Imagine trekking through a snowstorm, lost in the Swiss Alps. Suddenly, a large, burly figure comes lumbering towards you. Nope, it’s not a yeti. It’s a gentle giant, a Saint Bernard dog, also known as the Alpine Mastiff! These legendary dogs have saved many lives and warmed many hearts. But, the question arises – is owning a Saint Bernard a task as immense as its size?
To understand the level of upkeep Saint Bernards require, we first need to become better acquainted with this breed. These dogs were originally bred by monks in the Swiss Alps as rescue dogs. The imposing Saint Bernards we see today are the result of crossbreeding Swiss breeds with mastiffs imported from England around 1830. These dogs are celebrated for their strength, loyalty, intelligence, and gentle temperament.
Due to their large size, an adult Saint Bernard typically weighs between 140 and 260 pounds, and its height ranges from 26 to 35 inches. That’s nearly the size of a small pony! It’s this size and strength that enabled them to carry out rescue missions in the perilous Alpine mountain range. It’s no wonder, the iconic image of these dogs involves a barrel of lifesaving brandy fastened securely around their neck.
But does size equate to high maintenance? In some aspects, yes, and in other ways, surprisingly not. Let’s unravel this myth about Saint Bernards being high maintenance dogs.
Firstly, owning a Saint Bernard requires us to acknowledge their grooming needs. The breed comes with either a short-haired or long-haired coat. While the short-haired Saint Bernards shed moderately throughout the year, long-haired ones notoriously shed more, especially during the changing seasons. Hence, they need brushing at least twice or thrice a week to manage the hair load. However, they aren’t as high-maintenance as other long-haired breeds, making grooming a manageable task with the right implements to keep your furry friend comfortable.
While they aren’t active as a Border Collie or keen as a Beagle, Saint Bernards still require a daily exercise routine to maintain optimal health. This routine can be something as simple as a walk around the neighborhood or a gentle game of fetch. They are not suited for high-intensity workouts due to their size and susceptibility to overheating and risks of joint issues. So, an hour of low to moderate physical activity is just right for your Saint Bernard. Pretty manageable, right?
One key concern among potential Saint Bernard owners is its size and the resulting health implications. These dogs are prone to conditions like Hip Dysplasia, arthritis, heart issues, and eye problems. A well-balanced diet, regular vet check-ups, and a moderate exercise routine can mitigate these risks to a large extent.
Now, it’s important to talk about their feeding needs. Given their stature, an adult Saint Bernard can consume an average of 5-6 cups of quality dry dog food per day, which could be more pricey than feeding a tiny Chihuahua. Their diet should be one rich in protein and balanced in fats and carbohydrates.
Despite these needs, one factor offsets it all – their temperament. They are incredibly calm, loving, and patient dogs, making them excellent family pets. They are good with children and are known to be protective, instilling a sense of safety. Even though they are giant, they are not aggressive and are friendly towards other pets and strangers.
Training a Saint Bernard is also relatively easy. They are intelligent and eager to please their owners, but training should start while they are still puppies. Due to their size, it’s important that they are well-behaved. Their trainability lowers their maintenance level considerably.
In conclusion, owning a Saint Bernard is about understanding the breed and catering to its needs, which largely includes grooming, health care, feeding, and training. However, these so-called ‘high maintenance’ aspects do not exceed the joy and companionship they bring into a home.
So, if you believe in mutual respect for each other’s needs, have space for a bigger dog, and have an active lifestyle that can accommodate a Saint Bernard, then you have met your match in this gentle giant. The Saint Bernard is worth every bit of the effort and investment required, offering in return, unconditional love, loyalty, and a lifetime of happy, tail-wagging memories. After all, not every dog can claim they’re a legendary lifesaver, can they?
