Saint Bernard
Breed Description

The Saint Bernard is also known by several other names including Alpine Mastiff (historical), Bernhardiner (German), St. Bernhardshund, and Sacred Dog. In Switzerland, their homeland, they are often affectionately called "Barry Dogs" after the famous rescue dog Barry der Menschenretter who saved over 40 lives in the early 1800s. The breed is sometimes referred to as the Swiss Alpine Dog or simply Saints by enthusiasts.

The Saint Bernard stands as one of the most recognizable and beloved giant dog breeds in the world. These massive, powerful dogs combine impressive physical strength with an exceptionally gentle temperament, making them one of nature's most remarkable combinations of power and kindness. Originally developed in the Swiss Alps for rescue work, the Saint Bernard has evolved into a cherished family companion while retaining the noble characteristics that made them legendary mountain rescue dogs.

These magnificent dogs possess a commanding presence that immediately draws attention. Their massive heads feature a broad skull with a well-defined stop and a relatively short, deep muzzle. The eyes are medium-sized, dark brown, and set moderately deep, giving the dog an intelligent and kindly expression that has endeared them to countless families worldwide. Their ears are medium-sized, set high, and hang close to the cheeks with a strong development at the base. The Saint Bernard's powerful neck supports their impressive head and flows smoothly into a broad, muscular body built for endurance and strength rather than speed.

The breed's body structure reflects centuries of development for work in harsh alpine conditions. They possess a deep, broad chest that reaches to the elbows, providing ample room for heart and lungs needed for working at high altitudes. Their back is broad and straight, leading to a gently sloping croup. The tail is long, heavy, and carried low when at rest, though it may be raised slightly when the dog is alert or in motion. Their legs are straight, strong, and well-boned, with large, compact feet that once helped them traverse snowy mountain passes.

American Kennel Club (AKC)

General Appearance: Powerful, proportionately tall figure, strong and muscular in every part, with powerful head and most intelligent expression. In dogs with a dark mask the expression appears more stern, but never ill-natured.

Size, Proportion, Substance: Males, minimum height 27½ inches; Females, minimum height 25½ inches. The height is measured at the withers. In general, the greater the height, the more prized, provided substance, symmetry, and correct movement are maintained.

Head: Like the whole body, very powerful and imposing. The massive skull is wide, slightly arched and the sides slope in a gentle curve into the very strongly developed, high cheek bones. Eyes set more to the front than the sides, are of medium size, dark brown with intelligent, friendly expression.

Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI)

Classification: Group 2 (Pinscher and Schnauzer type, Molossoid breeds, Swiss Mountain and Cattle Dogs), Section 2.2 (Molossoid breeds, Mountain type). Without working trial.

General Appearance: There are two varieties of the Saint Bernard: Short-haired variety (Stockhaar, smooth coat) and Long-haired variety (Langhaar, rough coat). Both varieties are of impressive size and of balanced, sturdy, muscular build with imposing head and alert facial expression.

Important Proportions: Ideal relation of height at withers to body length (measured from the point of shoulder to the point of buttock) = 9 : 10. The total length of the head is slightly more than one third of the height at the withers.

United Kennel Club (UKC)

The Saint Bernard is a very large, strong, muscular dog, with a powerful head. As long as the weight is in proportion to the height, the taller the dog the more prized. There are two coat types: smooth, in which the short hair is very dense and tough; and rough, in which the medium length hair is straight to slightly wavy.

Working dogs are not to be penalized under any conditions for scars or blemishes that are due to hunting injuries. The Saint Bernard is shown in natural condition with no trimming.

Other Organizations

The Kennel Club (UK) recognizes the Saint Bernard in the Working Group, describing them as a dog of enormous substance and great muscular power, yet capable of endurance and considerable speed. The Canadian Kennel Club similarly places them in Group 3 (Working Dogs), emphasizing their rescue heritage and gentle temperament alongside their impressive physical presence. Both organizations stress the importance of maintaining soundness and temperament over extreme size, ensuring these gentle giants remain healthy, functional companions.

