Here are some of the characteristics of the Saint Bernard breed as determined by the America Kennel Club's published breed standard.

Size: males minimum of 27 ½ inches; females minimum of 25 ½ inches

Coat: very dense, short haired, smooth lying, tough

Colour: white with red, red with white, with red in various shades

Eyes: set more towards front, mid-size, dark brown, set deep

Ears: mid-size, set high, drops to the side, lightly set ears

Muzzle: short, does not taper, straight bridge

Nose: substantial, broad, wide open nostrils, black

Tail: broad base, powerful tip

Country/Region of Origin: Switzerland
Original purpose: rescue, working
Name: Named after Great Saint Bernard Pass where a hospice raised the dogs. They were called Saint Dogs, Alpenmastiff, or Barry Dogs before the middle of the 1800's; also known as St. Bernardshund, Bernardhiner, Alpine Mastiff, and Saint Bernard.
Historical notes: Saint Bernard dogs were developed from the Woking dogs of Swiss farmers. Their tasks included herding, hunting, and watching over the farm and its animals. They have a long history of rescuing the lost in the Alps . They can still be found with the monks who first raised those centuries ago.