St. Bernard
The Swiss emblem, a patient and protective gentle giant, adores children. Size Very large, life expectancy 8–10 years, energy Low. Expect CHF 1'800 – 3'000 to buy and CHF 200–330 / month upkeep.
See available St. Bernard
The profile at a glance
- The Swiss emblem
- Patient gentle giant
- Adores children
- Drools
- Space required
- Short life expectancy
Temperament
The Swiss emblem, a patient and protective gentle giant, adores children.
Daily needs
Moderate exercise, cool conditions, controlled growth, drooling.
Health & care
Hips, heart, gastric torsion. Short life.
Ideal for
Families, house with space, Switzerland.
Origin & history
The Saint Bernard owes its name to the Great St Bernard Hospice, in the Swiss Alps, where the monks bred these large dogs from the 17th century onward. Robust and endowed with a remarkable sense of smell, they accompanied the monks and helped find travelers lost or buried in the snow of the pass. The most famous of them, Barry, remains a symbol of the mountain rescue dog. Available in short hair and long hair, the Saint Bernard has become one of the emblems of Switzerland. Now a good-natured companion dog, it retains a gentle, patient temperament and is deeply attached to its family.
Frequently asked questions
Did the Saint Bernard really rescue people in the snow?
Yes, the dogs of the Great St Bernard Hospice helped locate and rescue travelers lost in the Alpine pass.
Does it come in several coat types?
Yes, it comes in a short-haired variety and a long-haired variety.
Is it suitable for apartment life?
Its imposing size makes it poorly suited to small spaces; it prefers room and a temperate climate.
Similar breeds
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