St. Bernard

(‘St.’, in this context, is said as ‘saint’)

a breed of dog – work & rescue dog – large, muscular body with thick coat (fur), colour varies – black on the sides of the face covering the eye and the ear on each side, with a wide white patch, white neck, belly and legs, brown back, white tail, (the pattern may different from one individual to another) large head with broad forehead, clear round eyes, drooping ears, blunt muzzle (= mouth and nose part), large mouth with the jaw skin folds hanging loose on either side, strong, thick neck, broad chest, strong muscular legs, long tail with soft hair (in some species short tail with short hair); size: 2½-3 feet tall, 3-4 feet long, and weight: 50-140 Kg. (some individuals weigh up to 160 Kg.); feeds on the regular dog food; live for 7-10 years; originally from Europe, now found in most part of the world

Special Features:

The St. Bernard is one of the large, muscular draught (work) dogs, but with a gentle and loyal nature. It was bred as a draught dog and used in rescue operations in the snow in bad weather.

The St. Bernard is named after the ‘pass’, St. Bernard Pass, in the western Alps between Switzerland and Italy where the dog was supposed to have saved (rescued) several travellers trapped in snow during snow-storms!

A St. Bernard with a small brandy keg or barrel hung around its neck has stood as a symbol of rescue operations in the high snow covered Alpine peaks!! However, some animal experts question the credibility of the tales of St. Bernard saving any snow storm victims!?

Nevertheless, there have been records of a St. Bernard (dog), named Barry (or Berry), reportedly saved some fifty to hundred lives!

St. Bernards (dogs) have been mentioned in several popular stories, TV programmes and in motion pictures (films/movies). The feature film “Beethoven”, with its 6 parts, has been very popular with not only the children but also the adults world-wide!

These days most people keep St. Bernards as pets!