Exercise: Saint Bernards should not be over-exercised as puppies to prevent any damage to their rapidly growing bones and muscles. They are much more active when younger, but tend to slow down once fully grown and don't need as much space for exercise. They need an average amount of exercise and will be happy with regular walks and opportunities to run freely of lead.

History: These dogs descended from Asian Mastiff family and travelled from Greece to Italy and then into Europe. Around 1000 AD breed had established a reputation for assisting lost travellers, due to Swiss monk Bernard de Menthon (from whom they got their name). They were never given formal training, but these dogs had an amazing ability to scent out stranded people in snow. They would often keep victim warm by lying on each side of body, while another dog would go back for help. Inbreeding occurred over centuries and it became necessary to outcross to Newfoundlands and Pyrenean Mountain Dogs. However these crosses brought in rough coated varieties whose coat collected snow and weighed them down in icy weather.

Additional Comments:

Saint Bernards need plenty of bone forming additives, vitamins and minerals when growing, for them to develop muscles needed to carry their large frame. Saint Bernards tend to drool a fair amount, due to their lower lips drooping at outside corners. It is especially noticeable when they are eating and drinking.

Exercise: Rottweilers are reasonably demanding with their exercise needs. They enjoy running freely in country and retrieving objects. These dogs tend to stick by their owners without running off when being taken for walks. Good activities for Rottweilers to burn energy include running alongside a cycle (once fully grown) and going swimming.

History: These dogs come from Asian Mastiff family and look like a heavier version of Dobermann. They were used by Roman armies for fighting, cattle droving, guarding and as draught animals to carry their goods. When invading soldiers moved on from town of Rottweil in southern Germany, some of their dogs were left behind with locals. The dogs were then used to drive stock to and from markets and farmers would tie their money to dog's collar for safety, as no bandit would take on one of these dogs. At one stage Rottweilers were called Metzgerhund (butcher dog) as their main job was to haul carts for butchers and cattle dealers.

Additional Comments:

Generally it is necessary to be firmer with dogs than bitches, as females tend to have a slightly gentler nature. Rottweiler's are ideal for security work and defence dog training and sports. They are used by police and army for defence purposes.