How to Identify a Saint Bernard

Saint Bernards, a member of the working group, were bred by monks to locate and rescue travelers who may have been caught in avalanches. [1] Since then, the Saint Bernard has come to be one of the most recognizable breeds of dog, though it still has some similarities to other breeds. Fortunately, this wikiHow will tell you how to identify a Saint Bernard.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Checking the Body Structure

  1. Saint Bernards are among the largest dog breeds. [2] They are 26–30 inches (66–76 cm) tall and weigh 120–180 pounds (54–82 kg). [3]
  2. A Saint Bernard's ears are medium in size and resemble rounded triangles that are slightly elongated toward the tip. They are rather high-set and drop, standing slightly away from the head and dropping to the side of the head with a sharp bend. The front edge lies firmly to the head, while the back edge may stand somewhat away from the head. [4]
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  3. The eyes of a Saint Bernard are set moderately deep at the front rather than the sides and are medium in size. The eyes are dark brown and give the dog a friendly, intelligent expression. The lower eyelids may not close all the way, and if this is the case, they form a wrinkle toward the inner corner of the eye. [5]
  4. Saint Bernards have short muzzles that are straight and do not taper. The flews curve at the edge and overhang slightly. A Saint Bernard will likely have either an even or scissors bite, though undershot bites may be seen, and a substantial broad, black nose with wide open nostrils. [6]
    • Saint Bernards are known for drooling because of the shape of their lips and mouth. [7]
  5. The tail starts broad and powerful, ending in a powerful tip. It is long, heavy, and hangs down, but it is turned or carried slightly upward. The tail may also sometimes hang down and resemble an "f" with the end slightly bent. [8]
  6. Saint Bernards are very strong and powerful, being proportionately tall and muscular. The shoulders are broad and sloping, the chest well-arched, the back straight and broad, and the legs straight and strong. [9]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Inspecting the Coat

  1. A Saint Bernard's coat may be one of two lengths: shorthaired or longhaired. [10]
    • The shorthaired variety has very dense, short fur that lies smoothly and is tough without being rough to the touch. The thighs are slightly bushy, and the tail has longer, denser hair at the root that gradually shortens to the tip, appearing bushy. [12]
    • The longhaired variety has a medium-length coat that is plain or slightly wavy. The back may be more wavy than the rest of the coat. The tail is covered in dense hair of moderate length and appears bushy, while the hair on the face and ears is short and soft. The forelegs are slightly feathered, and the thighs are very bushy. [13]

    Did you know? Most people imagine a longhaired dog when they think of a Saint Bernard, but all Saint Bernards were shorthaired prior to 1830. After two years of severe weather, the monks decided to breed them with longer-furred dogs to produce the longhaired variety. [11]

  2. A Saint Bernard may be seen in various shades of red or in brindle or brown-yellow. They may have dark shadings on the head and ears. [14]
  3. Saint Bernards have white markings on the chest, feet, tail tip, noseband, and collar or spot on the nape, desirably with a blaze. They are never one solid color or seen without white. [15]
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Identifying Temperament

  1. Saint Bernards are very laid-back and mellow dogs. Though they do need regular exercise, they also enjoy staying at home. [16]
  2. Though calm and laid-back, Saint Bernards are intelligent dogs. Their combined intelligence and gentleness makes them fairly easy to train. [17]
  3. Saint Bernards are known for being gentle giants. They do very well with children due to their kind and gentle nature. [18]
  4. A Saint Bernard will typically get along with other animals. Both male and female Saint Bernards are well-suited to live with other dogs or pets. [19]
  5. Saint Bernards like to lie back and observe. They are watchful dogs, and combined with their loyalty, can be great watchdogs. [20]
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      Tips

      • Consider using a DNA test if you're curious about your dog's breed. DNA testing will confirm if your dog is a Saint Bernard.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/st-bernard/
      2. ↑ https://www.akc.org/press-releases/the-15-largest-dog-breeds-more-dog-to-love/
      3. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/st-bernard/
      4. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/SaintBernard.pdf
      5. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/SaintBernard.pdf
      6. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/SaintBernard.pdf
      7. ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/why-do-dogs-drool/
      8. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/SaintBernard.pdf
      9. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/SaintBernard.pdf
      1. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/SaintBernard.pdf
      2. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/st-bernard/
      3. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/SaintBernard.pdf
      4. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/SaintBernard.pdf
      5. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/SaintBernard.pdf
      6. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/SaintBernard.pdf
      7. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/st-bernard-temperament/
      8. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/st-bernard-temperament/
      9. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/st-bernard-temperament/
      10. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/st-bernard-temperament/
      11. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/st-bernard-temperament/

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