bernard often forms tangles between the fingers, here the wool is also clipped. It is obligatory to inspect the paws, or rather the pads, as soon as the dog returned from the street. The thorns / splinters stuck there are carefully pulled out, lubricating the hardened skin with linseed oil or greasy cream as a prevention of cracks.
Teeth
To prevent plaque build-up, the St. Bernard is periodically given cartilage or sugar bones. If a plaque is found, it is removed when brushing teeth (if the dog does not resist this manipulation). The mouth is wiped after each feeding.
Diet, diet
In the first days, the puppy is fed as in the nursery, introducing new products only on the third day. He should eat 150-200 grams per day. meat: as they grow older, the rate increases to 450-500 grams. If the puppy is not eating enough, increase the number of feedings or a single dose. By the age of 2, the St. Bernard eats twice a day.
The diet consists of such products:
- Lean meat / offal (including unpeeled tripe);
- fillet of sea fish;
- porridge (made from rice, rolled oats and buckwheat);
- vegetables (raw and stewed);
- fermented milk products (cottage cheese, kefir, yogurt);
- marrow bones and egg yolk;
- butter / vegetable oil (added to the side dish);
- a clove of garlic every 7 days (no earlier than 3 months).
Attention. St. Bernards imperceptibly gain weight and are prone to obesity, so they need not only a strict diet, but also feasible physical activity.
If a priority, opt for products or for large breeds.
Diseases and breed defects
Due to their massiveness, St. Bernards suffer most from diseases of the musculoskeletal system, but not only. The breed is characterized by such congenital diseases as:
- (hip / elbow);
- paralysis of the posterior third of the trunk;
- rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament;
- dislocation of the patella;
- osteo- and lymphosarcoma;
- dilated cardiomyopathy;
- pyoderma.
In addition, the representatives of the breed often have eczema of the flews, as well as a very serious anomaly that threatens the life of the dog - volvulus.
The specific structure of the eyelids often turns into ophthalmic pathologies, which include:
- twist / eversion of the eyelid;
- inflammation of the cornea;
- cherry eye;
- cataract.
In addition, deaf or hard of hearing puppies are sometimes born, which is why congenital deafness is also referred to as inherited breed anomalies.
Education and training
The St. Bernard's quick wits inevitably come into conflict with his inhibition: the dog understands the commands, but seems to think a little before executing them. They start training from the second or third month, when the puppy is already able to distinguish the basic commands "Fu!", "Sit!" or "To the leg!" The most difficult thing for the Saint Bernards to learn is the Aport! Command, which is why it must be practiced more often than others.
The older the dog, the more difficult the training is, so you need to start at puppyhood. After the pet turns 2 years old, its training will turn into an overwhelming task.
When training your dog, do not use coercion, yelling or physical punishment. Much more effective is the use of "gingerbread" - treats and praise. Be sympathetic to the pet's innate slowness - after a while, it will begin to respond to commands much faster.
By about six months, the puppy is introduced to the muzzle, collar and leash, accustoming to this ammunition gradually: first within the apartment, and only then before going out into the street. With an 8-month-old St. Bernard, you can do OKD, which is recommended for people who need not just a tailed companion, but above all a guard.
Story
The average life span of St. Bernards is 8 years.
In adolescence, it is necessary to operate on the third eyelid, since when it grows in adulthood, the third eyelid is a source of infection. [ ]
The nature of the dogs
St. Bernards are loyal and very obedient dogs. They love people, and they treat children very carefully and carefully. There is one disadvantage, which is quite difficult to cope with - St. Bernards do not like small dogs very much. But if the puppies are raised together, then in the future there is a hope that they will live together.
Previously, St. Bernards were used exclusively [ ] in order to rescue people who fell into avalanches (before the "St. Bernards" began to work as rescuers, they were actively used by monks from the shelter of St. Bernard on the Great Pass in the Alps - a mountain route connecting Switzerland and Italy. Dogs carried food - their large size and docile disposition made them wonderful beasts of burden). And now they can be seen working on the snowy slopes. Best of all, these dogs live in private houses, where you can provide them with free walking, in city apartments these dogs feel much worse, in this case they need to be given sufficient time for walking.