The Saint Bernard's history is deeply intertwined with the Great Saint Bernard Pass, a treacherous alpine route connecting Switzerland to Italy that rises to 8,100 feet above sea level. Around 1050 AD, an Augustine monk named Bernard of Menthon founded a hospice at the summit of this pass to aid travelers making the dangerous journey through the mountains. The hospice, which still operates today, became a refuge for pilgrims and merchants traversing one of Europe's most challenging mountain routes.

The exact origins of the dogs that would become Saint Bernards remain somewhat unclear, but most historians believe the monks acquired their first dogs between 1660 and 1670. These early dogs were likely descendants of the ancient Molosser breeds brought to the Alps by Roman armies centuries earlier, possibly crossed with local Swiss farm dogs. The harsh alpine environment and the specific needs of rescue work shaped these dogs through both natural and selective breeding into the remarkable breed we know today.

The monks initially used these dogs as companions and guards for the hospice, but they quickly discovered the dogs' extraordinary ability to navigate in heavy snow and their uncanny talent for finding lost travelers. The dogs' broad chests acted like snowplows, their powerful bodies could forge paths through deep drifts, and their incredible sense of smell could detect humans buried under avalanches. Working in teams of two or three, these dogs would locate stranded travelers, with one dog lying next to the victim to provide warmth while another returned to the hospice to alert the monks.

The most famous Saint Bernard in history was Barry der Menschenretter (Barry the Lifesaver), who lived at the hospice from 1800 to 1812. Barry is credited with saving more than 40 lives during his career, becoming a legend throughout Europe. His most famous rescue, though possibly embellished through retelling, involved carrying a small child on his back to safety. After his death, Barry's body was preserved and is still displayed at the Natural History Museum in Bern, Switzerland, serving as a testament to the breed's heroic heritage.

The severe winters of 1816 to 1818, following the volcanic eruption of Mount Tambora in Indonesia, nearly drove the breed to extinction. Many dogs died from the extreme weather, inbreeding, and disease. To save the breed, the monks crossed their remaining dogs with Newfoundlands brought from the Colony of Newfoundland in the 1850s. This crossbreeding introduced the long-haired gene into the breed, creating the rough-coat variety we see today, though ironically, the longer coat proved less suitable for snow rescue work as ice would form in the fur.

The name "Saint Bernard" wasn't officially adopted until 1880. Before this, the dogs were known by various names including Sacred Dogs, Alpine Mastiffs, Alpenhund, and Barryhund (after the famous Barry). The Swiss Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1884, and the first breed standard was established in 1887. The Saint Bernard Club of America, founded in 1888, adopted this standard and has remained one of the oldest specialty clubs in the United States.

As modern transportation methods made the treacherous pass safer and reduced the need for rescue dogs, Saint Bernards transitioned from working dogs to beloved family companions. Their gentle nature, combined with their impressive size and noble bearing, made them popular throughout Europe and North America. The breed gained additional fame through popular culture, particularly Edwin Landseer's 1820 painting showing a Saint Bernard with a barrel around its neck (though the monks never actually used barrels), and later through movies like the "Beethoven" series.

Today, while helicopters and modern rescue techniques have replaced dogs in alpine rescue work, the hospice still maintains a small kennel of Saint Bernards as living symbols of their remarkable history. The breed's transition from mountain rescue dog to family companion has been remarkably successful, with these gentle giants now cherished worldwide for their patient, loving nature and their unwavering devotion to their families.

The Saint Bernard's original function as an alpine rescue dog required a unique combination of physical and mental attributes that still define the breed today. These dogs were specifically developed to perform life-saving work in some of the world's most challenging conditions. Their primary role involved patrolling the mountain passes, searching for lost or injured travelers, and providing critical assistance until human help could arrive. This demanding work required not only exceptional physical capabilities but also intelligence, independence, and an inherent desire to help humans in distress.

In their rescue role, Saint Bernards demonstrated remarkable problem-solving abilities and decision-making skills. They worked both independently and in teams, often making critical decisions without human guidance. When working in pairs or groups, they would coordinate their efforts, with some dogs staying with victims to provide warmth while others returned for help. Their thick, weather-resistant coats provided insulation against freezing temperatures, while their massive paws distributed weight like natural snowshoes, allowing them to traverse deep snow that would stop smaller dogs or humans.

