Saint Bernard

The Saint Bernard (also ‘St Bernard’, ‘St Bernhardshund’, or ‘Alpine Mastiff’) is a massive Swiss breed descending from the Roman Molossar and indigenous Swiss breeds. It was adapted in the seventeenth century to the purpose of mountain rescue at the Saint Bernard Hospice (named after an 11th century monk) in the Western Alps. The Saint Bernard would find lost travelers, lick them, and lie near them to warm them (they did not carry small barrels of brandy from their necks, as is often portrayed). The Saint Bernard continued in this role for centuries, saving thousands of lives. Prior to the 19th century the Saint Bernard was known as the ‘Saint Dog’ or ‘Barry Dog’, after a Saint Bernard from the early 1800’s who saved over 40 lives. Saint Bernards decreased in numbers in the 1800’s due to disease (and, by some sources, avalanches). They were crossed with the Newfoundland and other breeds to improve their numbers, introducing a long-coated variety. Today, the Saint Bernard is among the most popular large breeds. Famous Saint Bernards include Stephen King’s ‘Cujo’…actually, never mind— Famous Saint Bernards include Beethoven, hero of the ‘Beethoven’ series of films and Bamse, mascot of the Free Norwegian Forces in World War II, who served on board a navy ship and was awarded the ‘animal’ George’s Cross. Bamse was known to ride the bus to the local watering hole by herself and bring crew members back to the ship before curfew.

The St. Bernard is a very large dog with a large head. The largest recorded Saint Bernard was over 6 ft in length and weighed 310 pounds,although the average weight of the breed is between 140 and 220 lb (64–100 kg) or more and the approximate height at the withers is 27½ inches to 35½ inches (70 to 90 cm).The coat can be either smooth or rough, with the smooth coat close and flat. The rough coat is dense but flat, and more profuse around the neck and legs. The coat is typically a red colour with white, or sometimes a mahogany brindle with white. Black shading is usually found on the face and ears. The tail is long and heavy, hanging low with the end turned up slightly. The dark eyes should have naturally tight lids, with "haws only slightly visible".