A new Familie of eleven Saint Bernhard Puppies

18 April 2024

In March, the Saint Bernard dogs Haïka and Zeus from the “du Grand St. Bernard” kennel of the Fondation Barry in Martigny (canton Valais) became parents of 11 puppies.

Haïka was also born from the Fondation’s breeding programme. Her father, V’Barry, also from the kennel Grand St. Bernard, was crowned World Champion at the World Dog Show in 2023.

With her cheerful and friendly nature, Haïka has a likeable character that she hopefully passed on to her little ones.

The birth did not go as planned. Manuel Gaillard, head of breeding at Fondation Barry, recalls, “Four of the puppies were born naturally; the others had to be delivered by caesarean section shortly afterwards, which is not unusual for breeding dogs.”

The first few days after birth are crucial for their survival and subsequent well-being. All the foundation’s animal carers are on duty to care for them 24 hours a day and relieve the mother.

Photo: Fondation Barry

The four males and seven females will be given pedigrees and names beginning with “T”. In some time, the new owners will provide a name that always starts with “T.” On 25 March, exactly seven years ago, Zaskia du Grand St. Bernard also gave birth to a “T” litter at the kennel—what a happy coincidence.

Since 2005, the Fondation Barry has been committed to preserving and promoting the breeding of this particular breed and its equally unique history. The dogs’ health, character, and fitness are central to the breeding strategy, which this year made it possible to welcome the second litter.

Photo: Fondation Barry

One of the kennel’s quality standards is to support the individual pup in developing social behaviour so that it becomes a friendly dog that remains calm in different situations.

The first life lessons occur right from birth: each puppy is weighed daily to monitor growth. The little ones get used to being picked up and carried. They are also familiar with different voices and everyday sounds as their hearing develops.

The puppies also gradually learn where they can clean themselves so that they are housebroken when they move in with their new owners at ten weeks of age.

The puppies’ first steps can be followed live on Fondation Barry’s website until 6 May, thanks to a webcam. At the age of six weeks, depending on their stage of development, the puppies can be admired in Barryland.

Further information: Fondation Barry

Andrea Zollinger

Chargée de Communication institutionnelle
Projektleiterin Kommunikation