In hot weather, there is abundant salivation.
The coat of the long-haired St. Bernard must be regularly brushed and cleaned with a special brush.
The rapid increase in height and weight of St. Bernards can lead to serious deterioration of their bones if they do not receive adequate nutrition and training.
Saint Bernards in the works of world culture
Fiction
- Kujo- St. Bernard, who caught rabies, the main character of the novel
“On the one hand there are mountains to heaven, on the other - the shuddering hellish abysses; being close to heaven itself, I was sure that my prayers would be answered.” God, - I said, - help me to return to my brothers and tell them so that they never appear in this place of torment. "I took out an inkwell to scribble a few words, but alas! There was ice in the inkwell, my fingers refused to hold the pen, my beard was frozen, and my breath turned into a long white cloud."
This is how John de Bramble, a monk from Canterbury, described his passage in winter through the Great St. Bernard Pass. Indeed, crossing the pass at an altitude of 2,469 meters has always been difficult and far from safe. A person had to have considerable physical endurance in order to climb bad roads to great heights and withstand all the hardships of the path. The last kilometers of the road pass by the Combe-de-Maur ridge - "The Crest of Death" - completely covered with traces of powerful avalanches.
A steep trail led weary travelers to a pass with a large glacial lake in the middle. Ice winds constantly blow on the pass, and the lake is covered with ice for two hundred to two hundred and fifty days a year. The buildings of the Great Saint Bernard are huddled in a shallow rocky pothole.
Once a detachment of Roman legionaries carried out a permanent service here, guarding a shelter where you could rest, sheltered from the icy wind. From the pass there was an equally difficult descent to the Aosta valley. In 12 BC, the emperor Augustus ordered to build a road here, along the sides of which milestones were dug.
There was once a temple of Jupiter here. The museum on the pass contains many statuettes of Jupiter Penninus - the patron saint of travelers and bronze plates with references to him. "Penninus, so that he would let me pass and return. From Mark Julius." Or: "To the great and kind Jupiter Penninus." This is how legionnaires and merchants tried to appease the lord of roads and passes.
In the Middle Ages, the order at the pass diminished, and gangs of robbers settled on the approaches to it. In the 10th century, the pass was captured by the Moors, but soon the locals expelled the intruders from the pass. This campaign was led by the priest Bernard of Menton, who later founded a monastery on the pass. The monastery burned, but some of its buildings of the X-XII centuries are intact to this day. And the main church of the monastery was built in the 17th century, and this church is famous for its decoration - a masterpiece of woodcarving - and ... eternal cold.
Since autumn, the road to the pass was marked with poles, which in winter slightly peeped out from under the snow. They tried to lay the path in places least of all exposed to the danger of a sudden avalanche.
Not only loners passed through the pass, but also trade caravans and whole armies. However, this hardly diminished the hardships of the transition. In May 1800, Napoleon marched through Great Saint Bernard into Italy with forty thousand soldiers. Even in sunny May, snow lay in the mountains starting at an altitude of 2000 meters. The cannons were removed from the wheels and dragged on sledges, into which a hundred people were harnessed. Draft cattle could not bear it. Napoleon himself almost died while climbing to the pass - his mule stumbled over an abyss, and the guide - a Swiss from Valais - barely had time to catch the first consul.
It is clear that the size of the detachment could in no way serve as protection against avalanches. In the middle of the 16th century, a sudden avalanche buried an entire detachment of Swiss soldiers heading for Italy. In 1774, a similar avalanche covered a group of twenty merchants. The list of victims of the "white death", unfortunately, is growing today ...
But these days, all these horrors can only be endured at will. A six-kilometer tunnel has been dug under the Greater Saint-Bernard mountain range, between the cities of Bourque-Saint-Pierre (in Switzerland) and Saint-Remy (in Italy). All business crossings and transportation are now made on it. The pass has remained only a place of pilgrimage for tourists for forty years.
Until relatively recently, monks provided travelers with free lodging, hoping that the latter would put in the church's piggy bank at least an amount comparable to their upkeep expenses. However, motorists used their services so shamelessly that the monks no longer engage in philanthropy and send everyone to the newly built hotel.
