St. Bernard
Temperament
Playful, Charming, Inquisitive
[5]Background and role
Its background includes large dogs guarding the Great Saint Bernard hospice and searching for travellers in snow and fog. Their rescue role became widely known in the nineteenth century.
[1]Appearance
A very large muscular dog with an imposing head, occurring in shorthaired and longhaired forms.
[1]Coat and comparisons
Reddish-brown patches or a blanket lie on white, with characteristic facial shading and white chest, feet and tail tip.
[1]Body proportions in the FCI standard
FCI gives an ideal height-to-body-length ratio of 9:10 and describes chest depth and head size in relation to the whole body, seeking balance as well as size.
[2]UKC proportions and required white markings
UKC describes equal body length and height and accepts red, brindle or brown with white. It requires white chest, feet, tail tip and nose band, plus a white collar or nape spot. A dark eye mask is desirable, but its absence is not a fault.
[3]