THE BREED STANDARD
The Saint Bernard is one of approximately two hundred recognised breeds in Australia and the Club proudly represents this breed in NSW. The Club is an affiliate of Dogs NSW which is one of the eight state/territory Member bodies governed by the Australian National Kennel Council (ANKC) that oversees dog showing, breeding and other canine activities in Australia. The ANKC is one of eighty-six member countries of the Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI) which acts as a coordinating body on an international level. As an Associate Member of the FCI, that translated breed standard has been adopted in Australia. This is also known as the Swiss Standard.
The ANKC has copyright with permissions in Australia on their translated “Illustrated Breed Standards”, the first edition of which was published in January 1998. It is also accessible on the ANKC website www.ankc.org.au.
Please note that the Australian National Kennel Council states that a "breed standard is the guideline which describes the ideal characteristics, temperament, and appearance of a breed and ensures that the breed is fit for function with soundness essential. Breeders and judges should at all times be mindful of features which could be detrimental in any way to the health, welfare or soundness of this breed".
Please see following the ANKC published FCI Standard No. 61 to which we adhere in Australia. There are no Breed Standard Extensions.
The ANKC has copyright with permissions in Australia on their translated “Illustrated Breed Standards”, the first edition of which was published in January 1998. It is also accessible on the ANKC website www.ankc.org.au.
Please note that the Australian National Kennel Council states that a "breed standard is the guideline which describes the ideal characteristics, temperament, and appearance of a breed and ensures that the breed is fit for function with soundness essential. Breeders and judges should at all times be mindful of features which could be detrimental in any way to the health, welfare or soundness of this breed".
Please see following the ANKC published FCI Standard No. 61 to which we adhere in Australia. There are no Breed Standard Extensions.
ST. BERNARD
F.C.I. Standard No. 61, dated 24/3/93
Adopted in Australia 1/1/94
Revised October 1994
Corrected Jan 2000
Translated by Mrs C. Seidler, Mr Michael J. Wingeler
Country of Origin - Switzerland
Adopted in Australia 1/1/94
Revised October 1994
Corrected Jan 2000
Translated by Mrs C. Seidler, Mr Michael J. Wingeler
Country of Origin - Switzerland
BRIEF HISTORCAL SURVEY: At the height of the Great St. Bernard Pass, 2469M (8,100ft) above sea level, a hospice was founded by monks in the 11th century as a refuge for travellers and pilgrims, and large mountain dogs have been kept there for watch and protection since the middle of the 17th century. The existence of such dogs has been documented in paintings and drawings dating back to 1695 and in written official documents of the hospice since 1707.
These dogs were soon in service as companion dogs for the monks, being especially deployed as rescue dogs for travellers lost in snow and fog. Numerous chronicles, published in many languages, as well as verbal reports by soldiers of Napoleon who transited the Great Pass with him in 1800, tell of many lives saved by these dogs in the face of "the White Death". The fame of the St. Bernard, then known as the "Barry-dog" became the epitome of the rescue dog.
The direct ancestors of the St. Bernard were the large farm dogs which were widely spread across the region, and within a few generations after the establishment of the ideal type, were bred into the present day breed. Heinrich Schumacher, from Holligen near Bern, Switzerland, was the first to document and provide pedigrees for his dogs. In February 1884, the "Schweizerischer Hundestammbuch (SHSB)", the Swiss Dogs Stud Book, was opened. The very first entry was the St. Bernard "Leon", and the following 28 entries also all St. Bernards. The Swiss St. Bernards Club was founded in Basle on the 15th March 1884. During the International Canine Congress of 2nd June 1887, the St. Bernard dog was officially recognised as a Swiss breed and the breed standard was declared binding. Since that time the St. Bernard has been a Swiss national dog.
GENERAL APPEARANCE: There are two varieties of the St Bernard; Short-haired variety ("Stockhaar", smooth coat). Long-haired variety (Rough coat). Both varieties are of considerable size and of impressive appearance. They have a balanced, powerful, sturdy, muscular body with an impressive head and an alert facial expression. Important proportions: "Ideal relation of height at withers to length of body (measured from the point of shoulder to the point of buttocks) = 9:10." For the ideal relation of height at withers to depth of chest see the sketch below." The total length of the head is slightly more than one third of the height at the withers." The relation of the depth of muzzle (measured at its root) to the length of muzzle is almost 2:1." Length of muzzle is slightly longer than one third of the total length of the head.
These dogs were soon in service as companion dogs for the monks, being especially deployed as rescue dogs for travellers lost in snow and fog. Numerous chronicles, published in many languages, as well as verbal reports by soldiers of Napoleon who transited the Great Pass with him in 1800, tell of many lives saved by these dogs in the face of "the White Death". The fame of the St. Bernard, then known as the "Barry-dog" became the epitome of the rescue dog.
