| The St. Bernard is a giant breed, which is most | | | | 6. As St. Bernards were initially designed as working |
| recognizable as a rescue dog in the Swiss Alps and, | | | | dogs, they are renowned for their intelligence. |
| of course, more recently, as the lovable family pet in | | | | Subsequently, they are reasonably easy to train. |
| the Beethoven films. Most people are aware of the St. | | | | 7. The breed has an excellent reputation for its docile |
| Bernard’s reputation as a big softie, but here are | | | | temperament and patience with both children and |
| some facts about one of the world’s largest dogs | | | | other animals. A St. Bernard is not, typically, territorial, |
| that you may not have known. | | | | but the breed will protect its family and home if |
| 1. The name St. Bernard comes from a particularly | | | | necessary. |
| dangerous pass between the Swiss and Italian Alps. It | | | | 8. Due to intensive Alpine training and existence in cold |
| was not given to the St. Bernard dog until sometime in | | | | climates, the St. Bernard does not tend to cope well in |
| the 1800s, before that, they were known by a number | | | | warmer climes. It is best to avoid owning a St. Bernard |
| of names, including Barry Dogs. | | | | if you live in a tropical climate. In fact, even a warm |
| 2. It is a myth that St. Bernards carry barrels of brandy | | | | room can be too much for the well-insulated creature. |
| around their necks. In reality, this would be far too | | | | 9. St. Bernard is known as one of the most loyal and |
| cumbersome, as the St. Bernard’s search and | | | | loving of all dog breeds. Whether it is through genetic |
| rescue job is very precarious and therefore | | | | design, or centuries of training, the bond between the |
| dangerous. In fact, numerous dogs have lost their lives | | | | breed and humans is something quite remarkable and |
| trying to save injured and lost skiers. | | | | beautiful. |
| 3. One famous St. Bernard, named Barry, is thought to | | | | 10. Despite their appearance, the St. Bernard is a very |
| have rescued between 45 and 100 people from the | | | | active and agile breed of dog. Given its work on the |
| Alps, unfortunately the precise figure is unknown. | | | | Alps it should perhaps come as no surprise that the St. |
| Nevertheless, Barry’s efforts have been rewarded | | | | Bernard is a sure-footed creature. However, their bulk |
| with a memorial at the Natural History Museum of | | | | does give them the appearance of a rather ungainly |
| Berne, Switzerland, where he was laid to rest. | | | | and lazy dog. |
| 4. As one of the largest breeds of dog, it perhaps | | | | Although the St. Bernard comes highly recommended |
| unsurprising that St. Bernards are also one of the | | | | as a wonderful family pet, it is, of course, important to |
| strongest breeds. This is a genetic design, which helps | | | | ensure that you have the space and finances to care |
| the dogs in their work on farms, as guard dogs and, of | | | | for one. It is advisable to bear in mind that St. Bernards |
| course, as rescue animals. | | | | grow very rapidly. Therefore, they are not really |
| 5. Because the St. Bernard can grow to such large | | | | suitable for apartment living, unless you have an |
| proportions it is important that the breed be trained well | | | | exceptionally large apartment. Moreover, the St. |
| as a puppy. Although St. Bernards are not in the least | | | | Bernard can be expensive to feed, and genetic |
| aggressive, an over excitable and boisterous animal of | | | | predisposition to certain illnesses means that veterinary |
| its size could be unmanageable if not well trained. | | | | bills may also be a consideration. |