About Saint Bernards

One of the heaviest dog breeds in the world, the Saint Bernard is not recommended for first-time dog owners. Although featured in movies and the Howard Huge comic strip, Saint Bernards do not fit in well with the average family. They require a lot of time, attention and money. They are incredidibly intelligent and get bored easily. If they are bored and you don't provide them with exercise or a game, they will develop destructive behaviors.

  1. History

    • Saint Bernards originated in Switzerland in the 1500s, but were not called "Saint Bernards" until 1880. They got the name from a monastary at St. Bernard's Pass in the Swiss Alps, thought to be the original home of the breed. They were called "hopsice dogs" at that time. They are thought to be decendants of the extinct Molossian dog breed and perhaps crossed with Neopolitan mastiffs.

    Function

    • Experts debate the origianl purpose for creating such a massive breed, but the St. Bernard's Pass monks did use the dogs for companionship, rescue work and as guard dogs. Now, they are primarily pets but also can be used for light draft work and in the entertainment industry.

    Size

    • They are listed as giant breeds by national breed show organizations. They stand on average three feet tall at the shoulder and can weigh an average of 150 to165 pounds.

    Identification

    • Saint Bernards often resemble furry oxen with their massive, blocky bodies and blunt, round heads. They have drooping ears, small eyes, a big (usually black) nose and folds of skin on the face like a bloodhound. They are always orange-red and white. They come now in two lengths of coats--one short-haired and the other of thick medium-length hair. They have an excellent sense of smell and rarely live beyond the age of nine.

    Warning

    • Saint Bernards are prone to health problems such as hip dysplasia, heart problems, wobbler syndrome, skin problems, eyelid problems and drool more than many other dog breeds.

    Expert Insight

    • Saint Bernards were bred to live in cold weather, so even the short-haired ones don't do too well in hot weather or overheated rooms in winter.