Saint Bernard

The Saint Bernard has its origins in the Great Saint Bernard Pass, the alpine mountain pass connecting Switzerland with Italy at over 2,400 metres above sea level. In the 11th century, the monk Bernard of Menthon founded a hospice at this pass to provide shelter and help to travellers lost in snowstorms. The hospice dogs, descendants of the great Roman mastiffs that the legionaries had brought to the Alps, began to be used to search for and rescue lost or avalanche-buried travellers.

The Saint Bernard gained worldwide fame through the legend — though not historically documented — of the dog that carried a small barrel of brandy around its neck to revive accident victims. The most celebrated dog in the breed's history was Barry, who between 1800 and 1812 helped rescue more than forty people trapped in the snow. The official recognition of the breed by the FCI came in the 19th century.

Today the Saint Bernard is one of the most recognisable dogs in the world, although it no longer works actively in mountain rescue. It is now valued primarily as a companion and family dog, and the monks of the Great Saint Bernard hospice maintain a small colony of the breed as a tribute to this history.

The Saint Bernard is a giant-sized dog with a massive, muscular and well-proportioned body. The head is imposing, broad with abundant folded skin around the muzzle. The eyes are dark brown with an expression of kindness and calm that is one of the most appreciated features of the breed. The ears are medium-sized, triangular and drooping. There is both a short-haired and a long-haired variety, both equally valid according to the standard.

In terms of temperament, the Saint Bernard is known for its calm, patient and deeply kind character. It is a dog that rarely shows aggression, although its mere presence is enough to deter any intruder. It is especially beloved for its relationship with children, with whom it is protective, tolerant and gentle. It adapts well to family life as long as there is sufficient space available.

A notable characteristic of the Saint Bernard is its tendency to drool, especially when anticipating food or in hot weather. This is a natural consequence of its drooping lips and should be accepted as part of the character of the breed. It is also a dog that can be slow to learn, not for lack of intelligence but because of its deliberate and calm nature.

The grooming of the Saint Bernard varies according to coat variety. The long-haired variety requires brushing several times a week to prevent tangles, especially in friction areas. The short-haired variety requires less maintenance but equally benefits from regular brushing. In both cases, the moult in spring and autumn is heavy and requires more attention. Bathing is recommended every four to six weeks.

Exercise for the Saint Bernard should be moderate and adapted to its age. It is essential not to overload the joints during growth — which extends until two years of age. In adulthood, one or two daily walks of thirty to forty-five minutes are sufficient. The Saint Bernard does not tolerate heat well, so exercise should be avoided during the hottest hours of the day.

The diet should be high-quality and specific for giant breeds: with balanced calcium and phosphorus content to promote healthy bone development, and with a moderate caloric intake to avoid overweight. The daily ration should be split into two or three meals to reduce the risk of gastric torsion.

Hip and elbow dysplasia is the most frequent orthopaedic condition in the Saint Bernard, directly related to its enormous weight. It can cause chronic pain and limited mobility as early as young adulthood. Maintaining a healthy weight from puppyhood, moderate exercise and regular radiological check-ups are essential for prevention.

Gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) is another potentially fatal condition in giant breeds with a deep chest. The stomach dilates and can twist, interrupting blood flow and causing shock within a few hours. Splitting meals into two or three daily portions and resting before and after eating reduce the risk. Osteosarcoma (bone cancer) is also more frequent in giant breeds and usually affects the limbs.

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