How to Identify a Saint Bernard

Last Updated: February 27, 2021 References

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]
X
Trustworthy Source
American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.
Go to source} 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
Consider the size of the dog. Saint Bernards are among the largest dog breeds.^{[2]
X
Trustworthy Source
American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.
Go to source} They are 26–30 inches (66–76 cm) tall and weigh 120–180 pounds (54–82 kg).^{[3]
X
Trustworthy Source
American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.
Go to source}
2
Check the ears. 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]
X
Research source}

Advertisement
3
Inspect the eyes. 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]
X
Research source}
4
View the muzzle. 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]
X
Research source}
- Saint Bernards are known for drooling because of the shape of their lips and mouth.^{[7]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  American Kennel Club
  The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.
  Go to source}
5
Look at the tail. 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]
X
Research source}
6
Examine the dog's overall body structure. 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]
X
Research source}

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Inspecting the Coat

1
Notice the length of the coat. A Saint Bernard's coat may be one of two lengths: shorthaired or longhaired.^{[10]
X
Research source}
- 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]
  X
  Research source}
- 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]
  X
  Research source}
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]
X
Trustworthy Source
American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.
Go to source}
2
Check the coat color. 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]
X
Research source}
3
Look for white markings. 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]
X
Research source}

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Identifying Temperament

1
See if the dog is laid-back. Saint Bernards are very laid-back and mellow dogs. Though they do need regular exercise, they also enjoy staying at home.^{[16]
X
Research source}
2
Recognize intelligence. Though calm and laid-back, Saint Bernards are intelligent dogs. Their combined intelligence and gentleness makes them fairly easy to train.^{[17]
X
Research source}
3
Look for gentleness. Saint Bernards are known for being gentle giants. They do very well with children due to their kind and gentle nature.^{[18]
X
Research source}
4
Watch how the dog behaves around other animals. 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]
X
Research source}
5
Take notice if the dog is watchful. Saint Bernards like to lie back and observe. They are watchful dogs, and combined with their loyalty, can be great watchdogs.^{[20]
X
Research source}