• Fact 2 - Description and Definition of Saint Bernards: This very large breed of dog has a thick coat of fur and was originally used by monks of the Saint Bernard monastery or hostel in the Swiss Alps to help patrol the snow covered terrain
  • Temperament: Loyal and affectionate
  • They are considered suitable as a family pet  
• Fact 3 - Origin of the breed: Saint Bernards originated in Switzerland and were originally bred as a working dog to pull carts, turnspits, watch and herd and for helping lost travellers
• Fact 4 - Size: The height of Saint Bernards range from 25 - 30 inches, up to the shoulder
• Fact 5 - Alternative Names of Saint Bernards and Nicknames: St. Bernard, St. Bernhardshund and Alpine mastiff
• Fact 6 - Coat and colors of Saint Bernards: The coat of Saint Bernards is normally dense, short and smooth and comes in a range of colors including orange, mahogany-brindle, red-brindle or white with various coloured markings
• Fact 7 - Life of Saint Bernards: the life expectancy of this breed of dog is between 8 - 10 years
• Fact 8 - The names of dog breeds are separated into different dog types which are referred to as Dog Groups. The name of the dog group for Saint Bernards is the Working dog breed
• Fact 9 - After the first year of life, dogs are considered to be adults - they equivalent to 16 human years!
  • After 2 years, they are equivalent to a 24 year old
  • After 3 years, they are equivalent to a 30 year old
  • Every year after  add five human years to determine the equivalent age of the dog
• Fact 10 - Choosing Saint Bernards as pets! The following considerations should be taken into account when choosing this particular breed of dog as a pet:
  • How much it will cost to feed and train the dog?
  • How much time will it take to groom the dog?
  • How much time will it take to exercise the dog on a daily basis?
  • Are Saint Bernards suitable for children?
  • How much will it cost for vet bills, pet or dog health insurance, medication and vaccinations?
• Fact 11 - Every breed of dog is susceptible to certain health problems and illnesses. Saint Bernards are prone to health problems and illnesses such as:
  • - Entropion (The border of the eyelid turns inward against the eyeball)
  • - Epilepsy
  • - Hip Dysplasia (abnormal development of hip joints referred to as CHD - Canine Hip and Elbow Dysplasia)
  • - Gastric Torsion
• Fact 12 - Saint Bernards were originally bred to help with various jobs and tasks such as:
  • - Rescue Dogs
  • - Sled dogs
  • - Guarding
• Fact 13 - Breeding Saint Bernards for appearance was only introduced in the 19th Century
• Fact 14 - It is estimated that 85% of dogs visit a vet in a year

For in depth information we highly recommend Dog Names and Breeds.