Appearance of the Swissy Saint
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| The Swissy Saint has brought with it the best of both parents. Their coat is a striking color of black, red, brown and white, and they can sometimes have a flame mark around the muzzle. The coat is generally short and very soft. However, they shed seasonally, making occasional grooming necessary. Their coat is not as dense as that of some other breeds, but they do exceptionally well in winter, as well as in water. You'll probably find that the Swissy Saint's body proportions closely resemble those of the St. Bernard Dog, although this isn't always the case. They are very majestic and obviously a dog well suited to work. The round, brown eyes can often appear droopy, and the markings around the muzzle give an impression of joviality, as if they were smiling. The short muzzle is more like a St. Bernard, with wide, heavy jaws and large teeth. The legs are large and round, enabling them to hold on well in snow and on other types of terrain. |
Temperament of the Swissy Saint
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| You'll find that this breed has a very balanced temperament and can be easy to train by a committed owner who is willing to work with the dog. You won't often find a Swissy Saint who is nervous or anxious, so they don't need to bark at every little thing, which your neighbors will appreciate. They will, however, bark if they see the need, and when they do, it's always best to find out what's causing the disturbance. He's excellent with other animals as well as children, and you'll probably find him very tolerant of both, as his even temperament extends to even the smallest members of the family. |
Needs and activities of the Swissy Saint
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| With an abundance of energy and a willingness to work and play, you'll find he's very easy to train. However, if given the opportunity, he'll lounge around the house for as long as he can. Exercise is extremely important, however, because of the health problems he may encounter. You don't want them to be overweight, as they're already predisposed to hip dysplasia, and you want them to have strong bones and muscles, for the best possible quality of life. Because of their size, apartment living isn't really ideal. A home with a large enclosed yard will give your big dog plenty of room to stretch and exercise. Daily walks will also be appreciated, giving the Swissy Saint the opportunity to meet and greet the neighbors. |
Maintenance of the Swissy Saint
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| The Swissy Saint doesn't need to be groomed as much as a long-haired breed, but occasional grooming is certainly necessary to keep it looking as beautiful as ever. The same goes for shampooing, especially if the dogs are used for work. Be prepared for extra cleaning when shedding season arrives, as well as extra brushing. A bristle brush is the best choice; it removes excess fur and eliminates any tangles that may form. A trimmer can be useful in the event of heavy shedding. Due to shedding, they cannot be considered hypoallergenic and, unlike the St. Bernard, they are not as prone to drooling, so their mouths remain dry. Unless necessary, bathing can be taken over every three or four weeks, and you can then check to see if they need their nails trimmed. |
English (United Kingdom)