step-father loved the breed and after they met they purchased
their first puppy from a local breeder. Marqus grew up to be a
beautiful boy and lived to be 13, he has since passed on. We miss
him very much! You can see him pictured on are homepage. He
had not had any health problems and died of old age. My mother
and step-father also still have their first female, she is almost
ten. I decided to follow in my mother's footsteps in 2003 and
started raising this wonderful breed.
It is believed that the St. Bernard originated from dogs bred in
the Swiss countryside. The original St. Bernard was a short hair.
The lifesaving abilities of the St. Bernard was first recorded in
1778 to 1800. The most famous St. Bernard in the breed history
was a dog named "Barry." He saved the lives of over 40 people.
St. Bernards are in the working group and have been used for a
variety of guarding, drafting, & herding duties. St. Bernards can
have both rough ( long hair ) coats or smooth ( short hair ) coats.
St. Bernards come in a variety of colors and usually weigh
between 130-180 pds. St. Bernards are hard workers and are
know for their loyalty & dedication.
One of the most common health problems you hear with the St.
Bernards is Hip Dysplasia. Hip Dysplasia is not always genetic. A
St. Bernard genetically predisposed to hip dysplasia can go
his/her whole life without ever developing it. A St. Bernard not
genetically predisposed to hip dysplasia can develop it.
Environmental factors such as improper diet & to much or to little
exercise can play a big part in a St. Bernard developing hip
dysplasia. St. Bernards are not adults until 18 months of age.
However, they continue to mature long after that. To learn more
about this wonderful breed we encourage you to visit the Saint
Bernard Club of America and a link for you is provided below.
