Definition

1. Noun:
   • A Swiss alpine breed of large powerful dog with a thick coat of hair used as a rescue dog: A St Bernard is a specific breed of working dog originally bred for rescue in the Alps.

Usage

• The word "St Bernard" is a proper noun and is always capitalized. It refers specifically to this breed. It is typically used with an article ("a," "the").

Examples

• Noun:
  • The monastery kept St Bernards to help find lost travelers.
  • We saw a beautiful St Bernard at the dog show.
  • The St Bernard is known for its strength and gentle temperament.

Advanced Usage

• "St Bernard dog": This full phrasing is sometimes used for absolute clarity, though "St Bernard" alone is standard.
  • The legendary rescue stories involve the St Bernard dog.

Variants and Related Words

• Saint Bernard: An alternative, less common spelling of the breed's name.
• Alpine rescue dog: A descriptive term for the St Bernard's historical function.

Synonyms

• Rescue dog: A general term for dogs trained for mountain or disaster rescue.
• Working dog: A broad category that includes breeds like the St Bernard.

Related Phrases

• Barrel brandy: A reference to the (historically inaccurate) legend that St Bernards carried small casks of brandy to revive victims. This is a cultural association, not a feature of the breed itself.

Noun

1. a Swiss alpine breed of large powerful dog with a thick coat of hair used as a rescue dog