Modern Saint Bernards have successfully transitioned to new roles while retaining many of their original working characteristics. Today, they excel as therapy dogs, where their calm demeanor and gentle nature provide comfort in hospitals, nursing homes, and disaster areas. Their impressive size, rather than being intimidating, often serves as a source of fascination and joy for those they visit. Some Saint Bernards still participate in cart-pulling competitions and weight-pulling events, demonstrating the strength that once helped them forge paths through mountain snow.

As family guardians, Saint Bernards fulfill a protective function through their mere presence rather than aggression. Their deep, resonant bark and imposing size serve as effective deterrents to potential intruders, while their generally peaceful nature means they rarely need to escalate beyond a warning. They possess an intuitive understanding of real versus perceived threats, showing remarkable discernment in their protective behaviors. This balanced approach to guarding makes them ideal for families who want a deterrent without the liability of an aggressive protection dog.

In contemporary search and rescue work, while Saint Bernards are no longer the primary choice for alpine rescue, some organizations still train them for wilderness search operations, particularly in areas with heavy snow. Their exceptional scenting ability, combined with their endurance and strength, makes them capable search dogs in specific environments. They excel in avalanche rescue training exercises and demonstrations, keeping alive the skills that made their ancestors legendary.

The breed's function as a companion animal represents perhaps their most important modern role. Saint Bernards provide emotional support and companionship on a scale that matches their physical size. They seem to possess an innate understanding of human emotions and often position themselves near family members who are upset or unwell. This empathetic nature, likely developed through centuries of rescue work requiring them to comfort distressed travelers, makes them exceptional emotional support animals for those dealing with anxiety, depression, or trauma.

The Saint Bernard's behavior reflects centuries of breeding for specific temperament traits essential to their rescue work heritage. These gentle giants possess a remarkable combination of patience, intelligence, and steadfastness that makes them exceptional family companions. Their calm, measured approach to life stands in striking contrast to their massive size, demonstrating that true strength often manifests as gentleness. Understanding their behavioral patterns helps owners provide appropriate guidance and creates harmonious household dynamics.

Saint Bernards typically exhibit a notably steady temperament, rarely showing extremes of behavior. They approach new situations with thoughtful consideration rather than impulsive reactions. This measured response pattern likely evolved from their rescue work, where hasty actions in treacherous mountain conditions could prove fatal. Modern Saint Bernards retain this thoughtful nature, often observing situations carefully before deciding how to respond. This characteristic makes them excellent companions for families seeking a stable, predictable pet, though it can sometimes be misinterpreted as stubbornness during training.

Their social behavior demonstrates remarkable sophistication and sensitivity. Saint Bernards generally show excellent discrimination between normal social interactions and situations requiring intervention. They tend to be naturally gentle with smaller beings, whether children, small dogs, or other pets, seemingly aware of their size advantage and moderating their behavior accordingly. This gentleness extends to their play style, which tends to be less rough than many other large breeds, though puppies may need guidance to understand their strength as they grow.

Communication patterns in Saint Bernards involve a rich vocabulary of vocalizations and body language. While not excessive barkers, they use their deep, resonant voice purposefully to alert their families to unusual situations. They communicate affection through leaning against their loved ones, a behavior that can be overwhelming given their size but represents their desire for close physical contact. They also use subtle facial expressions and eye contact to convey their needs and emotions, developing almost conversational exchanges with attentive owners.

The breed displays interesting independence balanced with attachment to their family. While devoted to their human companions, Saint Bernards aren't typically anxious or clingy. They can contentedly occupy themselves when necessary but prefer to be near their family, often positioning themselves where they can monitor household activities. This balanced attachment style likely stems from their working heritage, where they needed to work independently while maintaining focus on human needs.

Saint Bernards show distinct behavioral changes as they mature from puppyhood to adulthood. Puppies can be surprisingly energetic and playful, requiring patient guidance to channel their enthusiasm appropriately. As they mature, usually around two to three years of age, they develop the dignified, calm demeanor characteristic of adult Saint Bernards. This extended puppyhood requires owners to maintain consistent training and patience through what can be a challenging phase, particularly given the puppy's rapid size increase.

