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Intelligent, benevolent and ‘built like a tank’, the St Bernard is one of the better known big breeds. Most people know it as a loyal rescue dog, trudging through snowfields with a cask of medicinal brandy hanging from its collar. It is, howeve equally at home in the backyards of suburban Australia.

ORIGIN
Wwiss monks developed the breed in the 17th century to work as guards and mountain guides. The first St Bernards were bred from Mastiff stock and breeders later added Great Dane and Newfoundland blood. As they helped guide travellers through the Swiss Alps, the monks of St Bernard monastery found their dogs had a knack for rescue work.

Barry (meaning ‘bear’ in a German dialect) was a famous St Bernard of the 19th century. He rescued 40 people in 12 years and after his death his body was preserved in a museum. Even today elite rescue dogs are named after him and the breed is sometimes referred to as ‘Old Barry’. The first breed standard was established in 1887.

The St Bernard’s brandy cask (said to be used to keep half-frozen travellers alive) is actually a myth. The image has persisted since Landseer painted a portrait of a St Bernard with a cask in the early 1800s.

GENERAL APPEARANCE
The St Bernard is tall, muscular and powerful yet its large, imposing head has a kindly, intelligent expression. Originally bred with a smooth coat, there are now long and short coated varieties. It is predominantly white with red, brown or brindle markings on head body and rear legs and dark brown shadings on the face and ears.

SIZE
Males are between 70 and 90cm taIl, females slightly shorter. Larger specimens weigh up to 90kg or 200lbs.

TEMPERAMENT
It is certainly a gentle giant, often described as protective, loyal and courageous. Although they are aloof, St Bernards are tolerant of, and entirely trustworthy around, children. Aggression is unheard of with this breed.

CARE AND GROOMING
Everything about the St Bernard is big, so be prepared — owners need big backyards, big fences and big food bowls. It is a working breed, not a lap dog, so it will appreciate regular walks or obedience work. Rough-coated St Bernards need regular grooming. A weekly brushing will keep the coat in good condition. Baths are needed at times but shampoos can destroy the coat’s protective oils.

St Bernards have sensitive eyes, can develop skin problems and, like most large dogs, face the risk of hip dysplasia. Careful attention must be paid to puppies’ diets because of their massive growth rate.

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