Join Today

Puppy Supplies

This Breed does not currently have any photos

The world's heaviest and largest dog in known history was a Saint Bernard named Benedictine, which weighed 162 kg (357 lbs), even though there have been unconfirmed reports of heavier Newfoundland (dog). Benedictine surpassed Zorba, the largest English mastiff on record, which measured 8 feet, 3 inches long and weighed 343 lb. Benedictine currently holds the world record for the heaviest dog that ever lived. This weight was provided, not by direct measurement, but by "successive studies", and the lower weight of 152.5kg (336 lbs) is sometimes cited,[9] which would put Benedictine back into second place among all time heaviest dogs. The name "St. Bernard" originates from traveler's hospice on the often treacherous St. Bernard Pass in the Western Alps between Switzerland and Italy, where the name was passed to the local dogs. The pass, the lodge, and the dogs are named for Bernard of Menthon, the 11th century monk who established the station.[10] "St. Bernard" wasn't in widespread use until the middle of the 19th century. The dogs were called "Saint Dogs","Noble Steeds", "Alpenmastiff", or "Barry Dogs" before, and in parts of North America, they're still called "Saints".

St. Bernards are gentle, friendly, and generally fond of children. However, a St. Bernard not properly introduced to and socialized with children from a young age can pose a threat, not having learned to distinguish between a child and other, smaller animals. The breed is strikingly similar to that of the English Mastiff. This can be attributed to a common shared ancestry with the Alpine Mastiff. It is suspected that St. Bernards were used to redevelop this breed to combat the threat of their extinction after World War II,[4] however, this would fall outside the rules of many legitimate kennel clubs. Extremely loyal, the St. Bernard is eager to please its owners. Due to its large adult size, it is essential that proper training and socialization begin while the St. Bernard is still a puppy, so as to avoid the difficulties that normally accompany training large animals. An unruly St. Bernard may present problems for even a strong adult, so control needs to be asserted from the beginning of the dog's training. While generally not as aggressive as dogs bred for protection, a St. Bernard will bark at strangers and their size makes them good deterrents against possible intruders.

The very fast growth rate and the weight of a St. Bernard can lead to very serious deterioration of the bones if the dog does not get proper food and exercise. Many dogs are affected by hip dysplasia or elbow dysplasia. Osteosarcoma (bone cancer) has been shown to be hereditary in the breed.[5] St. Bernards are susceptible to eye disorders called entropion and ectropion. The FCI standard indicates that this is now a major fault. The breed is also susceptible to epilepsy and seizures, a heart disease called dilated cardiomyopathy, and eczema. The average life span of a St. Bernard is about 11 years, and some insurance companies will not issue a life insurance beyond 11 years[citation needed].

St. Bernards are often portrayed, especially in comics, cartoons and old live action comedies such as Swiss Miss, with small barrels of brandy worn around their necks. This was supposedly used to warm the victims that the dogs found, although in reality, alcohol (which acts as a vasodilator) would worsen the situation of a person suffering hypothermia. However, the monks of the St. Bernard Hospice deny that any St. Bernard has ever carried casks or small barrels around their necks; they believe that the origin of the image is an early painting. The monks did keep casks around for photographs by tourists.[2] One magazine cartoon showed a grown St. Bernard, presumably female, with several puppies; she and each puppy had a cask around the neck. The man with the dogs told a visitor, according to the caption, "Of course, I only breed them for the brandy."[citation needed] * Barry, famous Alpine rescue dog (see above) * Bolivar, Donald Duck's pet * Unnamed St. Bernard whom Stan Laurel tricks of his keg of brandy in Swiss Miss * Cujo, a fictional portrayal of a rabid St. Bernard by Stephen King * Nanna, from various Peter Pan movies (but originally a Newfoundland in the text) * Buck, from Jack London's The Call of the Wild, is half St. Bernard * Gumbo, team mascot for the New Orleans Saints * Neil, the martini-slurping St. Bernard of George and Marion Kerby in Topper (TV series) * Beethoven, the movie Beethoven 1992 * Bamse, a Norwegian dog honoured for exploits during World War II memorial statue in Montrose Scotland where he died in 1944 * Båtsman, a St. Bernard in Astrid Lindgren's story Vi på Saltkråkan * Schottzie, one of a number of St. Bernards owned by Cincinnati Reds owner Marge Schott * Schnorbitz, on-stage partner of British comedian Bernie Winters during his later career * A St Bernard is often credited with being the dog that helped save Manchester United, currently one of the world's largest football clubs, from financial ruin. The legend goes that in 1902 when the club owed sizeable debts, the then captain Harry Stafford was showing off his prized St Bernard at a fund-raiser for the club when he was approached by a wealth brewery owner, J.H.Davis, who enquired to buy the dog. Harry Stafford refused the offer but managed to convince him to buy the club thus saving Manchester United from going bankrupt. * Gumbo, Bradley Brannings pet dog in EastEnders