Do you love movies about dogs? We do! We prefer movies that make us laugh rather than cry. I grew up in the 1980s and 1990s, so I remember the hype about this adorable Saint Bernard dog.
Was Beethoven a good or bad dog? If you ask us, this dog taught Charles Grodins character how to love.
Dogue de Bordeaux (French Mastiff)
French Mastiffs have been around for a very long time, having the reputation as one of the oldest French breeds of dogs. In some areas, these dogs are called Bordeaux Bulldogs because of their facial similarities with the mentioned breed. French Mastiffs can weigh up to 65.2 kilograms and grow as tall as 69 centimeters in height.
This breed is not exactly friendly to strangers, being confrontational most of the time, but their loyalty to their master and family is strong. This trait makes the breed a highly bankable guard dog. No inexperienced or first-time dog owners should consider having this breed as their first, as it takes some skill to raise it properly.
They are observed to commonly suffer from epilepsy and heart problems but can reach up to 10–12 years in a healthy condition.
These dogs rarely live longer than 10 years.
Historically, Bullmastiffs (along with Molosser dogs) were trained and developed as gamekeepers to guard estates. This breed can weigh up to 59 kilograms. Females of this breed can grow from 61–66 centimeters tall while male Bullmastiffs can grow from 64–71 centimeters tall.
It takes a firm master to control a Bullmastiff effectively. They can be particular to the tone and timbre of the voice, so an assertive resonance might be required. One of the most alert guard dogs, Bullmastiffs do not necessarily attack immediately but may just pin and trap an intruder or enemy down. It is very important that at a young age, Bullmastiffs are trained to socialize with strangers and other dogs.
Prone to cancer and different types of tumors, a Bullmastiff is expected to live under ten years.
© 2014 Akhila Rakash
PAUL in ZAMBIA on June 01, 2020:
Sydney Griego on September 01, 2018:
A Caucasian Shepard is the largest dog. They can stand when on their hind legs at 6 feet takl
robin on November 29, 2016:
We have a newfoundland and are totally in love with the breed. Ive enjoyed getting to meet most of these large breeds and find them magnificient!
momqueen on January 15, 2016:
How could you possibly forget Great Pyrenees? This is a wonderful breed (that from a golden retriever owner for 30 years), very loving, silly and majestic. Very much like a newfoundland. As a matter of fact, a newffie is a cross between, a pyrenees and a mastiff.
Akhila Rakash (author) on October 23, 2014:
Thank you. Im glad you enjoyed reading ^_^
Sharon Berry from Michigan on September 27, 2014:
I love reading about all of these large, lovable animals.
In 1992, a beloved new star leapt onto the silver screen and became a worldwide sensation! This unique actor wasn’t your typical leading man; he was the adorable canine hero of the Beethoven film series.
Beethoven’s 2nd was the last film to feature the original canine star who made the franchise so popular. In fact, the following six films featured a variety of different dogs and went straight to video. These movies were Beethoven’s 3rd, Beethoven’s 4th, Beethoven’s 5th, Beethoven’s Big Break, Beethoven’s Christmas Adventure, and Beethoven’s Treasure Trail.
Created by John Hughes, the esteemed director of a multitude of classic hits including The Breakfast Club and Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, the series revolves around a precocious St Bernard and his family’s attempts to deal with his wacky antics.
Another of his trainers, Kar Lewis Miller, was eager to portray St Bernards in a more positive light after working on the horror film Cujo, about a rabid St Bernard.
The Beethoven film series has eight installments; but the first two are the most popular. They are the only two Beethoven movies to be released in cinemas, and the only two to feature the original and most loved canine actor.
What Kind of Dog Is Beethoven?
Beethoven was a Saint Bernard, a type of mountain dog. The Saint Bernard is a large working dog breed that hails from the Western Alps. The breed was originally developed for rescue work in the mountains along the border of Italy and Switzerland.
Saint Bernards are known for their large frames and sweet temperaments. They are truly “gentle giants” who look to please their families and those closest to them.
Beethoven bears all the calling cards of the Saint Bernard dog breed, both in appearance and in personality—well, for the most part. His large size and coat is emblematic of the breed, as is his drive to bond with his family. Some of his higher-energy antics, like the iconic scene where he ruins the barbecue, are a little out of character for the typically laid-back breed.
FAQ
How much is a St. Bernard dog?
Is the dog in Beethoven real?