Saint Bernard puppies are warm-hearted canines that will quickly steal your heart with their friendly and gentle temperament. This breed is famous for their significant work as search and rescue dogs in the Swiss Alps. Equipped with an instinctively protective nature and remarkable strength, these fluffy furballs eventually grow into towering, robust dogs. However, if you look past their giant, stately physique, you’ll see how much a St. Bernard simply desires companionship and love. As such, Saint Bernard puppies are the perfect family pet.
Their name originated from the pass they guarded
Saint Bernards were actually named after a snow-covered pass they used to guard. Situated in the Alps, between Italy and Switzerland, the Great St. Bernard Pass poses a significant risk to those attempting to traverse its icy stretches. This is also where the Great St. Bernard Hospice is located — the monastery that bred these dogs. Accordingly, this breed serves as guards and rescuers in the region, seeking out individuals lost in the snow or trapped under the force of avalanches.
They take a while to grow into their full size
Anyone who’s ever seen a fully-grown Saint Bernard can attest to their impressive size. As dogs who are often trained to perform farm tasks, or pull humans from snow banks, it’s clear these canines boast considerable strength. However, this significant size also means it takes time for them to reach their full growth. Generally, it takes around two to three years for Saint Bernard puppies to completely mature, and sometimes even longer to fully grow into their massive frames.
They are easy to train
With their calm and patient demeanor, along with a desire to please, Saint Bernard puppies have a laid-back temperament that makes them a fantastic choice for a family pet. Their intelligence makes them easy to train, though it’s crucial to begin their training when they’re young and more manageable. Given that these large dogs sometimes forget just how big they are, training is necessary to prevent them from accidentally knocking over visitors and kids.
Napoleon relied on them
Napoleon Bonaparte was one of the most formidable conquerors of his era, seemingly invincible for a period of time. He and his army navigated the treacherous Alpine trails numerous times between 1790 to 1810. Yet, astonishingly, they didn’t lose a single soldier. The presence of Saint Bernard dogs with him at all times significantly contributed to this achievement. To put it another way, the dogs served as a protective measure should anything unforeseen occur.
They drool a lot
Due to the unique head and jaw structure of Saint Bernard puppies, their lips and loose skin tend to droop, which leads to excessive drooling compared to other breeds. This oddity is often exacerbated when they are hungry, overly warm, or excited. In order to reduce the slobber that they leave behind, try keeping your St. Bernard puppy cool and serve food away from their sight. Some owners even keep a “drool rag” handy to periodically clean their pet’s muzzle.
Saint Bernard puppies, like all puppies, require dedicated training and socialization to grow into well-rounded dogs. Despite their size, they are friendly, loving, and gentle pets who are perfect for families. The key is to provide them with the necessary love, attention, and proper handling from a young age. These adorable dogs, with their trademark expressions and heart-warming personalities, truly are wonderful companions.
Considering adding one of these pups to your brood? Remember to always adopt, don’t shop!
