Saint Bernards are extremely gentle and friendly and very tolerant of children. They are slow moving, patient, and obedient. Extremely loyal, this breed wants to please.
Saint Bernard's feet are large with strong well-arched toes, making the Saint Bernard's sure-footed in the snow and ice. They have a highly developed sense of smell and also seem to have a sixth sense about impending danger from storms and avalanches.
Bear in mind that an unruly dog of this size presents a problem for even a strong adult if it is to be exercised in public areas on a leash, so take control from the onset. Saints can be extreamly stubborn and have high levels of seperation anxiety.
Saint Bernards Height varies between 25.5-27.5 inches and the weight varies between 110-200 pounds. There are two varieties: short-haired and long-haired.
The Saint Bernards was founded in AD 980 by St Bernard de Menthon as a refuge for travelers through the perilous Alpine pass between Switzerland and Italy.
The Saint Bernard generally has good health but some are prone to "wobbler" syndrome, heart problems, skin problems, hip dysplasia, and extropion - a folding outward of the eyelid rim, usually on the lower lid. Twisted stomachs should be watched for. As these dogs are prone to bloat, it is best to feed them two or three small meals a day instead of one large meal.
The Saint Bernard is a good watchdog. Some of the Saint Bernard's talents are search & rescue, watchdogging and carting.