Dog breed · Working
Saint Bernard
A famous alpine rescue dog: enormous, slow-moving and deeply tolerant of family life.
Giant8–10 yearsSwiss AlpsNeeds more space
Breed characteristics
- Group
- Working
- Origin
- Swiss Alps
- Size
- Giant
- Weight
- 54–82 kg (120–180 lb)
- Height
- 65–90 cm
- Lifespan
- 8–10 years
- Coat
- Short or long dense double coat
- Temperament
- GentleTolerantWatchfulPlacid
History
Bred by monks at the Great St Bernard Hospice to find travellers lost in snow.
Appearance
Massive head, red-and-white coat and a kindly expression.
Exercise and activity
Two gentle walks daily; avoid heat and hard exercise during growth.
Care and grooming
Brush two or three times weekly, wipe drool folds and provide orthopaedic bedding.
Health considerations
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Bloat
- Dilated cardiomyopathy
- Entropion and ectropion
- Osteosarcoma