St. Bernard vs American Staghound - Breed Comparison

St. Bernard vs American Staghound - Breed ComparisonSt. Bernard is originated from Switzerland but American Staghound is originated from United States. St. Bernard may grow 6 cm / 2 inches shorter than American Staghound. St. Bernard may weigh 49 kg / 109 pounds more than American Staghound. St. Bernard may live 4 years less than American Staghound. St. Bernard may have more litter size than American Staghound. St. Bernard requires High maintenance. But American Staghound requires Low maintenance

History

st bernard - historyThe St Bernard breed was once called the Alpine Cattle Dogs or the Alpine Mountain Dogs. They have always been farm dogs and mountain dogs in the French and Swiss Alps. They come from the border land of Switzerland and France. They were herding dogs, hunting, search and rescue, watchdogs and draft dogs.

Their ancestors are considered to include the Sennenhunds and molosser breeds that came to the Alps with the ancient Romans. There are four Sennenhund breeds that are believed to have contributed to the original St. Bernard. These included the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog (Grosser Schweizer Sennenhund), the Appenzeller (Appenzeller Sennenhund), the Bernese Mountain Dog (Berner Sennenhund) and the Entlebucher Mountain Dog (Entlebucher Sennenhund) Today the St. Bernard is considered a Molossoid breed.

The first we know of the St. Bernard in any written records was in 1707 at the Great St. Bernard Pass and Great St. Bernard Hospice run by monks. There were found paintings of the dogs dating back into the late 1600’s. It is told that Barry saved upward of 100 people in the St. Bernard pass, and it is from these stories that the dogs gained their snow rescue reputation.

The St. Bernard of that time did not look like the St. Bernard does today as there was much crossbreeding. Many dogs dies during rescues in the avalanches of the mid 1800’s and so they Saint was crossed with the Newfoundland to preserve the breed. You can today see the resemblance in the build and looks of the two breeds. This cross brought about the long haired St. Bernard whose fur was too heavy for rescues.

The St. Bernards of mountain rescue fame were only about the size of a German Shepherd dog and were short haired. After crossing with the Newfoundland and moving into clubs and dogs shows, they have been bred to be much larger. Before the stud book was closed, it is thought that many larger breeds such as the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, the English Mastiff, the Tibetan Mastiff, the Rottweiler, the Great Pyrenees, the English Bulldog, the Great Dane, the Bernese Mountain Dog, the Boxer and the Caucasian Oycharka all contributed to today’s St. Bernard.

In 1884 The Swiss St. Bernard Club was founded and the breed entered the Swiss Stud book as its first entry in 1884. It was 1888 when the standard was approved and the breed became the national dog of Switzerland. Before the name St. Bernard came to be common, these dogs might be called, Barry Dogs, Alepnmastiff, Noble Steeds or Saint Dogs.

The dogs came to England in the early 1800s and to the United States soon after. They were recognized by the European kennel clubs first and by the early 1900’s they were the most popular breed in the AKC.

american staghound - historyThe American Staghound is hunting dog and type of sighthound that is not recognized as a separate breed. They have historically been bred to hunt coyotes and then other game. Even though they are not considered a separate breed some of their breeding lines have existed much longer than some officially recognized breeds. The American Staghound is a cross between the Greyhound and the Scottish Deerhound. There was probably some Borzoi mixed in as well. The Staghound is believed to have traveled with General Custer across the American West. The breed is a long-legged running dog with the speed of a Greyhound, the sighting ability of sight hounds and more endurance than any running breed. They are incredible athletes with amazing agility and have been bred to course game – coyotes mostly – and therefore are bred with a very intense prey drive. In the past they chased stags and deer and today they chase coyotes and hare. Coyotes are much faster than wolves and fight just as hard. The American Staghound is the only breed fast enough to track down the coyote. However, the breed is not recognized by the AKC. Hunting with an American Staghound today is not very different from hunting with them in medieval times. Strict breeding practices and the non-commercialization of the breed has led to the almost perfect preservation of this hunting breed. They have not changed very much over the centuries. They have been breeding Staghound to Staghound since the early 1800’s. At times very, good hunting dogs from Greyhound and Deerhound stock are added to the mix. For hundreds of years now the closed breeding has led to what might be the finest coyote chasing sighthound possible.

Description

st bernard puppy - descriptionToday’s St. Bernard is not a large dog, he is a giant dog. Weighing in at 140-200 pounds and standing 28 to 35 inches tall, he is a lot of dog. Bred with mastiffs and large mountain dogs, they have proportional and powerful build. They are strong, sturdy and well muscled. They have either a smooth or rough (short or long) coat. Their eyes are brown or occasionally blue. They have tight lids, and square heads and muzzles.