The direct ancestors of the St. Bernard were the large farm dogs which were widely spread across the region, and within a few generations after the establishment of the ideal type, were bred into the present day breed. Heinrich Schumacher, from Holligen near Bern, Switzerland, was the first to document and provide pedigrees for his dogs. In February 1884, the "Schweizerischer Hundestammbuch (SHSB)", the Swiss Dogs Stud Book, was opened. The very first entry was the St. Bernard "Leon", and the following 28 entries also all St. Bernards. The Swiss St. Bernards Club was founded in Basle on the 15th March 1884. During the International Canine Congress of 2nd June 1887, the St. Bernard dog was officially recognised as a Swiss breed and the breed standard was declared binding. Since that time the St. Bernard has been a Swiss national dog.
GENERAL APPEARANCE: There are two varieties of the St Bernard; Short-haired variety ("Stockhaar", smooth coat). Long-haired variety (Rough coat). Both varieties are of considerable size and of impressive appearance. They have a balanced, powerful, sturdy, muscular body with an impressive head and an alert facial expression. Important proportions: "Ideal relation of height at withers to length of body (measured from the point of shoulder to the point of buttocks) = 9:10." For the ideal relation of height at withers to depth of chest see the sketch below." The total length of the head is slightly more than one third of the height at the withers." The relation of the depth of muzzle (measured at its root) to the length of muzzle is almost 2:1." Length of muzzle is slightly longer than one third of the total length of the head.
CHARACTERISTICS: Utilisation: Companion: watch and farm dog.
TEMPERAMENT: Friendly by nature. Temperament calm to lively; watchful.
HEAD AND SKULL: Powerful, imposing and very expressive.
Cranial Region-Skull - Strong, broad, when seen in profile and from the front slightly rounded. When the dog is alert, the set-on of the ears and the top of the skull form a straight line, which slopes at the sides in a gentle curve to the strongly developed high cheekbones. Forehead
falling away steeply towards the muzzle. Occipital bone only moderately developed, superciliary ridges strongly developed. The frontal furrow, which starts at the base of the forehead, is distinctly developed and runs right up in the middle of the skull. over the whole skull. The skin of the forehead forms slight wrinkles above the eyes that converge towards the frontal furrow. When the dog is at attention, they are moderately visible: otherwise they are inconspicuous. Stop - Distinctly pronounced. Muzzle - Of even width. Nasal bridge straight, with slight groove. Nose - Black, broad and square. Nostrils well opened. Lips - Edge of lips black pigmented. Flews of upper jaw strongly developed, firm and not too pendulous, forming a wide curve towards the nose. Corner of mouth remains visible.
TEMPERAMENT: Friendly by nature. Temperament calm to lively; watchful.
HEAD AND SKULL: Powerful, imposing and very expressive.
Cranial Region-Skull - Strong, broad, when seen in profile and from the front slightly rounded. When the dog is alert, the set-on of the ears and the top of the skull form a straight line, which slopes at the sides in a gentle curve to the strongly developed high cheekbones. Forehead
falling away steeply towards the muzzle. Occipital bone only moderately developed, superciliary ridges strongly developed. The frontal furrow, which starts at the base of the forehead, is distinctly developed and runs right up in the middle of the skull. over the whole skull. The skin of the forehead forms slight wrinkles above the eyes that converge towards the frontal furrow. When the dog is at attention, they are moderately visible: otherwise they are inconspicuous. Stop - Distinctly pronounced. Muzzle - Of even width. Nasal bridge straight, with slight groove. Nose - Black, broad and square. Nostrils well opened. Lips - Edge of lips black pigmented. Flews of upper jaw strongly developed, firm and not too pendulous, forming a wide curve towards the nose. Corner of mouth remains visible.
EYES: Of medium size. Colour dark brown to nut-brown. Moderately deep set with a friendly expression. Natural tightness of lids desired. A small angular fold on the lower with the haws only slightly visible as well as a small fold on the upper lids is permitted. Eyerims completely pigmented.
EARS: Of medium size, set on high and wide. Strongly developed burrs. Flaps pliable and triangular with rounded tips. The rears edges slightly standing off and the front edges lying close to the cheeks.
MOUTH: The upper and lower jaws are strong, broad and equal in length. Well developed, regular and complete scissor or pincer bite. Close fitting undershot mouth without any space between the lower and upper incisors acceptable. Missing PM1 (Premolar 1) and M3 is tolerated.
