The Saint Bernard is a large, powerful working breed. This family favorite is a loving and loyal dog that requires space and regular exercise.

Physical Characteristics

• Large, strong, muscular build
• Large head
• Medium sized, dark brown eyes
• Coat: Two types; shorthaired and longhaired
• Medium-sized drop ears
• Coloring of white with red, brindle and brown-yellow
• May have dark mask
• Height: 25.5 - 27.5 inches
• Weight: 110-180 pounds
• Average lifespan: 8-11 years

Temperament

• Gently, fun-loving and friendly, patient, obedient, intelligent, loyal
• Interaction with people: Good with children; playful and lively with family and strangers
• Training: Easily trained

At Home

• OK for apartments
• Fairly inactive indoors
• Low tolerance for heat
• Needs long walks as an adult. Do not over exercise a growing pup.

Grooming

• Average shedder
• Brush with a firm-bristle brush
• Keep eyes and ears clean

Brief History

• Originated in the 1600s in Switzerland
• Developed by monks at the Hospice of Saint Bernard in Switzerland
• Used as guards, for search-and-rescue, and drafting
• Likely descendents of Roman mastiffs
• Rescued travelers from snow avalanches
• Since 2004, it has been kept at the Hospice of Saint Bernard only during the summer, as a point of interest for tourists

Fido's Facts

• Believed to have saved more than 2,000 people at Switzerland's famous hospice
• Depicted in 1820 in Edwin Landseer’s painting "Alpine Mastiffs Reanimating a Distressed Traveler"
• Come in short- and long-haired varieties
• Avalanche rescues involved two Saint Bernards: One would stay with the trapped traveler to keep him warm, while the other went to the hospice for help