Working Dogs: St Bernard

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An ancient breed, the St. Bernard believably descends from the heavy fighting dogs brought in to Switzerland by Roman armies in the 1st century A.D.. He earned fame in the Swiss Alps, where, at the Hospice of St. Bernard, dogs were raised and trained to rescue travelers who get lost in the snow. Its a huge, powerful dog having a strong back and well-developed hindquarters and muscular and strong shoulders. The head is distinguished with its broad forehead, wrinkles and furrow, and muzzle with loose-skinned lips. Its rather high-set ears are medium-sized and lie near the cheeks, and his lower eyelids fit rather loose. The long tail hangs with a flimsy upward curve at the tip. He comes in two coat types: shorthaired (smooth, dense, and tough) and longhaired (medium length, plain to slightly wavy).

WEIGHT: 150-180 pounds

HEIGHT: males minimum of 27 1/2 inches; females minimum of 25 1/2 inches

COLOR: white with red, or red with white; brindle patches with white markings. 

By Tip Writer

Working Dogs: Newfoundland

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Some authorities lay claim he is descended from Great Pyrenees dogs brought by Basque fishermen to the coast of Newfoundland; others consider his ancestors are French Boarhounds. An exceptionally powerful swimmer, it has saved many shipwrecked individuals from drowning. Strength is his trademark, together with a funny rolling gait. The body is strongly built and well-boned, the forelegs straight, the hind legs brawny and well-muscled. The head is massive having a broad skull, the muzzle broad and deep, eyes dark and deep-set, and small ears set well back and lying near the head. The tail drops straight or with a slight curve, while the coat is quite heavy and weather-resistant.

WEIGHT: 100-150 pounds

HEIGHT: 26-28 inches

COLOR: black, brown, grey, or white and black (Landseer). 

By Tip Writer