Their response to training reveals both intelligence and an independent streak. Saint Bernards learn quickly but may choose whether to comply based on their assessment of the situation. They respond best to positive reinforcement methods that respect their intelligence and dignity. Harsh corrections or repetitive drilling often backfire, causing these sensitive dogs to become stubborn or withdrawn. Successful training involves making lessons interesting and rewarding while maintaining realistic expectations about their working speed and style.

Environmental sensitivity in Saint Bernards extends beyond their well-known heat intolerance. They often show heightened awareness of household tensions or changes in routine, sometimes becoming stressed or withdrawn when family dynamics are disrupted. They may attempt to mediate conflicts between family members by physically positioning themselves between arguing parties or seeking to distract with attention-seeking behaviors. This emotional sensitivity requires owners to consider their dog's emotional well-being during times of household stress or change.

Saint Bernards integrate into family life with a natural understanding of household hierarchy and their place within it. These gentle giants seem to instinctively recognize family members as their "pack" and show remarkable adaptability to different family structures. Whether in a bustling household with children or a quiet home with adults, Saint Bernards adjust their behavior to match the family's energy and lifestyle. Their patient nature and emotional intelligence make them particularly well-suited to families who can accommodate their physical needs and appreciate their calm, steady presence.

With children, Saint Bernards display an almost legendary patience and gentleness. They seem to understand that children require special consideration and will often tolerate behavior from youngsters that they wouldn't accept from adults. Many Saint Bernards develop particularly strong bonds with children in their household, appointing themselves as gentle guardians and patient playmates. However, their size presents practical challenges, as even a gentle tail wag can knock over a toddler, and an enthusiastic greeting can overwhelm small children. Families must supervise interactions and teach both children and dog appropriate behavior to prevent accidental injuries.

The breed's interaction with babies and infants deserves special mention. Many Saint Bernards show remarkable awareness around infants, often becoming noticeably more careful in their movements and quieter in their vocalizations. They may position themselves as sentinels near nurseries or infant play areas, maintaining a watchful but unobtrusive presence. Some develop strong protective instincts toward babies in their family, though this protectiveness rarely manifests as aggression, instead showing as increased alertness and positioning themselves between the infant and perceived threats.

Multi-pet households generally suit Saint Bernards well, provided introductions are managed properly. Their typically non-aggressive nature helps them integrate with existing pets, and they often show remarkable tolerance for smaller animals' sometimes pushy behavior. Cats, small dogs, and even rabbits can coexist peacefully with a well-socialized Saint Bernard. However, their size means that play must be monitored, as they can inadvertently injure smaller pets through enthusiastic but clumsy interactions. Early socialization with various animals helps develop appropriate inter-species social skills.

The Saint Bernard's role in family activities varies with their age and the family's lifestyle. While they enjoy being included in family outings and activities, their exercise needs are moderate compared to many large breeds. They're happy with leisurely walks, backyard play sessions, and simply being present during family gatherings. Their heat sensitivity means summer activities require careful planning, with early morning or evening outings preferred. Many families find that their Saint Bernard becomes the calm center around which family activities revolve, rather than an active participant in high-energy pursuits.

Space considerations significantly impact family dynamics with a Saint Bernard. These dogs require room to move comfortably, and their tail alone can clear a coffee table with one wag. Families must be prepared for the practical realities of sharing space with a dog that can weigh as much as an adult human. This includes reinforced furniture, elevated food storage, and acceptance that personal space becomes a negotiable concept. Many Saint Bernard owners report that their dogs seem unaware of their size, attempting to be lap dogs despite their physical impossibility of fitting.

The emotional support Saint Bernards provide to family members often becomes one of their most valued contributions. They seem to possess an intuitive understanding of human emotions and will often gravitate toward family members who are upset, ill, or stressed. This empathetic response isn't trained but appears to be an inherent trait, possibly developed through their rescue dog heritage. During family crises or difficulties, many owners report their Saint Bernard becoming even more attentive and affectionate, providing wordless comfort through their presence.

