The Saint Bernard dog is a big breed of dog which has the origin from the Swiss Alps, used in general for rescue. This breed has become known through tales of alpine rescues and for its huge size. The Saint Bernard dog is a very big breed which has a large head. The coat can be smooth or rough , with the smooth coat close the flat. The rough coat is dense but flat and more abundant around the and legs. The coat is typically red color with white but sometimes can be a mahogany brindle with white. Black shadow is usually found on the face but it can be as usual on the ears. The tail of the Saint Bernard is long and heavy.

         About 200 years ago, the Saint Bernard looked different from the way they look nowadays because avalanches killed off many dogs at the beginning of the 19th century. The dogs were used to rescue everyone who was in danger and also many died because of the severe weather. In an attempt to preserve the breed, the remaining Saint Bernard dogs were passed over at the middle of the 19th century and so lost much of their use as rescue dogs in the snowy climate of the alps.

         The Saint Bernard dogs are no longer used for alpine rescues nowadays but they do participate in a variety of dog sports including carting and weight pulling. The proof is the large number of prizes they won until now.

         The Saint Bernard dogs grow fast and their weight can lead to very serious deterioration of the bones. That is why the dog must get o proper food and must do a lot of exercises every day. Most of the dogs are affected by hip- dysplasia or elbow dysplasia. Bone cancer has been shown to be hereditary in the breed. Saint Bernard dogs are also susceptible to eye disorders, in which the eyelid turns in or out, to epilepsy and seizures and eczema.

         Like all very large dog, Saint Bernard dogs must be well socialized with people and other dogs when they are young. A Saint Bernard dog not properly introduced to and socialized with children form young age poses a threat, not having learned to distinguish between a child and other smaller animals.

         Even if you are single or your family has a very large number of members, you can choose a Saint Bernard because this breed gives you affection and love. Saints Bernard is not an aggressive breed but they will bark at strangers and their size makes them deterrents against possible intruders. Due to the fact that they have health problems , the lifespan for a Saint Bernard is around 7- 10 years.

Saint Bernard Dog Pictures Gallery