Bred for centuries in Switzerland by the monks from the St Bernard Hospice, some 3,000 metres up in the Swiss Alps, this breed is famous for its legendary rescues. The St Bernard's sense of smell enables him to scent a human against the wind up to two miles away, and sense blizzards and avalanches up to 20 minutes before they occur. His ability to locate bodies buried in as much as 3 metres of snow has resulted in him finding countless travellers trapped in drifts and leading them to safety.
Affectionately known as a Saint, the St Bernard is the genial gentleman of the canine world - very powerful but extremely placid. He adores children, and makes an intelligent, loyal and affectionate companion dog. His deep resonant bark is a marvellous deterrent to burglars. His hallmark is his huge, majestic head and benevolent dignified expression. He may be either rough or smooth coated.
Naturally a dog of this size requires room and is expensive to feed. But the rewards of owning one of these gentle giants more than compensates - just ask any St Bernard owner!
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