Different Breeds of St. Bernard Puppies

The term "St. Bernard" refers to a single breed that is known for its size and heightened sense of smell and direction. St. Bernard puppies come in two different coat varieties: smooth and short-haired. As a breed they are also very similar to the Newfoundland and the Swiss Sennenhund breeds.

  1. Coat Varieties

    • Although there is only one St. Bernard breed, there are two varieties based on coat characteristics. The smooth haired dogs, also called rough coat St. Bernards, tend to be higher maintenance because their hair is slightly longer, although both types of coats are generally easy to maintain. Both varieties are white with various combinations of tan, red, mahogany, brindle and black. The face and ears are typically black.

    Relationship with Newfoundlands

    • St. Bernards look very different today then they did several hundred years ago. The breed was used in search and rescue operations in the Alps, but severe weather between 1816 and 1818 produced a lot of avalanches that claimed a large portion of the St. Bernard breed. To save the breed from extinction, they were crossed with Newfoundlands. The result was a heavier dog with a longer, denser coat. Unfortunately, this new type of coat would freeze and weigh them down, hindering their use as rescue dogs.

    Similarities with Sennenhund Breeds

    • The St. Bernard is also similar in appearance to the four Sennenhund breeds: the Grosser Schweizer Sennenhund, the Berner Sennenhund, the Appenzeller Sennenhund, and the Entlebucher Sennenhund. The St. Bernard and the Sennenhund breeds share the same history, originating in Switzerland from pairings with Mastiff breeds. As the St. Bernard became more popular in the 17th century, some of the other Sennenhund breeds, particularly the Grosser Schweizer Sennenhun, or Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, declined in numbers. The Sennenhund breeds are tri-color rather than red and white.

    Naming of the Breed

    • The St. Bernard was originally known as "Saint Dogs," "Noble Steeds," "Alpenmastiff," or "Barry Dogs." St. Bernard was an extremely dangerous pass located in the Western Alps between Switzerland and Italy. A traveler's lodge was established on the pass, also known as St. Bernards, at which the name was eventually passed on to the local dogs. The lodge was created by a 11th century monk named Bernard of Menthon.