Saint Bernard is a breed that was developed in the Swiss Alps. In fact, they are known for their gentle and friendly nature and large size. It is important to correctly identify these giant dogs if you are considering adopting them. In fact, this article will explain identifying if your new Saint Bernard friend is a purebred Saint Bernard.

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Whatā€™s the history of Saint Bernards,

Saint Bernards are European Alps Saint Bernards. They were created to rescue those who fell into deep snow or ice and to transport supplies up steep mountain trails.

Saint Bernard is a Catholic saint who traveled through the Alps to help travelers and those in need. The breedā€™s original purpose was to rescue animals, but as time passed, they were trained to guard and guide people. Around 1050 AD, St-Bernardā€™s monastery was home to the first Saint Bernard. Jean Male, a monk, brought back large mastiff-like dogs he found in the company of shepherds.

He was impressed by the ability of the dogs to rescue people from deep snow and ice. So he crossed them with local dogs to create Saint Bernard. In 1885, the AKC recognized Saint Bernard as part of its Working Group for large breeds that were not listed elsewhere. American Kennel Club (AKC), an organization that registers purebred dog lines under agreed-upon rules, is the AKC.

They have standards for the characteristics and temperament of each breed. Therefore, they are the best source to learn how to identify a purebred Saint Bernard.

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How to tell if a saint bernard is purebred?

You should speak with an expert if you want to be sure.

Contact an Online Veterinarian

Ask an experienced veterinarian online if you are unsure if your Saint Bernard is purebred. Also, they are trained to treat specific breed-specific conditions, making it easier for them to tell you what Saint Bernards you have. Moreover, they might help you identify the characteristics of purebred saint Bernards through video or photos.

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Ask a breeder

A Saint Bernard breeder can help you identify a Saint Bernard purebred. The breeders will know if your dog is purebred. Many will be able to tell you the right way. They will also be able to tell you the correct size, measurements, and saint bernard colorā€™s. This is the best way to go if you can find a local breeder.

Clubs for Best-in-Breed Dog Show Clubs Saint Bernards can also be contacted by an American Kennel Club (AKC) best-of-show group. These clubs can help you identify purebreds with the assistance of experts who are knowledgeable about all breeds.

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Compare it to AKC Breed Standard

TheĀ AKC decides what standards should be applied to dog breeds. These guidelines will likely apply to a Saint Bernard purebred. However, this is not always true. St Bernard dog breed who are overweight or obese may still be purebred, but not with AKC genetics. They might be overweight or overfed. However, their height, ears, and muzzle should align with AKC standards.

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Measurement size

  • 28-30 inches tall for men
  • 26-28 ins tall for female
  • 140-180 pounds for males
  • 120-140 pounds for females

The 357-pound Saint Bernard was the heaviest recorded! His name was Benedictine, and Saint Bernard assumed the title of the ā€œWorldā€™s Heaviest dog.ā€ Zorba, an English Mastiff, was also replaced by him.

This is correct, a Saint Bernard holds the world record for the largest dog!

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Take a look at the Muzzle.

  • St Bernard breedā€™s have a short muzzle with a straight line at the middle of their noses. They donā€™t taper.
  • Their noses are dark, and their nostrils are large.
  • Their noses curve towards the edge and slightly exceed.
  • Their bite should be even and sometimes scissored.

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Take a look at your ears.

  • Their ears look triangle shaped.
  • Saint Bernardā€™s ears are tall and straight, but they drop to the sides with a sharp bend.

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Learn the eyes

St Bernard dog breed has large, dark eyes which convey a friendly, gentle expression. They are placed deeper at the front of the face than they are on the sides. If they donā€™t close completely, their eyelids may develop wrinkles towards the inner corner.

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See the tail

The tail is strong and heavy, but itā€™s slightly up. It is long and has a wide beginning that narrows towards the tip. This tail is also powerful.

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Check out the Coat

This is where things can get complicated. Saint Bernards can choose from two types of coats.

  • Saint Bernards may have short-haired hair. It is silky smooth, but it also has density. It is very thick. Their tail hair is dense and long.
  • St Bernards may have long-hairedĀ coats. It is slightly wavy, but not curly. It is subtle. Although the legs may have some feathering, this is not true for all dogs. The bushier tails and thighs are more common in shorthaired dogs.

Saint Bernard colors can be red with white markings or brownish-yellow. In fact, the most common coat color is brindle, which has patches mixed in with white. Or, the reverse: white spots around their neck, chest, back, and head. Also, these dog breedā€™s are often distinguished by white markings around the eyes and on their nose. Sometimes called booties, they are white on the top of each foot.

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What is the cost of a Saint Bernard?

A Saint Bernard puppy costs, on average, $1000-2000. AKC champions can be as high as $4000 if they have a strong ancestry. Prices for puppies and backyard breeders can be as low as $400

Websites like Petfinder and the AKC website can help you find breeders. But be cautious, as not all breeders are trustworthy. Some breeders have sold sick dogs to people who developed health problems from poor breeding practices.

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What is the full-grown age of Saint Bernard?

Between the ages 2 and 3, the St Bernard breed stops growing. However, because of their size, Saint Bernards take longer for them to grow fully. Because they are one of the most popular breeds in the world, it can take them longer to mature than a typical small or medium-sized dog.

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Is it dangerous to own a Saint Bernard?

No. Saint Bernards are ā€œgentle giants.ā€ Donā€™t let their size intimidate you. Also, the breed is a large dog with calm, collected, gentle, and collected behavior. They are not aggressive and are, therefore, not dangerous, and they will protect you if they feel threatened.

Author

Iā€™m a long-time animal lover and owner of two dogs and three cats. I grew up on a farm where we had all sorts of animals, from cows and horses to pigs and chickens. My love for animals led me to pursue a career in writing about them. I have been a pet care writer for over 5 years and have extensive knowledge of animal care, health, and behavior.

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