There are two coat types called smooth and rough, or short and long. The smooth shorter coat is tough, flat and close against the body and the long, rough coat is dense, wavy and heavy around the legs, neck and ruff. Both types have long tails that hang low and are heavy. Saints are known to slobber, drool and snore.

american staghound puppy - descriptionWhen you look at the American Staghound you can clearly see the Scottish Deerhound and the Greyhound lines. They have strong running muscles in their long legs and deep chest. He is of course a sight hound, so his vision is acute. His running endurance is second to none. It is this endurance in running all day that makes the American Staghound difference from the Scottish Deerhound and the Greyhound. Yes, both the Deerhound are greyhound are great runners, but the American Staghound runs just as fast with an endurance level ten times that of the other hounds. His heavy bones structure and thick skin are also different from the other racing fast sight hounds.

Characteristics

1Children friendliness excellent

2.Special talents tracking

st bernard dog - characteristics3.Adaptability no - these are giant dogs that need a lot of room. A large fenced yard or farm is best. They won’t do well in an apartment. They need exercise every day and loping around a yard is very good for them. They love to play in the snow, carry a backpack or pull a cart. They love to have a “job”

4.Learning ability – They are smart and highly trainable if motivated. They may appear lazy but they are just laid back and need a motivation.

american staghound dog - characteristicsThis dog was bred to run fast and long after something it sees. They are not considered hyperactive but won’t live well in a confined space such as an apartment or condo. You will need a single-family house with a large yard. Though they are affectionate, family dogs, they are not cut out to be guard dogs. They are not especially protective or territorial, though they may bark at what they can see in the distance. They are calm in their homes if exercised enough and great with children. They are often gentle and loving. They are pack oriented and accept other dogs, but they are not welcoming toward cats or other prey sized animals. Be careful with the AS around small children as he might knock them down or see them as prey as well. They consider anything smaller that runs to be prey. When chasing prey, they are not only fast and enduring, they are tenacious and courageous. Remember that this is a breed that has been bred true in order to hunt and only in order to hunt. Their hunting instincts will override almost any other. Over the centuries only the best hunters were allowed to be bred so that only the best hunters would be born.

Health Problems

st bernard puppies - health problemsThe first problem this breed faces is how fast they grow and gain weight. This can lead to serious health issues if not controlled. Their bones can be damaged by this excessively fast rate of growth. Other issues facing the breed include:

  • Hip and elbow dysplasia – can cause arthritis and lameness.
  • Bloat – can be fatal if not treated immediately.
  • Bone Cancer or Osteosarcoma – tends to be fatal.
  • Entropion and Ectropion – eyelids turn in or out and can be corrected.
  • Epilepsy – controlled by medication
  • Dilated Cardiomyopathy – can be fatal.
  • Eczema – skin disease can be treated.
  • Be careful of extreme heat.

american staghound puppies - health problemsThe American Staghound has been bred so consistently within the breed and true that they exhibit very few health problems. All running dogs are susceptible to joint issues, but the Staghound has less than most. Two issues they do face more often are a problem with anesthesia if they ever need it and the propensity to be vulnerable to bloat. Since they are a centuries old hybrid there are no real health issues born of genetics.

Caring The Pet

st bernard dogs - caring1.Feeding the puppy – You want to control their growth. Do not overfeed, and make sure they exercise but not too much. Feed a high quality large breed puppy food 3-4 X a day in small amounts.

2.Feeding the adult – The problem you face with he adult St. Bernard is the potential for Bloat. Don’t over feed. Don’t feed before or after strenuous exercise. Feed 2-3 X a day in smaller amounts to prevent Bloat. Feed a high quality breed specific food if possible or an extra large breed formula.

3.Points for Good Health stamina and strength in cooler weather.

4. Games and Exercises They need exercise but not as much as you might think. The St. Bernard is a laid back lumbering character so don’t over exercise her. They enjoy weight and cart pulling but they are not athletes who enjoy frisbee or agility. Search and rescue trials and tracking trials are perfect athletic endeavors for them.

Feeding

american staghound dogs - caringIt is important that you don’t ever over feed you American Staghound as they are thin and bred to run. Even though they are heavier boned than their closest relatives, they are still very susceptible to obesity if overfed. The adult AS should be fed about 4-6 cups of dry food every day in at least 2 meals but 3 of more would be better. This will prevent bloat.

