Photo: American Kennel Club
A Look Back
It is generally believed that the dogs eventually called Saint Bernards were bred from dogs previously existing in the Swiss countryside. The original Saint Bernard was a short-haired dog and was introduced to the Hospice (a refuge for travelers crossing the treacherous passes between Switzerland and Italy founded by Archdeacon Bernard de Menthon) in the 1660s as a guard dog, a carting dog and a companion to the monks that lived there. Eventually, the breed began working as an avalanche dog that rescued travelers trapped in the snow.
Did You Know...
During the three centuries that Saint Bernards have been used in rescue work at the Hospice, it is estimated that they have been responsible for saving well over 2,000 human lives. When training for rescue work, young Saint Bernards would go out on mountain searches with monks and older dogs. When the missing person was found, the young dog would lay next to him to warm him and lick his face to keep him awake, while the older dog would return to the Hospice to alert a search party and lead them back to the lost person. These original rescuers were short-haired dogs, but a long-haired variety appeared in the 1830s. The coats must be brown (ranging from deep brown to brown-yellow) and white in color.
Is a Saint Bernard the right breed for your family?
Both long-haired and short-haired Saint Bernards shed and need regular grooming. New owners should also be prepared for drool – there is no such thing as a dry-mouthed Saint! With obedience training and daily exercise, this breed makes wonderful family companions, however training and socialization must begin early because they grow so large. Due to their size, the breed may do better living in the suburbs or the country.
Thinking about buying a Saint Bernard?
Additional information for those considering a Saint Bernard – including things to know before you get a dog, tips on how to find a breeder near you, or a list of training clubs in your local area – can be found on the American Kennel Club Web site. Meet the Saints and 160 other AKC breeds at Meet the Breeds.
© The American Kennel Club, Inc.
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In my lifetime we have owned (3) saint bernards, the greatest dogs we have ever owned. they are as gentle as they are big ! one was named JR, we lived across from a middle school when JR was out and I called him in , the kids used to say " JR ,we would HATE to see senior ! ) One nite I was working one of my daughter's called and said JR has been in the front yard and he can't get up has been there for 2 hours. he weighed 220 lbs, so of course no one could lift him. on the way home I stopped at my local fire station and explaned my problem, they were great in five minutes they came with a fire truck and 3 men they took out their backboard and put JR in my van so we could get him to our vet.we ended up putting him down.and decided right then we would get a dog we could Carry to the vet .a couple of weeks later we went to a breeder and bought a winnie dog, even tho we missed JR SO MUCH ! I would recommend a saint bernard to anyone who had a young family they would be very satisfied......my oldest daughter has 2 saints at this time because of all the happy and funny memories she had growing up with ours
We have a rescued St. Bernard. He came to us from Missouri. Someone abandoned him before his first birthday. He is smaller than the average St. Bernard (only weighs just over 120 lbs.) but his heart is bigger than he is. Love this breed!