Facts & Origin
Origin and history of the St. Weiler
The St. Weiler, a mix between St. Bernard and Rottweiler, is a relatively new hybrid dog, known only since the end of the 20th century. This cross originated in the United States and possesses the strong and growing characteristics of both parent breeds.
Suitability and Husbandry
Although the St. Weiler is a large and powerful dog, he is gentle, loving and loyal. He loves attention and tends to bond strongly with his family. The St. Weiler has a calm and patient nature. Therefore, he is a good fit for a family with children. He usually gets along well with other pets as well, provided he has been socialized early. Nevertheless, he needs a lot of exercise and sufficient workout.
| Alternate Name | - |
| Origin | Switzerland - Germany |
| Life expectancy | 8 - 10 years |
| Care requirements | high-maintenance - low-maintenance |
| Activity level | average |
| FCI group | not recognised |
| AKC group | not recognised |
| KC group | not recognised |
Attitude, character and temperament of the breed
Character and behavior
The character of the St. Weiler is friendly, loyal and he is extremely intelligent. He displays both the calm, collected nature of the St. Bernard and the strong protective instincts of the Rottweiler. The mongrel is known for his courage and loyalty, but also for his excellent protective instincts. Its intelligence and willingness to work make it an excellent herding and working dog.
Activity level and training
The St. Weiler is a very active and energetic dog. He needs plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. He is great for active owners who enjoy spending time outdoors. A persistent and consistent training approach is essential with this breed to ensure it is well behaved and balanced.
The St. Weiler is an excellent companion for the right family. With regular training and adequate exercise, this mixed breed can be a valuable addition to any home.
Character
Usage
Health and breeding information
Care and health
Grooming a St. Weiler is fairly straightforward. Their coat care requires weekly brushing to aid in shedding and to prevent skin irritation. Bathing should only be done when necessary to avoid stripping the skin's natural oils.
Regarding health, it should be noted that the St. Weiler is prone to health problems typical of large dog breeds. These include hip and elbow dysplasia, heart problems, and eye disease. Therefore, regular veterinary examinations are necessary to detect and treat any health problems early.
Breeding the St. Weiler
Breeding a St. Weiler requires knowledge of genetics and a deep understanding of the St. Bernard and Rottweiler breeds. Since it is a mixed breed, the puppies may exhibit different characteristics of the parent breeds. Potential breeders should therefore carefully select the parent breeds to ensure that they are healthy and possess good character traits.
What does this mixed breed look like?
The appearance of this breed varies depending on the genetic dominance. However, they are usually large and strong, with a robust body structure. Their coat color varies between black, brown and white, often with a combination of all three.
The coat of the St. Weiler is usually short to medium length and dense. The coat may be straight or slightly wavy, depending on genetic inheritance.
Known Diseases
Epilepsy
Definition: Dog has epilepsy if, for example, at least two epileptic seizures occur more than 24 hours apart.
Cancer
May be common in older dogs.
Skeletal disorders
IPA, FPC and OCD occur in dogs at four to five months of age during the most severe growth spurt.
Hip dysplasia (HD)
Hip dysplasia (HD) is a genetic condition in dogs where the hip joint is not shaped properly. This leads to pain, stiffness and restricted movement.
Elbow dysplasia (ED)
Elbow joint dysplasia is a chronic disease complex of the elbow joint of fast growing dog breeds.
Heart disease
Can occur frequently in dogs and can sometimes be treated with medication.
Joint damage
In some breeds, joint damage can occur later in life, affecting the musculoskeletal system.
FAQ
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As a result of this crossbreeding, mixed breeds with the size, temperament and characteristics of a Rottweiler and a St. Bernard can be created. This concerns both the appearance of the dog and its character.
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These mixed breeds can have a medium to high activity level. They need regular exercise and employment.
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Since these mixed breeds come from two strong breeds and can quickly develop a mind of their own, consistent but patient training should be applied early on. This will prevent behavior problems.
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The coat can vary. Normally it is dense and short to medium length.
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The food should be best adapted to his age, activity level and size.
