ADDITIONAL SAINT BERNARD PICTURES
Family: Mastiff
Breed Group: Mastiff, AKC Working
Origin: Switzerland
Date of Origin: 16th century
Originally used for: Farm dog, Companion, rescue
Used today: Companion, rescue work
Other Name(s): St. Bernardhund, Alpine Mastiff, Bernhardiner,
History of the Breed: It is likely that the Roman Armies brought their large Molosser type dogs
into what is now called Switzerland. These dogs were mixed with the native dogs to produce the foundation stock for the Saint Bernard.
Over time these large dogs were used on farms for a variety of guarding, herding, and
drafting duties. In 1050 Archdeacon Bernard de Menthon founded the Hospice in the Swiss Alps as a refuge for travelers crossing the
treacherous passes between Switzerland and Italy. It was at this Hospice that the breed we call the Saint Bernard was developed.
The Monks of the Hospice used the Saint Bernard to locate people trapped in snow and lost in snow storms. The dogs have a highly
developed sense of smell that made them ideal for rescue work.
Saint Bernards have been used in rescue work at the Hospice for more than three centuries. It is estimated that they have been
responsible for saving over 2,000 human lives.
The Saint Bernard was registered by the AKC in 1885
General Appearance: A large and very powerful dog with a large broad head and a relatively short muzzle with a large and broad
black nose with wide nostrils. The face has furrowed wrinkles. The ears are set high and are medium sized. The medium sized eyes
are dark brown and set moderately deep. The body has a well arched deep chest and a broad straight back. The legs and loin are very
muscular and powerful. The tail is long and heavy and ends in a tip. The coat is dense with longer hair on the thighs and tail.
Height & Weight:
Height 25-27.5 Inches
Weight 120-200 Pounds
Coat: Two coat types:
Smooth coat - has a short and dense double coat that is harsh to the touch.
Rough coat - has a medium length double coat that is straight or slightly wavy.
Color: White with markings in tan, red, mahogany, black, and brindle.
Grooming needs: Medium
Temperament of Breed: They make an excellent family dog, they are loyal, and gentle however, they can be overly protective of family members.
Friendly with children: Yes, with proper socialization starting at an early age
Friendly with other dogs: Yes, with proper socialization starting at an early age
Suitability as a watchdog: Excellent
Exercise Level: Low
Health Issues with the Breed:
Major: Hip dysplasia, entropion, ectropion, epilepsy, dilated cardiomyopathy
Minor: Eczema
Life Expectancy: 9 to 12 Years
2006 AKC Ranking: 39
First Registered by the AKC: 1885
Registries: CKC, FCI, AKC, UKC, KCGB, CKC, ANKC, NKC, NZKC, APRI, ACR
ACR -American Canine Registry
AKC -American Kennel Club
ANKC -Australian National Kennel Club
APRI -American Pet Registry Inc.
CKC -Continental Kennel Club
CKC -Canadian Kennel Club
FCI -Fédération Cynologique Internationale
KCGB -Kennel Club of Great Britain
NKC -National Kennel Club
NZKC -New Zealand Kennel Club
UKC -United Kennel Club
Breed Organizations & Associations:
Saint Bernard Club of America
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