The monks themselves live, as they did centuries ago, at the pass for twelve years, after which they descend to the monastery in Martigny. The monks of Greater Saint Bernard are recognized by the white braid that falls from the shoulder onto the black cassock. For nine long centuries, they have been helping travelers caught on the way to the pass by winds and cold. The next morning, after each snowstorm, the monks descended the path and picked up the lost and exhausted ones. Or those who finished their life in this harsh land.
In those days, they did not yet know about skiing in the Swiss Alps, and the monks moved waist-deep in the snow, feeling the road with long staffs. Behind everyone was a sack with a crumb of bread and a bottle of rum - the necessary support for exhausted people. They were accompanied by two or three large dogs - the very ones known to the whole world today ...
The St. Bernards were bred in the 13th century here, in the Swiss Alps. They had an excellent instinct and unmistakably searched for travelers in trouble even under a meter thick layer of snow. Having found the freezing one, they dug snow around him and lay down next to him to warm the poor fellow with their body. If the victim could move, the dogs would turn towards him so that the person could drink rum from a small barrel tied to their chest. Since the 19th century, the dog has also brought medicines, and nowadays - a bright tether so that the victim could identify himself on the white snow, and even signal "" rockets.
The St. Bernards have an excellent track record. They rescued more than two thousand lost travelers. Without their help, people averted the trouble only from half of this number - from a third of the rescued victims. And the famous dog Barry defended the lives of forty people. He faithfully defended his monastic watch at the pass and his entire dog's life - twelve years.
Monastic St. Bernards are now out of work. Helicopter surveillance and improved weather forecasting made their profession almost unnecessary. Unless a late reckless skier will give a radio signal - the dog will willingly meet him and take him to his place of lodging. The dogs lie peacefully in different corners of the kennel, not paying special attention to the delight of the visitors.
But the monks say that in winter, in especially strong snowstorms, when icy winds howl, covering the monastery with snow, not a single dog sleeps peacefully. What if you need it? The powerful instinct of rescuers excites their blood, drives them to search, to help people ...
The St. Bernard is a large breed of working dog, originally from the Swiss Alps, where it was used to rescue people. Today they are more companion dogs, popular for their body size and soul, loving and gentle.
Abstracts
- The St. Bernards are gigantic breed and, although they can live in an apartment, they need a place to stretch and turn.
- If you are obsessed with cleanliness and order, then this breed is not for you. They salivate and are capable of carrying a mountain of mud on them. They shed and their size makes the amount of fur incredible.
- Puppies grow slowly and take several years to mature mentally. Until then, they remain very large puppies.
- They get along great with children and are extremely gentle with them.
- St. Bernards are built for life in the cold and do not tolerate heat well.
- No vote is given for no reason.
- Like other giant breeds, they do not live long, 8-10 years.
- They should not live in an aviary or on a chain, as they love people and family very much.
History of the breed
The St. Bernard is an old breed and the history of its origin is lost in history. It is well documented only from the beginning of the 17th century. Most likely, before 1600, these dogs evolved from local, rocks.
The name of the breed comes from the French Chien du Saint-Bernard - the dog of St. Bernard and was received in honor of the monastery of the same name, where they served as rescuers, watchmen, and draft dogs.
The St. Bernards are closely related to other Swiss mountain dogs:,.
Christianity became the leading European religion, and the establishment of monasteries even affected remote areas such as the Swiss Alps. One of them was the monastery of St. Bernard, founded in 980 by a monk of the Augustinian order.
It was located at one of the most important points between Switzerland and Italy and was one of the shortest routes to Germany. Today this path is called the Great Saint Bernard.
Those who wanted to get from Switzerland to Germany or Italy had to go through the pass or make a detour through Austria and France.
When the monastery was established, this path became even more important as Northern Italy, Germany and Switzerland united to form the Holy Roman Empire.
Simultaneously with the monastery, a hotel was opened, which served those who crossed this path. Over time, it became the most important point on the pass.
At some point, the monks began to keep dogs, which they bought from local residents. These dogs were known as the Mountain Dog, which roughly translates to a peasant dog. A purely working breed, they were capable of many tasks. Although all surviving Sennenhunds are only of tricolor color, at that time they were more variable.
One of the colors was the one in which we recognize the modern St. Bernard. The monks used these dogs in the same way as the peasants, but up to a point. It is unclear when they decided to create their own dogs, but this happened no later than 1650.
The first evidence of the existence of the St. Bernards can be found in a painting dated 1695. It is believed that the author of the painting is the Italian artist Salvator Rosa.
It depicts dogs with short hair, a typical St. Bernard head shape and a long tail. These dogs are more gullible and similar to Mountain Dogs than modern St. Bernards.
The renowned mountain dog specialist, Professor Albert Heim, evaluated the dogs shown for about 25 years of breeding work. So the approximate date of the appearance of the St. Bernards is between 1660 and 1670. Although these numbers may be wrong, the breed is decades or centuries older.
The monastery of St. Bernard is located in a very dangerous place, especially in winter. Travelers could get caught in a storm, get lost and die from the cold, or get caught in an avalanche. To help those in trouble, the monks began to resort to the skills of their dogs.
They noticed that the St. Bernards have an uncanny flair for avalanches and snow storms. They considered it a gift from above, but modern researchers attribute this skill to the ability of dogs to hear at low frequencies and at great distance.
The St. Bernards heard the roar of an avalanche or the howling of a storm long before the human ear began to catch them. The monks began to select dogs with such a flair and go out with them on their travels.
Gradually, the monks realized that dogs can be used to rescue travelers who accidentally got into trouble. It is not known how this happened, but, most likely, the case helped. After the avalanche, the St. Bernards were taken to a group of rescuers to help find those buried under the snow or lost.
The monks realized how helpful this is in emergencies. The powerful front legs of the St. Bernard allow it to break the snow faster than a shovel, freeing the victim in a short time. Hearing - to prevent an avalanche, and the sense of smell to find a person by smell. And monks begin to breed dogs solely for their ability to save people.
At some point, groups of two or three males start working on the Great Saint Bernard on their own. The monks did not let out the bitches, as they thought that this patrolling was too tiring for them. This group patrols the path and is separated in case of trouble.
One dog returns to the monastery and warns the monks, while the others dig up the victim. If the rescued person is able to move, then they lead him to the monastery. If not, they stay with him and keep him warm until help arrives. Unfortunately, many dogs themselves die during this service.
The success of the St. Bernards as rescuers is so great that their fame is spreading throughout Europe. It was thanks to rescue operations that they turned from an aboriginal breed into a dog that the whole world knows. The most famous St. Bernard was Barry der Menschenretter (1800-1814).
During his life, he saved at least 40 people, but his story is shrouded in legends and fictions. For example, there is a widespread myth that he died trying to save a soldier who was covered by an avalanche. Having dug it up, he licked it in the face as he had been taught. The soldier mistook him for a wolf and stabbed him with a bayonet, after which Barry died.
However, this is a legend, as he lived a full life and spent his old age in the monastery. His body was donated to the Berne Museum of Natural History, where it is still kept. For a long time, the breed was even named after him, Barri or Alpine Mastiff.
The winters of 1816, 1817, 1818 were incredibly harsh and the St. Bernards were on the verge of extinction. The records of the monastery documents indicate that the monks turned to neighboring villages to replenish the population of the dead dogs.
They claim that they were also used in this case, or, but without evidence. At the beginning of 1830, there were attempts to cross the St. Bernard and, which is also distinguished by a high instinct for a rescuer. It was believed that dogs with coarse and long coats would be more adaptable to harsh climates.
But, everything turned into a disaster, as the long hair froze over and became covered with icicles. The dogs got tired, weakened and often died. The monks got rid of the long-haired St. Bernards and continued to work with the short-haired ones.
But, these dogs did not disappear, but began to spread throughout Switzerland. The first herd book kept outside the monastery was created by Heinrich Schumacher. Since 1855, Schumacher has been keeping the studbooks of the St. Bernards and creating a breed standard.
