Saint bernard

Overall description of the breed

The origins of the Saint Bernard trace back to extremely ancient times. This gentle-hearted giant has been present in Europe for centuries, likely as one of the numerous descendants of the Tibetan Mastiff, an Asian-origin molossus with ancestral roots. It primarily developed in the Alps, around the Great St. Bernard Pass in Switzerland, from which it inherited its name.

The ancestors of the Saint Bernard were gathered and developed by the canons, faithful men who welcomed those in need into their monastery. Present in this region since the 16th century, it was mainly employed as a guard dog. Its role in rescue operations emerged later, owing to its numerous physical qualities, keen sense of smell, and courage.

By the end of the 19th century, a Swiss breeder named Heinrich Schumacher was the first to establish rigorous selection criteria for the Saint Bernard, with well-defined morphological traits and documented genealogy. On March 15, 1884, the first breed club opened its doors in Basel. In 1887, the breed was recognized as Swiss in origin by most major worldwide canine organizations, an acknowledgment obtained during the cynological congress in Zurich. Over 50 years later, the International Cynological Federation officially registered it on August 28, 1954, and its currently effective standard was published on April 4, 2016.

The Saint Bernard is one of the largest dogs on the planet, a molossus type. Its imposing size and stature are remarkable, and it is particularly valued for mountain rescue operations due to its exceptional physical qualities. Slightly longer than tall, its body forms a rectangle. Despite its massive build and well-developed musculature, the Saint Bernard maintains surprising agility and graceful movements.

It possesses a voluminous and sturdy bone structure, with a broad and deep chest, ample and well-descended ribcage, rounded and arched ribs, and a round abdomen. Its backline is straight, compact, and robust. Its tail is heavy and thick, always carried horizontally and slightly curved upward at the tip. Its head is massive and imposing, proportionate to the rest of the body, with particularly expressive features. Its large skull is dome-shaped, accompanied by a moderately long muzzle and a well-defined stop. Its coat can be long or short, but it's always abundant, with a smooth and soft texture.

It's also endowed with a remarkably dense undercoat, offering excellent protection against cold and snow. The colors accepted by the standard are white with black, brown, or red markings.

The Saint Bernard is an affectionate and extremely devoted dog to its owners. Its protective instinct is highly developed, and it would be willing to give its life to save that of its loved ones. Cautious with strangers entering its territory, it will take some time for it to fully trust unfamiliar individuals. It's an intelligent dog that quickly comprehends expectations. Skilled in obedience, it seeks to please its family by participating in playful activities or anticipating dangerous situations.

Versatile and attentive to its environment, it is remarkably effective at work. Devoted and willing, the Saint Bernard delights in spending time with its masters. Its training is straightforward if begun from a young age. Firm and consistent authority will be necessary for it to find its place, as its exceptional size could pose issues if not handled appropriately.

Cheerful and very affectionate, especially with children, with whom it forms a close bond, the Saint Bernard possesses a balanced and confident temperament. It can remain alone for extended periods without developing anxiety or destructive behavior.

Loyal and faithful, the Saint Bernard is an ideal life companion for individuals who have time to dedicate to it or have ample space to fulfill its energy needs. Family life and interaction with its social group are essential to its well-being. Confident and comfortable, it will fulfill all your expectations and take care of all household members with kindness.

In adulthood, the Saint Bernard weighs between 50 and 90 kg (110 to 200 lb) and stands between 70 and 90 cm (27.5" - 35.5") at the withers for males, and between 65 and 80 cm (25.5" - 31.5") for females.

Breeders of Saint bernard

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• La Maison de Ruby
• of Saint bernardbreeder

Jennifer B.

France

5/1/24, 11:43 AM

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• Le Hameau des Nours
• of Saint bernardbreeder

Steven R.

France

4/4/24, 9:08 AM

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