Newfoundland

Offers information on the Newfoundland and St. Bernard dog breeds. For hundreds of years, Saint Bernards have been renowned for their bravery in rescue work, saving thousands of lives in the treacherous mountains of the Alps between Switzerland and Italy. At the same time, Saint Bernards have been just as well known for their big, loving personalities. The Saint Bernard Club of America was organized in 1888, but it was disbanded and the club was re-formed in 1898. This club continues to function for the interests of the Saint Bernard and is one of the oldest specialty clubs in the United States. · The origin of the Saint Bernard is subject to many theories. It seems most probable that the Saint Bernard developed from stock that resulted from the breeding of heavy Asian "Molosser" (Canis molossus), brought to Helvetia (Switzerland) by Roman armies during the first two centuries A.D., with native dogs which ndoubtedly existed in the region at the time of the Roman invasions. · These dogs were widely used in the valley farms and Alpine dairies for a variety of guarding, herding, and drafting duties. Referred to as Talhund (Valley Dog) or Bauernhund (Farm Dog), they were apparently well established by A.D. 1050, when Archdeacon Bernard de Menthon founded the famous Hospice in the Swiss Alps as a refuge for travelers crossing the treacherous passes between Switzerland and Italy.

newfoundland
st bernard
dog breeds

St Bernard

Offers information on the Newfoundland and St. Bernard dog breeds. Its webbed feet, water-resistant coat, and rudder-like tail make it an excellent swimmer. The Newfoundland is famous for rescuing drowning people. · There is much uncertainty about the origin of the Newfoundland. Some say that his ancestors are the white Great Pyrenees, dogs brought to the coast of Newfoundland by the Basque fishermen; others that he descended from a "French hound" (probably the Boarhound); but all agree that he originated in Newfoundland and that his ancestors were undoubtedly brought there by fishermen from the European continent. The newfoundland has been used and is still used in Newfoundland and Labrador as a true working dog, dragging carts, or more often carrying burdens as a pack horse. · In 1919, a gold medal was awarded to a Newfoundland that pulled to safety in a lifeboat some twenty shipwrecked people. History describes the Newfoundland to be a brave loyal companion. The Newfoundland loves the great outdoors, especially the water and needs plenty of exercise. The Newfoundland is a sweet-dispositioned dog that acts neither dull nor ill-tempered. The Newfoundland is capable of draft work and possesses natural lifesaving abilities. Offers information on the Newfoundland and St. Bernard dog breeds.