The Saint Bernard is a large breed of working dog that was developed by monks at the Great St. Bernard Hospice, a monastery in the Swiss Alps, in the early 19th century. The monks at the hospice bred the Saint Bernard to be a strong, hardy dog with a thick coat and a powerful build, capable of braving the harsh winter conditions of the Alps.

The Saint Bernard is known for its role as a rescue dog, and they were often used to search for and rescue travelers who were lost or stranded in the snow. They were trained to locate people by following their scent and to dig them out of the snow if necessary. In addition to their skills as rescue dogs, Saint Bernards are also known for their intelligence, loyalty, and affectionate nature, and they make excellent companions and family pets. They are often used as therapy dogs due to their calm and gentle disposition.