Schumacher, along with other breeders, tried to keep the standard as close as possible to the appearance of the original dogs of the monastery of St. Bernard. In 1883, the Swiss Kennel Club was created to protect and popularize the breed, and in 1884 it publishes the first standard. From this year, the St. Bernard is the national breed of Switzerland.
At some point, a small barrel around the neck is added to the image of this dog, in which cognac is used to warm the frozen ones. The monks fiercely disputed this myth and attributed it to Edward Lansdeer, the artist who painted the barrel. Nevertheless, this image has become entrenched and today many represent the St. Bernards that way.
Thanks to Barry's fame, the British began importing the St. Bernards in 1820. They call the dogs Alpine Mastiffs and begin to cross them with, since they have no need for mountain dogs.
New St. Bernards are much larger, with a brachycephalic structure of the skull, really massive. At the time of the creation of the Swiss Kennel Club, English St. Bernards are significantly different and for them a completely different standard. Among fans of the breed, controversy flares up which type is more correct.
In 1886, a conference was held in Brussels on this matter, but nothing was decided. The following year, another was held in Zurich and it was decided that the Swiss standard would be used in all countries except the UK.
During the 20th century, St. Bernards were a fairly popular and recognizable breed, but not very common. In the early 2000s, the Swiss Kennel Club changed the breed standard, adapting it to all countries. But not all organizations agree with him. As a result, there are four standards today: Swiss Club, Federation Cynologique Internationale, AKC / SBCA, Kennel Club.
Modern St. Bernards, even those that adhere to the classical standard, differ significantly from those dogs that saved people on the pass. They are larger and more like mastiffs, there are two varieties: short-haired and long-haired.
Despite this, the breed still retains a significant part of its working qualities. They have shown themselves to be excellent therapy dogs, as their temperaments are very gentle. But, nevertheless, most of these dogs are companions. For those who are ready to keep such a large dog, this is a great friend, but many overestimate their strength.
The large size of the St. Bernard limits the number of potential owners, but still the population is stable and loved by many dog breeders.
Description of the breed
Due to the fact that St. Bernards often appear in films and shows, the breed is easily recognizable. In fact, it is one of the most recognizable breeds due to its size and color.
St. Bernards are really massive, males at the withers reach 70-90 cm and can weigh 65-120 kg.
Bitches are slightly smaller, but the same 65-80 cm and weigh at least 70 kg. They are exactly thick, massive and with very large bones.
There are several breeds that can reach this weight, but in terms of massiveness, they are all inferior to the St. Bernard.
Moreover, many of the St. Bernards also weigh more than described in the breed standard.
The smallest St. Bernard girl weighs from 50 kg, but the average weight of an adult dog is from 65 to 75 kg. And males weighing more than 95 kg are far from rare, but most of them are obese. A well-developed St. Bernard gains weight not from fat, but from bones and muscles.
His body, although hidden under the coat, is very muscular. They are usually of a square type, but many are slightly longer than tall. The ribcage is very deep and wide, the tail is long and thick at the base, but tapers towards the end.
The head sits on a thick neck, in type resembles the head of an English mastiff: large, square, powerful.
The muzzle is flat, the stop is clearly expressed. Although the skull is brachycephalic, the muzzle is not as short and wide as that of other breeds. Saggy lips form flews and saliva often drips from them.
There are wrinkles on the face, but they do not form deep folds. The nose is large, wide, black. The eyes of this breed are located quite deep in the skull, as a result of which some say that the dog looks like a caveman. The eyes themselves should be medium in size and brown in color. Hanging ears.
The general expression of the muzzle consists of seriousness and intelligence, as well as friendliness and warmth.
St. Bernards are short-haired and long-haired, and they easily interbreed with each other and are often born in the same litter. They have a double coat, with a dense, soft, thick undercoat that protects from the cold. The outer shirt consists of long wool, which is also thick and dense.
It should provide protection for the dog from the cold, but not be rigid. In both variations, the coat should be straight, but slight waviness on the back of the feet is acceptable.
Long-haired Saint Bernards are more recognizable thanks to the Beethoven film.
Their coat is of equal length throughout the body, with the exception of the ears, neck, back, legs, chest, lower chest, back of the legs and tail, where it is longer.
