The St. Bernard or Saint Bernard is a breed of very large working dog from the Western Alps in Italy and Switzerland. They were originally bred for rescue work by the hospice of the Great St Bernard Pass on the Italian-Swiss border. The hospice, built by and named after the Alpine monk Saint Bernard of Menthon, acquired its first dogs between 1660 and 1670. The breed has become famous through tales of Alpine rescues, as well as for its large size and gentle temperament.
The St. Bernard was developed in the Western Alps, particularly the Great St Bernard Pass on the Italian-Swiss border.
The St. Bernard is known for its impressive size and gentle nature, often referred to as a 'gentle giant'. This breed is famous for its role in Alpine rescue missions, where it historically helped locate travelers trapped in snow. Despite its large size, the St. Bernard is generally good-natured and friendly, making it a popular family pet.
A St. Bernard in use as an avalanche dog (1929)
Barry's taxidermied body. Although the skull shape was changed in the 1920s, his body demonstrates the original St. Bernard proportions
A statue of Bernard of Menthon in Ascona (Genoa), Italy
St. Bernard performing agility at the Rose City Classic AKC Show 2007, Portland, Oregon, US
Young St. Bernard playing in the snow
Alpine Mastiffs Reanimating a Distressed Travellerby Edwin Landseer (1820)
St. Bernard with the iconic barrel
A drawing of Barry rescuing a small child
Trainability
Responsiveness to training: —/5