St. Bernard Dogs: Switzerland's Iconic Canine Heritage

Chapter 1: The Tale of the Saint Bernard Dog

In the year 980, the Saint Bernard dog earned its reputation for bravery by protecting travelers crossing the treacherous Alps. By the 18th century, these remarkable canines were nurtured by monks at monasteries, serving as guides on perilous mountain paths. They were tasked with locating lost souls and rescuing them from the dangers of the rugged terrain. To prevent inbreeding, the Saint Bernard breed, originally a shorthaired variety, was crossed with the Scottish Terrier, resulting in a fluffy and resilient type. Initially, it was believed that the longhaired Saint Bernards could withstand the harsh winters of the relief stations better; however, it was later discovered that their long fur could freeze, making them unsuitable as rescue tools.

Chapter 2: Criteria for Selecting a Saint Bernard Dog

1. The ears should be long and pendulous, with hair on the top of the head long enough to cover the ears and drape over the shoulders. The eyes should be dark and bright.

2. The dog's legs should be straight and robust, with the forelimbs being straighter and the hindlimbs wellmuscled. The feet should be large and wide, with long, fluffy hair on the toes.

3. The body should be wellproportioned, with a neck that is high and strong when stretched, a deep chest, and a slightly tuckedup abdomen.

4. The coat should be thick, dense, and incredibly soft, resembling silk in its smoothness. Long, flowing hair should adorn the sides of the head.

5. The body's sides, as well as the forelimbs and hindlimbs, should be covered in long and dense fur. The back and shoulders have shorter hair, while the ears, tail, and top of the head are adorned with long, lustrous hair.

6. The gait should be light and free, with a swift pace. Dogs with a slow, hesitant gait may be indicative of poor health.

7. The dog should have a coat of white, gold, brown, or black, with no other colors, as this would disqualify it from being a purebred.

8. The ideal height should be between 61 to 74 centimeters, and the weight should range from 23 to 35 kilograms.

9. The head should be elongated, straight, narrow, and often high. The forehead is slightly convex, and the nose color is typically brown or black.

Tip: For more information on dog breeds, you can click on "What are the breeds of guide dogs?" to explore.