There is a small mane on the chest and neck. Both variations come in two colors: red with white markings or white with red markings.
Character
St. Bernards are famous for their gentle nature, many of them remain gentle even at a respectable age. Adult dogs are very persistent and it is extremely rare for them to have sudden mood changes.
They are famous for their incredible affection for family and owner, they become real family members and most Saint Bernard owners say that they have not had such a close friendship with any other breed. However, they are also characterized by independence, they are not suckers.
By nature, St. Bernards are friendly to everyone they meet, and well-bred dogs are just that. They will wave their tail at the stranger and greet him happily.
Some lines are shy or timid, but they are never aggressive either. St. Bernards are observant, have deep barks and make good guard dogs. But there are no watchmen, since they do not even have a hint of the qualities necessary for this.
The only exception to this rule is when a smart and empathetic St. Bernard sees that his family is in danger. He will never allow it.
The St. Bernards are gorgeous with children, they seem to understand their fragility and are incredibly gentle with them. But, it is important to teach the child how to handle the dog, as they love to abuse the patience of the St. Bernard.
They are accustomed to working with other dogs and rarely have problems between them. There is aggression towards same-sex animals, which is characteristic of molossians. But most St. Bernards are happy to share life with other dogs, especially their own breed.
It is important that the owner is taught to calmly tolerate aggression from other dogs, as the retaliatory aggression can be very serious and lead to severe injuries. The attitude towards other animals is very calm, they do not have a hunting instinct and they leave cats alone.
St. Bernards are well trained, but this process should be started as early as possible. They are quick learners, smart, trying to please and capable of performing complex tricks, especially those related to search and rescue. A patient owner will get a very calm and manageable dog.
But, they don't live to satisfy the owner. Independent, they prefer to do what they see fit. It's not that they're stubborn, it's just that when they don't want to do something, they won't. St. Bernards respond much better to positive reinforcement training than to harsh methods.
This feature only increases with age. This is not a dominant breed, but they will only obey the one they respect.
St Bernard owners must supervise and guide them at all times, as uncontrollable dogs weighing under 100 kg can create problems.
To stay healthy, St. Bernards need a normal level of activity.
Daily long walks are absolutely necessary, otherwise the dog will get bored and may become destructive. However, their activity is in the same vein as all life, slow and calm.
They can walk for hours, but only run for a few minutes. If the St. Bernard walked up, then at home he is incredibly calm and quiet. It is better for them to live in a private house, but despite their size, they can also live in an apartment. They love exercises that load not only the body, but also the head, for example, agility.
Most of all they love to play in the snow ... Owners need to be careful with play and be active immediately after feeding due to the breed's tendency to volvulus.
Potential owners need to understand that these dogs are not the cleanest. They love to run in the mud and snow, pick it all up and bring it home. Just because of their size, they are able to create a big mess. It is one of the largest dogs and it salivates. While eating, they leave a lot of waste around them, and while sleeping, they can snore very loudly.
Care
The Saint Bernard coat needs good maintenance. This is a minimum of 15 minutes daily, plus occasional washing of the dog. Shorthaired ones need less grooming, especially after washing.
It is extremely important to start accustoming to all procedures as early as possible, since it is extremely difficult to get a dog weighing up to 100 kg to do something.
St. Bernards shed and because of their size there is a lot of wool. Twice a year, they shed very profusely, and at this time the care should be especially intensive.
Health
Not being particularly painful, St. Bernards, like all large dogs, suffer from specific diseases and do not live long. In addition, they have a small gene pool, which means that genetic diseases are common among them.
The life span of St. Bernard is 8-10 years and very few live longer.
The most common in them diseases of the musculoskeletal system. These are various forms of dysplasia and arthritis. A more serious problem can be malformed bones and joints in puppyhood, leading to problems in adulthood.
Some of these problems are treatable or preventable, but you need to understand that treating such a large dog is extremely expensive.
Particular attention must be paid to indoor and outdoor temperatures. This breed was born to work in the cold climate of the Alps and is extremely sensitive to overheating.
During the heat, the dog should not be loaded, walks should be short, and at home you need a cool place where the dog can cool down. In addition, rapid movement from hot to cold is also not desirable.
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