GENERAL APPEARANCE
Shoulder height: approx. 65-70cm (24½”-27½”).
Colour: Orange, mahogany/brindle, red/brindle all with white patches on the body, muzzle, blaze, collar, chest, forelegs, feet and tail end. Coat: Rough coats - dense and flat, fuller around neck. Smooth coats - close
and hound-like with slight thigh, tail and feet feathering.
Gait: Easy extension, unhurried, smooth and ground covering.
These majestic dogs are well proportioned with massive skull and a shorter square muzzle. The deep set eyes with drooping lower lids show some haw. The lengthy neck with some dewlap, runs into a broad straight back and a deep chest. The tail may be carried low or raised, but never over the back. The well boned and well angulated legs finish with large compact feet.
CHARACTERISTICS AND CARE
These gentle giants are benevolent, dignified and intelligent. They are totally loyal, love children and are easy to train. One must be prepared for them to slobber at times. During the growth period of puppyhood to over one year of age, they require plenty of bone forming additives, vitamins, minerals and exercise in order to develop the muscle needed to carry their large frame. As adults they are not overly active so do not need as much space. Coat care is not difficult and only periodic brushing is required.
HISTORY
Evolved from the Asian mastiff family, these dogs moved through Greece to Italy and then further into Europe. By around 1000 AD, due to the Swiss monk Bernard de Menthon (from whom they took their name) the breed had established a reputation for assisting lost travellers. Never given formal training, the young dogs learnt their skills through imitating the adults. Their ability to scent out stranded people in the snow was phenomenal, often keeping the victim warm by lying each side of the body, while another dog returned to raise the alarm. Over the centuries, due to inbreeding, it became necessary to outcross to Newfoundlands and Pyrenean Mountain dogs. Unfortunately these crosses brought in rough coated varieties whose coats collected snow which weighed them down in icy weather.