NECK: Strong and of sufficient length. Dewlap and loose skin on the neck moderately developed.
FOREQUARTERS: The forelegs are straight and parallel when seen from the front. Stands moderately broad. Shoulders - Shoulder blades oblique, muscular and well attached to the chest wall. Upper arm - Longer than the shoulder-blade. The angle between the shoulder blade and upper arm not to blunt. Elbow - Close fitting. Forearm - Straight, strong in bone, with lean musculature. Pasterns - Seen from the front, vertical in prolongation of the forearms. Slightly oblique when seen from the side.
BODY: The general appearance imposing, balanced and impressive and well muscled. Withers - Well defined. Chest - Brisket moderately deep with well sprung ribs, but not barrel shaped. Does not project below the elbow level. Back - Broad, strong and firm. Topline straight and horizontal up to the loins. Croup - Long and hardly sloping. Merging gently at the root of the tail. Belly and underline - Slight tuck up towards the rear.
HINDQUARTERS: Muscular with moderate angulation. Seen from the back the hind legs are parallel, not standing closely together. Upper thigh - Strong, muscular and broad. Stifle - Well angulated and turning neither in nor out. Lower thigh - Slanting and rather long. Hock Joints - Slightly angulated and firm. Metatarsus - Straight and parallel when seen from behind.
FEET: Broad with strong, tight well arched toes. Dewclaws on hind legs are tolerated as long as they do not hinder movement.
TAIL: Set-on broad and strong. Tail is long and heavy. The last vertebra reaching at least to the hock joint. When in repose, the tail hangs straight down or slightly upturned in the lower third. When animated it is carried higher.
GAIT/MOVEMENT: Harmonious far reaching movement with good drive from the hindquarters with the back remaining stable and firm. Front and hind feet move forward in a straight line.
COAT: Smooth-haired variety (Smooth coat) - Top coat dense, smooth, close lying and coarse. Plenty of undercoat. Thighs have slight breeches. Tail covered with dense hair. Long-haired variety (Rough coat) - Topcoat plain, of medium length with plenty of undercoat. Short hair on face and ears. Hair over the haunches and the croup usually somewhat wavy. Front legs feathered. Thighs with good breeches. Bushy tail.
COLOUR: - Primary colour is white with smaller or larger reddish-brown patches ("splash coat") up to a unbroken reddish-brown mantle covering the back and flanks ("mantled coat"). A broken reddish-brown mantle is of equal value. A brindle reddish-brown colour is permissible. Brownish-yellow tolerated. Dark shadings on the head desirable. Slight touch of black on the body is tolerated. Required white markings - Chest, feet, tip of tail, muzzle band, blaze and patch on the neck. Desired markings - White collar. Symmetrical dark mask.
SIZES: Height at withers - Males - 70cm to 90cm (27 ½ to 35 ½ inches) Bitches - 65cm to 80cm (25 ½ to 31 ½ inches). Dogs, which exceed the maximum height will not be penalised, provided their general appearance is balanced and their movement correct.
FAULTS: Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog.
- Lack of correct gender characteristics.
- Unbalanced general appearance.
- Too short on leg in relation to size(short legged).
- Heavy folds on the head and neck.
- Muzzle too short or too long.
- Flews of the lower jaw turning outwards.
- Missing teeth other than PM1 (Premolar 1) and M3. Small teeth especially incisors.
- Slightly undershot mouth.
- Light eyes.
- Eyelids too loose.
- Sway back or roach back.
- Croup higher than withers or falling away.
- Tail carried curled over the back.
- Absence of required markings.
- Crooked or severely turned out front legs.
- Poorly angulated, open-hocked or cow hocked hindquarters.
- Faulty movement.
- Curly coat.
- Incomplete or totally absent pigment on nose leather, around the nose, on lips and eyelids.
- Faulty primary colour e.g. reddish-brown dots or ticks in the white.
Disqulifying faults:
- Weak temperament or aggressiveness.
- Overshot mouth, distinctly undershot mouth.
- Wall eye.
- Ectropian, entropian.
- Solid white or reddish-brown coat (absence of the primary colour).
- Coat of any other colour.
- Height at withers below the minimum size.
Any dog clearly showing phsical or behavioural abnormalities shall be disqualified.
NOTE: Male animals should have two apparently normally developed testicles fully descended into the scrotum.
A.N.K.C. Copyright January 2000
(PERMISSION TO REPRODUCE GRANTED)
EARS: Of medium size, set on high and wide. Strongly developed burrs. Flaps pliable and triangular with rounded tips. The rears edges slightly standing off and the front edges lying close to the cheeks.
