The St Bernard is instantly recognisable by most people as a noble giant struggling through blizzards to rescue stranded, frostbitten travellers, reviving them with brandy kept in a cask fastened around his neck. The image of a rescue mission is true, although the St Bernard never had a cask of brandy around his neck; that was purely fictitious. A gentle giant, the St Bernard is a loyal companion who gets on well with people and other animals, responding well to training and a family orientated background.

The national dog of Switzerland, which is where the breed originated, the St Bernard was recognised by the United Kingdom Kennel Club in the late 1800s with the first St Bernard Club being formed in 1882, followed by the formation of several others. This eventually culminated in the English St Bernard club, formed in 1922, the parent club for the breed.

Typical St Bernard facts

Height: Male 75cm (30 in)
Female 70cm (28in)
Weight: Male between 75 and 91kg (165-200lb)
Female between 68 and 91kg (149-200lb)
Average litter size: Between 5 and 10, although can be more.
Life expectancy: Between 8 and 11 years, although sometimes they can live to 13 or 14 years of age.
Good with children: Yes
Kennel Club classification: Working dog

Colour of a St Bernard

St Bernards are typically white with tan, orange and red-brindle patches on the body, which can vary in intensity. The muzzle, chest and legs, along with a blaze down the (more…)