The Saint Bernard is a hard worker known for his loyalty and dedication. In A.D. 1050, Archdeacon Bernard de Menthon founded the famous Hospice in the Swiss Alps as a refuge for travelers crossing the treacherous passes between Switzerland and Italy - and the Saint Bernard was already an established breed. These dogs - referred to as Talhund (Valley Dog) or Bauernhund (Farm Dog) - were widely used in the valley farms and Alpine dairies for a variety of guarding, herding, and drafting duties.

The Saint Bernard is a powerful, proportionately tall figure, strong and muscular in every part, with a powerful head and intelligent expression. His massive head, like the whole body, is very powerful and imposing - dogs with a dark mask appear more stern, but never ill-natured. The skin of the forehead, above the eyes, forms rather noticeable wrinkles.

The Saint Bernard's muzzle is short, and the slope from the skull to the muzzle is sudden and rather steep. The "flews" of the upper jaw are strongly developed, turning in a beautiful curve into the lower edge, and slightly overhanging. His eyes are set more to the front than the sides, are of medium size, dark brown, with intelligent, friendly expression, set moderately deep. The lower eyelids, as a rule, do not close completely.

The Saint Bernard's coat is very dense, tough, short-haired and lying smooth, without feeling rough to the touch. Coat color is white with red or red with white, the red in its various shades; brindle patches with white markings. Necessary markings are: white chest, feet and tip of tail, noseband, collar or spot on the nape; the latter and blaze are very desirable.

The longhaired type Saint Bernard completely resembles the shorthaired type, except for the coat which is not shorthaired but of medium length plain to slightly wavy. The tail is bushy with dense hair of moderate length. Rolled or curly hair, or a flag tail, is faulty. Face and ears are covered with short and soft hair; longer hair at the base of the ear is permissible.

The Saint Bernard loves children. All Saint Bernards need lots of room and exercise. If you have the space and have the time to exercise your dog Saint Bernards make good house dogs and companions. If you would like to know more about this powerful, family-friendly dog, contact the Saint Bernard Club of America.