Miniature Saint Bernard Breed Standards
Country of Origin: United States. After researching how the big Saint
Bernards were originally bred, similar breeds, in smaller versions, were
used in breeding the Miniature Saint Bernard, and then bred with smaller purebred Saint Bernards. The Miniature Saint Bernard does not replace the big Saint Bernards. But does allow more people the opportunity to own this awesome breed! Many people cannot have, or do not want, such a large dog. They are also more housedog in type, by lower shedding and far less slobbering.
Size: There are two sizes of Miniature Saint Bernard's. The Nehi Saint
Bernards, which mature around knee high. Usually from 16 to 20 inches tall, and around 40 to 60 pounds, being very heavy boned, stocky dogs. There is also Micro Saint Bernards. Micro Saint Bernard's mature from 12 to 16 inches tall, and 15 to 35 pounds. Small enough even for apartments!
Coat: Miniature Saint Bernard’s do come in both, the rough coat and the smooth coat. However, they do not have the thick undercoat like the regular Saint Bernard’s do, and shed much less then the big Saint Bernard’s. Colors are the Standard Saint Bernard colors, but also include red, which has a darker red mask, with a light red coat color. They also occasionally come in off colors, though rarely, such as black and white, cream and white, and tri colored. (Black, Tan, and White). All Miniature Saint Bernards do have white
markings. Miniature Saint Bernards do love the snow and cold! But they can also tolerate the heat.
Character: Miniature Saint Bernard’s are mellow, calm dogs. They do get goofy, playful moods, and often use their front paws, instead of their mouths, in play. They do not slobber, or slobber very little.
Temperament: The Miniature Saint Bernard is friendly with children, other dogs, and household pets. It is playful and adventurous. They seem to have a particular special way with very young children and elderly people.
Care: Both coat types of Saint Bernard require weekly grooming with a brush and comb, more often when shedding. Bathe only as necessary. The ears must be kept clean. Their life span is much longer then the big Saint Bernard’s, usually around 13 to 16 years. Due to their much smaller size, they do not suffer from health problems nearly as much as the large Saint Bernards.
Training: The are very easy to train, especially when trained while still
young. They can be become very good travelers, when they are exposed to traveling while still young. It is best to begin training a Miniature Saint Bernard between the ages of 7 weeks to 5 months old.
Activity: Miniature Saint Bernards require daily exercise. Moderate walks or runs will keep them satisfied; they should be exercised enough to keep them from growing obese. The Miniature Saint Bernard will occasionally appreciate a longer walk or a chance to run free. They do not tend to roam.