Establishing boundaries and rules within the family structure requires consistency from all family members. Saint Bernards can quickly learn to exploit inconsistencies in rules, such as being allowed on furniture by one family member but not another. Their intelligence means they understand complex household rules but may choose to test boundaries, particularly during adolescence. Successful integration requires all family members to maintain consistent expectations and responses to behavior, preventing confusion and ensuring the dog understands its place in the family hierarchy.

Saint Bernard health considerations reflect both the challenges common to giant breeds and specific issues related to their rapid growth and massive size. Understanding these health concerns helps owners provide preventive care and recognize problems early, potentially extending their dog's life and improving quality of life. While Saint Bernards face several health challenges, responsible breeding practices and proper care can help minimize risks and ensure these gentle giants enjoy healthy, comfortable lives.

The breed's large size contributes to a shorter average lifespan compared to smaller dogs, typically ranging from 8 to 10 years, though some individuals live longer with excellent care. Their rapid growth during puppyhood places tremendous stress on developing bones and joints, making proper nutrition and controlled exercise during the first two years crucial for long-term health. Overfeeding or excessive exercise during this critical period can lead to permanent skeletal problems that impact the dog throughout its life.

Bloat, technically known as gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), represents one of the most serious acute health threats to Saint Bernards. This condition occurs when the stomach fills with gas and potentially rotates, cutting off blood supply and creating a life-threatening emergency. Deep-chested breeds like Saint Bernards face elevated risk for this condition. Preventive measures include feeding multiple small meals rather than one large meal, avoiding exercise immediately after eating, and using elevated feeding bowls. Some owners opt for prophylactic gastropexy surgery, which tacks the stomach to the abdominal wall to prevent rotation.

Bone and joint problems plague many Saint Bernards throughout their lives. Hip dysplasia, a malformation of the hip joint, affects a significant percentage of the breed. Elbow dysplasia presents similar concerns in the front legs. These conditions can range from mild to severe, potentially requiring expensive surgery or lifetime management with pain medication and physical therapy. Responsible breeders screen breeding stock through organizations like the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) to reduce the incidence of these inherited conditions. Osteosarcoma, an aggressive bone cancer, also occurs with higher frequency in Saint Bernards than in many other breeds.

Cardiac issues represent another significant health concern for the breed. Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), a condition where the heart becomes enlarged and cannot pump blood effectively, affects many Saint Bernards. Regular cardiac screening can detect early changes, allowing for medical management that may extend life and improve quality of life. Some bloodlines show higher incidence of cardiac problems, making health testing of breeding stock crucial for reducing prevalence in future generations.

Eye problems requiring attention in Saint Bernards include entropion and ectropion, conditions where the eyelids roll inward or outward respectively. These conditions can cause corneal irritation, excessive tearing, and potential vision problems if left untreated. Cherry eye, a prolapse of the third eyelid gland, also occurs with some frequency. Many of these conditions require surgical correction to prevent long-term complications and ensure comfort.

Heat sensitivity poses a significant risk to Saint Bernards, particularly in warm climates. Their thick coat and large body mass make heat dissipation difficult, and they can quickly develop heat stroke in hot weather. Owners must provide adequate shade, fresh water, and climate-controlled environments during warm months. Exercise should be limited to cooler parts of the day, and any signs of heat stress require immediate intervention.

Regular veterinary care throughout a Saint Bernard's life helps identify and address health issues early. Annual wellness exams should include thorough physical examination, blood work to assess organ function, and discussion of any behavioral or physical changes. As Saint Bernards age, more frequent veterinary visits may be necessary to manage chronic conditions and maintain quality of life. The financial commitment for veterinary care can be substantial, and pet insurance or dedicated savings for medical expenses should be considered before acquiring a Saint Bernard.

If you're looking to adopt a Saint Bernard, consider contacting these breed-specific rescue organizations:

Due to the changing nature of rescue organizations, please verify website functionality before contacting.

"Don't Shop... Please Adopt" - There are many wonderful Saint Bernards waiting for their forever homes.