Health issues

As previously mentioned there are no genetic issues with the health of the American Staghound. Bred for one reason and one reason alone for many centuries has led to this healthy state. Also, as stated previously they can have issues with bloat and anesthesia. The issue with anesthesia comes from the fact that the American Staghound has very little body fat to muscle ration. The issue with bloat or torsion can be avoided with many smaller meals and not running your Staghound right after they eat a large meal.

Exercise and games

Of course, the American Staghound loves to run and if you are not going to hunt with her, you will have to find another source of vigorous physical activity. Every day from puppyhood on the AS must be stimulated mentally and physically in order to grow and mature correctly. He must have a home where the freedom to run is an everyday experience, not a dog park once a week. If you ride bikes, race walk or run on a daily basis this might be the dog for you. They obviously excel at games like lure coursing and can be good at agility.

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Hound dog
Origin:
Switzerland
United States
Height Male:
63 - 71 cm
24 - 28 inches
67 - 77 cm
26 - 31 inches
Height Female:
60 - 69 cm
23 - 28 inches
63 - 75 cm
24 - 30 inches
Weight Male:
54 - 90 kg
119 - 199 pounds
25 - 41 kg
55 - 91 pounds
Weight Female:
52 - 85 kg
114 - 188 pounds
22 - 39 kg
48 - 86 pounds
Life Span:
8 - 10 Years
12 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 9
3 - 5
Size:
Giant dog
Giant dog
Other Names:
St. Bernhardshund Bernhardiner Alpine Mastiff (archaic)
AS
Colors Available:
redish- Brown and white with a black mask to blond and white with black mask
Any
Coat:
rough or smooth
Shag, Slick or Broken
Shedding:
Constant
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Protective, Social, Stubborn, Sweet
Affectionate, Alert, Courageous, Energetic, Gentle, Intelligent, Loving, Stubborn
Grooming:
High maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Hard
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
No

Comparison with other breeds

  1. St. Bernard vs Bernese Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  2. St. Bernard vs Newfoundland Dog - Breed Comparison
  3. St. Bernard vs Anatolian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  4. St. Bernard vs Leonberger - Breed Comparison
  5. St. Bernard vs Alaunt - Breed Comparison
  6. St. Bernard vs Alangu Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  7. St. Bernard vs Pyrenean Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  8. St. Bernard vs Bisben - Breed Comparison
  9. St. Bernard vs Moscow Watchdog - Breed Comparison
  10. St. Bernard vs Spanish Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  11. St. Bernard vs Kars Dog - Breed Comparison
  12. St. Bernard vs Moscow Water Dog - Breed Comparison
  13. St. Bernard vs Ciobanesc de Bucovina - Breed Comparison
  14. St. Bernard vs Great Dane - Breed Comparison
  15. St. Bernard vs English Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  16. St. Bernard vs Neapolitan Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  17. St. Bernard vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  18. St. Bernard vs Bully Kutta - Breed Comparison
  19. St. Bernard vs Irish Wolfhound - Breed Comparison
  20. Irish Wolfhound vs American Staghound - Breed Comparison
  21. Francais Blanc et Orange vs American Staghound - Breed Comparison
  22. Billy vs American Staghound - Breed Comparison
  23. Scottish Deerhound vs American Staghound - Breed Comparison
  24. Great Dane vs American Staghound - Breed Comparison
  25. Bernese Mountain Dog vs American Staghound - Breed Comparison
  26. English Mastiff vs American Staghound - Breed Comparison
  27. Newfoundland Dog vs American Staghound - Breed Comparison
  28. Neapolitan Mastiff vs American Staghound - Breed Comparison
  29. Anatolian Shepherd vs American Staghound - Breed Comparison
  30. Leonberger vs American Staghound - Breed Comparison
  31. Alaunt vs American Staghound - Breed Comparison
  32. Bully Kutta vs American Staghound - Breed Comparison
  33. Alangu Mastiff vs American Staghound - Breed Comparison
  34. Mountain Burmese vs American Staghound - Breed Comparison
  35. Gaddi Kutta vs American Staghound - Breed Comparison
  36. Pyrenean Mastiff vs American Staghound - Breed Comparison
  37. Bisben vs American Staghound - Breed Comparison
  38. American Staghound vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  39. American Staghound vs American Molossus - Breed Comparison
  40. Moscow Watchdog vs American Staghound - Breed Comparison
  41. Nebolish Mastiff vs American Staghound - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds