The St. Bernard is a well-known large dog breed around the world because of its valiant ways and adorably massive frame. This breed has been the search and rescue dog of the Swiss Alps for many centuries and many heroic stories can prove to this dog's long search and rescue history. Today, however, more than a rescue dog in the Alps, this dog is very popular among families as a dependable and loyal pet.

The St. Bernard's ancestors are said to be the Molossoid dog breeds of the ancient Roman soldiers and the Sennenhunds, which are known as the great Swiss Mountain Dogs or Swiss Cattle Dogs. The present St. Bernard, however, is just an inexact remnant of the classic St. Bernard. Most of the original St. Bernards got killed in avalanches trying to rescue humans and so to preserve their breed, Newfoundland dogs were used but this did not quite preserve the outstanding characteristics of the original St. Bernard.

The name of this dog was given by travelers who sought refuge at the hospice at St. Bernard Pass, a treacherous pass in the Western Alps. The travelers saw these massive dogs that were used on many rescue operations and so to identify them, they called them St. Bernards. The breed's and the pass' name was of an 11th century monk named Bernard Menthon who is also the founder of the hospice.

Prior to the official name of St. Bernard, this breed was known as Saint dog, Noble steed, Alpenmastiff or Barry dog. One famous rescue story tells of a St. Bernard named Barry, which saved 40 to 100 people at the pass. Because of this heroic and unforgettable deed, Barry was founded a monument at the Cimetiere des Chiens and his body was preserved at the National History Museum at Berne.

The St. Bernard weighs heavily at 160 to 260 pounds and towers at 27 1/2 to 35 1/2 inches of height. The tail is long, hanging low and heavy but turns upward slightly. The eyes of this dog are tight lid, masked in color black including some parts of the face and both ears.

The St. Bernard's coat can be smooth or rough. The smooth one is flat and fits fairly to the body while the rough one is flat and dense especially around the neck and legs. The common colors of the coat are red with white and mahogany brindle with white.

The St. Bernard is a dependable household companion as it is hardworking, eager to please, and extremely loyal. It is patient and tolerant with little children and with additional good socialization during puppyhood, it can also be as tolerant to smaller animals. This dog is fairly manageable so long as it is trained early on and it should also help that this dog is intelligent and obedient.

Albeit its size, the St. Bernard is not rough or aimlessly active but in fact, it is extremely gentle and amiable. It can be happy in an apartment living and it does not need a wide yard to exercise. Its daily exercise regimen can only be composed of a long walk and this should keep him healthy mentally and physically.