St. Bernard Dog, Great, a species of dog which gets its name from the Hospice of St. Bernard, where it has long been kept by the monks to aid them in rescuing perishing travelers. This famous dog, according to the traditions of the monastery, is the result of a cross between a Danish bull-bitch and a mastiff, a native hill dog. Many of the finest St. Bernards measure over 30 inches high at the shoulder and weigh over 150 pounds. On account of his great size and weight the St. Bernard often moves in an awkward manner, a defect which should be avoided. St. Bernards, though occupying a great deal of space, are so handsome that they are kept as companions in great numbers; as a rule they are good tempered, though many are not to be trusted.


Entry from Everybody's Cyclopedia, 1912.