St. Bernard

The St. Bernard is a giant working dog breed established at the Great St Bernard Pass hospice in Switzerland during the seventeenth century. Under the Fédération Cynologique Internationale, it is classified in Group 2 for Pinscher and Schnauzer, Molossoid breeds, and Swiss Mountain and Cattle Dogs.

Monks established a hospice around the year 1050 at the Great St Bernard Pass, situated 2,469 m (8,100 ft) above sea level in the Pennine Alps. Archival documents from 1707 first record dogs kept by the hospice canons to guard the monastery and assist travelers through snowdrifts. Between 1800 and 1814, a hospice rescue dog named Barry rescued more than 40 lost or injured travelers along the alpine route. The Swiss St. Bernard Club formed in Basel in 1884, and an international standard was ratified during a cynological congress held in Zurich in 1887.

According to the official standard, male dogs measure 70-90 cm (27.5-35.5 in) at the withers and weigh 64-82 kg (140-180 lb), while females stand 65-80 cm (25.5-31.5 in) and weigh 54-64 kg (120-140 lb). The breed exists in both short-haired and long-haired varieties, each supported by a dense undercoat. Coat coloration consists of a white base with reddish-brown patches or a full red mantle over the back and flanks, accented by a dark facial mask and white markings across the chest, feet, and tail tip. The massive head displays slight forehead wrinkles when alert, accompanied by deep-set hazel-to-brown eyes.

The standard characterizes the temperament as friendly, vigilant, and calm to lively. Because heavy double coats and heavy frames make the dogs susceptible to heat exhaustion, physical exertion requires moderation during warm temperatures. Regular weekly brushing removes shedding undercoat, while deep facial folds and pendulous flews need routine wiping to prevent moisture accumulation and skin fold dermatitis. Prevalent orthopedic and genetic disorders include gastric dilatation-volvulus, hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, osteosarcoma, dilated cardiomyopathy, and eyelid malformations such as entropion and ectropion. Kennel registries recommend diagnostic radiography evaluations for hips and elbows before selecting breeding stock.