The Breed
For hundreds of years, the Saint Bernard has been hailed for its bravery in rescue work, saving countless lives throughout the treacherous terrain of the Swiss Alps. Its power, strength, and imposing size add to its abilities as a working dog. But this intelligent, gentle giant is also celebrated for its intense loyalty and affectionate personality.

Work History
The Saint Bernard, often reverently referred to as the Saint, was originally a shorthaired dog named after Saint Bernard of Menthon, founder of the Hospice in the Swiss Alps — a shelter established in 1050 to provide comfort to travelers passing between Italy and Switzerland.

Though it is uncertain just when the dog arrived at the hospice, its popularity as a rescue breed began in the mid-17th century. In addition to being a faithful companion to the monks in residence, the Hospice dog, as it was then called, was hailed for its exceptional ability to find lost trails and lost people — even those buried under several feet of snow. Once a dog located a helpless traveler, it would lick the freezing person’s face to keep him conscious and lie on or beside him to keep him warm. By the mid- to late-1800s, the breed was internationally recognized and its popularity began to spread.

Over the past three centuries the Saint Bernard is estimated to have saved more than 2,000 human lives. Today, the Saint Bernard continues to be used in search and rescue efforts.

Physical Qualifications

Height: 25-28 inches
Weight: 150-200 pounds

Special Adaptations for Work: The massive size and muscle power of the Saint Bernard allows it to rescue in rough terrain. Large feet with arched toes keep it sure-footed in snow and ice, and a highly developed sense of smell helps it to locate a body under many feet of snow. This breed is also thought to possess a sixth sense to foretell storms and avalanches, though its gift is likely due to its ability to hear low-frequency sounds.