Dog: Saint Bernard

Origins: Bred by monks at the Hospice of Saint Bernard in the Swiss Alps in the 17th century, for search and rescue work. The dogs saved the lives of countless travelers lost in the mountains.

Size: Large and tall, some 71cm at the shoulder. With the biggest individuals weighing in at 91kg, this is possibly the heaviest breed in the world.

Physical Appearance: Muscular. Thick coat, may be rough or smooth. Head large in proportion to body. Face has a kind, sad expression.

Characteristics: Brave, intelligent, kind, trainable, steady.

Colors: Orange and white, mahogany-brindle and white, red-brindle and white.

Special Facts: Saint Bernards are popularly pictured as wearing collars with a little barrel containing brandy to revive stranded, freezing travelers. However, it seems the monks at the hospice never used brandy; in fact, alcohol hastens dehydration and heat-loss. So the cask of booze is probably a myth!