Working Dog Group - Saint Bernard

A gentle giant, the Saint Bernard is named after the Medieval Hospice of St Bernard, to which it was introduced in the 17th century. It is famous for rescuing travelers and climbers on the Swiss Alps.

Coat: Dense, short, smooth, and lying close to body.

Color: Orange, mahogany-brindle, rcd-brindle, or white, with patches on body in any of these colors; white on face, muzzle, collar, chest, forelegs, feet, and end of tail; black shadings on face and cars.

Features: Massive, wide head with heavy dewlaps; medium-size eyes and cars; broad, muscular shoulders; broad, straight back; tail set on high.

Size: Minimum height at shoulder: dogs 27½ in, bitches 23½ in. Weight: 1 10 200 lb.

Care: Don't give too much exercise in the first year of life, short regular walks being better than long ones. Needs daily brushing and requires generous quantities of food. The Saint Bernard requires plenty of space. It also slobbers.

Character: True to its past, the Saint Bernard is intelligent, eminently trainable, loves children, and is a kindly clog.