Saint Bernard

Coat and looks how to spot one

double coat, short-haired or long-haired

Two coat types exist. The short-haired dog has a dense, smooth, close-lying outer coat over plenty of undercoat, with slightly bushier hair on the thighs and tail. The long-haired dog has a straight, medium-length outer coat with feathering on the forelegs, 'trousers' on the thighs and a full, bushy tail. Both have a massive, muscular frame and a large head with a friendly, attentive expression.25

Personality what they are like

A kind, easygoing dog with a steady, calm to lively nature. Saint Bernards are affectionate with their family, usually friendly toward strangers and other dogs, and keep a quiet eye on their home. Early training matters simply because of their size, and they respond well to patient, consistent handling.254

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Low to moderate. Hill's describes a laid-back breed that needs little intense exercise; The Royal Kennel Club suggests up to an hour a day of steady walking. They enjoy cool weather and relaxed outings more than high-speed play.46

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Brush more than once a week (The Royal Kennel Club), and more often during the two heavy seasonal sheds in spring and autumn. Long-haired dogs need extra attention on the feathering and trousers. Keep a towel handy, as many Saint Bernards drool.642

Home where they are happiest

Needs a home with space for a very large dog and a secure garden. The dense coat makes them happiest in cool climates; in warm weather provide shade, fresh water and a cool place indoors. They like to live close to their people.462

Food basics what goes in the bowl

A complete diet made for large or giant breeds, fed in measured portions. Because they are calm and need less exercise, they often need fewer calories per kilo than their size suggests, so avoid overfeeding and keep them lean.4

Company who they like around

Very people-focused and happiest as part of family life; generally sociable with other dogs and visitors.54

The story where it all began

The breed takes its name from the hospice at the Great St Bernard Pass (2,469 m), founded in the 11th century by the monk Bernard of Menthon to shelter travellers crossing the Alps. Large dogs are recorded there from the second half of the 17th century, first as guards and companions to the monks. By the 18th century they were escorting travellers and finding people lost in snow and fog. The most famous of them, Barry (1800-1814), is credited with saving over 40 lives. Harsh winters from 1816 to 1818 cut the kennel's numbers, and from around 1830 dogs from local farms and Newfoundlands were brought in, which also produced the long-haired variety. Heinrich Schumacher began breeding from hospice lines in 1855, the Swiss stud book opened in 1884 with St. Bernards as its first entries, the breed was officially recognised on 2 June 1887 and became the Swiss national dog. The name 'St. Bernard' only became standard in the later 19th century. The Saint Bernard Club of America was founded in 1888. The last recorded rescue by the hospice dogs was in 1955, and since 2005 the Barry Foundation in Martigny has run the historic hospice kennel.273689

Recognised by the official bits

FCI

Standard No. 61 (St. Bernard), Group 2, Section 2.2 Molossian type, mountain type; short-haired and long-haired varieties; definitive acceptance 28 Aug 1954; current standard published 4 Apr 20161

Swiss Kennel Club (SKG)

Officially recognised as a Swiss breed on 2 Jun 1887 and regarded as the Swiss national dog; the Swiss stud book opened in 1884 with St. Bernards as its first entries2

The Royal Kennel Club

Working Group, listed as St. Bernard6

UKC

Guardian Dog Group5

AKC

Working Group; parent club the Saint Bernard Club of America, founded 18887

Popularity Ranked 63rd of AKC-registered breeds in 202510