MOUTH: The upper and lower jaws are strong, broad and equal in length. Well developed, regular and complete scissor or pincer bite. Close fitting undershot mouth without any space between the lower and upper incisors acceptable. Missing PM1 (Premolar 1) and M3 is tolerated.
NECK: Strong and of sufficient length. Dewlap and loose skin on the neck moderately developed.
FOREQUARTERS: The forelegs are straight and parallel when seen from the front. Stands moderately broad. Shoulders - Shoulder blades oblique, muscular and well attached to the chest wall. Upper arm - Longer than the shoulder-blade. The angle between the shoulder blade and upper arm not to blunt. Elbow - Close fitting. Forearm - Straight, strong in bone, with lean musculature. Pasterns - Seen from the front, vertical in prolongation of the forearms. Slightly oblique when seen from the side.
BODY: The general appearance imposing, balanced and impressive and well muscled. Withers - Well defined. Chest - Brisket moderately deep with well sprung ribs, but not barrel shaped. Does not project below the elbow level. Back - Broad, strong and firm. Topline straight and horizontal up to the loins. Croup - Long and hardly sloping. Merging gently at the root of the tail. Belly and underline - Slight tuck up towards the rear.
HINDQUARTERS: Muscular with moderate angulation. Seen from the back the hind legs are parallel, not standing closely together. Upper thigh - Strong, muscular and broad. Stifle - Well angulated and turning neither in nor out. Lower thigh - Slanting and rather long. Hock Joints - Slightly angulated and firm. Metatarsus - Straight and parallel when seen from behind.
FEET: Broad with strong, tight well arched toes. Dewclaws on hind legs are tolerated as long as they do not hinder movement.
TAIL: Set-on broad and strong. Tail is long and heavy. The last vertebra reaching at least to the hock joint. When in repose, the tail hangs straight down or slightly upturned in the lower third. When animated it is carried higher.
GAIT/MOVEMENT: Harmonious far reaching movement with good drive from the hindquarters with the back remaining stable and firm. Front and hind feet move forward in a straight line.
COAT: Smooth-haired variety (Smooth coat) - Top coat dense, smooth, close lying and coarse. Plenty of undercoat. Thighs have slight breeches. Tail covered with dense hair. Long-haired variety (Rough coat) - Topcoat plain, of medium length with plenty of undercoat. Short hair on face and ears. Hair over the haunches and the croup usually somewhat wavy. Front legs feathered. Thighs with good breeches. Bushy tail.
COLOUR: - Primary colour is white with smaller or larger reddish-brown patches ("splash coat") up to a unbroken reddish-brown mantle covering the back and flanks ("mantled coat"). A broken reddish-brown mantle is of equal value. A brindle reddish-brown colour is permissible. Brownish-yellow tolerated. Dark shadings on the head desirable. Slight touch of black on the body is tolerated. Required white markings - Chest, feet, tip of tail, muzzle band, blaze and patch on the neck. Desired markings - White collar. Symmetrical dark mask.
SIZES: Height at withers - Males - 70cm to 90cm (27 ½ to 35 ½ inches) Bitches - 65cm to 80cm (25 ½ to 31 ½ inches). Dogs, which exceed the maximum height will not be penalised, provided their general appearance is balanced and their movement correct.
FAULTS: Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog.
- Lack of correct gender characteristics.
- Unbalanced general appearance.
- Too short on leg in relation to size(short legged).
- Heavy folds on the head and neck.
- Muzzle too short or too long.
- Flews of the lower jaw turning outwards.
- Missing teeth other than PM1 (Premolar 1) and M3. Small teeth especially incisors.
- Slightly undershot mouth.
- Light eyes.
- Eyelids too loose.
- Sway back or roach back.
- Croup higher than withers or falling away.
- Tail carried curled over the back.
- Absence of required markings.
- Crooked or severely turned out front legs.
- Poorly angulated, open-hocked or cow hocked hindquarters.
- Faulty movement.
- Curly coat.
- Incomplete or totally absent pigment on nose leather, around the nose, on lips and eyelids.
- Faulty primary colour e.g. reddish-brown dots or ticks in the white.
Disqulifying faults:
- Weak temperament or aggressiveness.
- Overshot mouth, distinctly undershot mouth.
- Wall eye.
- Ectropian, entropian.
- Solid white or reddish-brown coat (absence of the primary colour).
- Coat of any other colour.
- Height at withers below the minimum size.
Any dog clearly showing phsical or behavioural abnormalities shall be disqualified.
NOTE: Male animals should have two apparently normally developed testicles fully descended into the scrotum.
A.N.K.C. Copyright January 2000
(PERMISSION TO REPRODUCE GRANTED)
