Origin and Early History

The Saint Bernard, a giant-sized working breed, originated in Switzerland, specifically from the hospice of the Great St Bernard Pass on the Italian-Swiss border. The breed was developed for mountain rescue work, with the hospice acquiring its first dogs between 1660 and 1670. The Saint Bernard gained fame through tales of Alpine rescues and its large size and gentle temperament.

The breed's name is derived from the Great St Bernard Hospice, established by the Alpine monk Saint Bernard of Menthon. The Saint Bernard was not widely known as "St. Bernard" until the middle of the 19th century, with earlier names including "Saint Dogs," "Noble Steeds," or "Barry Dogs. " The first evidence of the dogs' use at the monastery dates back to 1690, with paintings by Italian artist Salvator Rosa.

Severe winters from 1816 to 1818 led to increased numbers of avalanches, which killed many of the dogs during rescues. To preserve the breed, the remaining St. Bernards were crossed with Newfoundlands and other breeds, significantly altering their appearance and abilities. The Swiss St. Bernard Club was founded in 1884, and the breed was entered into the Swiss Stud Book in the same year, with the breed standard approved in 1888.

Physical Description

The Saint Bernard is recognized internationally as one of the molosser breeds, characterized by its giant size and smooth, close, flat coat. The coat color is primarily white with smaller or larger red patches, with a clear to dark red mantle and reddish-brown mantle being the most valuable. Less desirable colors include brindle reddish and brownish-yellow.

The Saint Bernard has a long and heavy tail that hangs high, and its eye color ranges from light brown to dark brown, with naturally tight lids and only slightly visible haws. The breed's massive head and distinctive markings contribute to its powerful and imposing appearance. The Saint Bernard's weight can range from 140 to 180 pounds for males and 120 to 140 pounds for females, with a height of 27.5 to 30 inches at the shoulder.

Temperament and Personality

The Saint Bernard is known for its gentle, patient nature and calm temperament. It is friendly, loyal, and affectionate, especially with children. While not instinctively protective, the Saint Bernard may bark at strangers due to its size, making it a good deterrent against intruders. This breed is also known for its intelligence and trainability, which makes it suitable for various activities and tasks.

Bred as a working companion, the Saint Bernard is an amiable yet hard worker. It retains its natural ability for scent work and can participate in tracking events or search and rescue work, depending on the dog's skill and the trainer's expertise. The breed's strength and endurance make it well-suited for heavy-duty tasks.

Health Considerations

The Saint Bernard has a life expectancy of 8-10 years, with a 2024 UK study finding an average lifespan of 9.3 years for the breed. Health issues include osteosarcoma (bone cancer), a juvenile-onset inherited polyneuropathy similar to Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, and several skin conditions such as acral lick dermatitis, intertrigo, dermal arteritis, hygroma, and pyotraumatic dermatitis.

Other health concerns include dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), canine hip dysplasia, canine cruciate ligament deficiency (CCLD), and gastric dilatation volvulus (GDV). The breed is predisposed to these conditions at higher rates than the general dog population.

Breed Standard and Recognition

The Saint Bernard is recognized internationally by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale as a Molosser in Group 2, Section 2. It is also recognized by The Kennel Club (UK), the Canadian Kennel Club, and the American Kennel Club in the Working Dog group. The United Kennel Club places the breed in the Guardian Dog Group, while the New Zealand Kennel Club and the Australian National Kennel Council place it in the Utility Group.

The breed's standard was approved in 1888, and since then, the Saint Bernard has been a Swiss national dog. The breed's development has been influenced by many large molosser-type breeds, including the Newfoundland, Great Pyrenees, Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, Great Dane, English Mastiff, and possibly the Tibetan Mastiff and Caucasian Shepherd Dog. The breed standard outlines specific requirements for size, coat, color, and structure.

Notability and Media Presence

The Saint Bernard has been featured in various media, including old live-action comedies, classic cartoons, and films. The breed is often portrayed wearing small barrels of brandy around their necks, a myth that originated from an 1820 painting by Edwin Landseer. The monks of the St. Bernard Hospice deny that any St. Bernard ever carried casks or small barrels around their necks.

Notable Saint Bernards include Barry, the most famous Alpine rescue dog, and Rutor, the faithful companion of the Italian priest Pierre Chanoux. The breed has also been featured in fiction, with characters like Beethoven from the film series and Cujo from Stephen King's novel. The media presence of the Saint Bernard has contributed to the breed's popularity and recognition.

Buying a Saint Bernard

Prospective owners should look for a reputable breeder who can provide health clearances and ensure that the puppy comes from a healthy background. It is also crucial to consider the cost of owning a Saint Bernard, including food, grooming, and veterinary care. The initial cost of purchasing a Saint Bernard puppy can range from $1,000 to $2,000, depending on the breeder and the puppy's lineage.

Potential owners should also be prepared for the breed's large size and potential health issues, which may require specialized veterinary care.