Browse ›
A red and white Saint Bernard sits on snow-dusted porch steps trimmed with evergreen and red berries beside a wreath door. 7 / 20

Duke Took His Seat on the Snowy Steps Like a Mountain Doorman

AI imagesaint bernardchristmasporch

Big, solid, and slightly damp-looking, a red and white Saint Bernard sits on porch steps that are dusted with snow and trimmed with evergreen branches, pinecones, and red berries. His head is turned to the side, his dark eyes are gentle, and his mouth is slightly open in a relaxed pant. Behind him a dark wooden door with a leafy wreath waits, and a bare winter yard stretches into the gray distance.

Saint Bernards come from the Swiss Alps, where they were kept at a mountain hospice and became known for their work in snowy conditions. Today they are best known as gentle, patient family dogs. They are very large and heavy, and the weight can be hard on joints, so a healthy diet and moderate exercise matter. Their thick coat is made for cold, and they can overheat in warm weather, so be careful with heat. Many also drool, so a hand towel is a good household item.

A dog of this size needs sturdy steps and a secure leash if he is going to go out and about. Holiday greenery is another point to watch, since some plants, including holly and mistletoe, can upset a dog's stomach if chewed. We will call this big fellow Duke. He is sitting at ease on the steps with his chest out, like a quiet doorman who has seen many winters. The snow does not seem to bother him at all.

More from this collection

All 20 →
A black and white Shih Tzu sits on carpet under a lit Christmas tree surrounded by gifts wrapped in brown paper.Oreo Sat Among the Gifts and Did Not Touch a Single OneA gold and white Shih Tzu rests on a cushion beside a frosty window with a pine wreath hanging on the glass.Honey Watched the Frost From the Cozy Window Cushion
A black Cocker Spaniel holds a long red ribbon in its mouth beside an opened cardboard gift box in a messy living room.Ebony Grabbed the Red Ribbon and Brought It Over Like a PrizeA black and tan Dachshund sits on a tile floor in an entryway in front of a green door with a plaid-bow wreath.Otto Held His Post by the Wreath and Waited for the DoorbellA black and tan Rottweiler wears a red and cream knitted sweater with a reindeer pattern in a softly lit holiday living room.Titan Wore the Reindeer Sweater With a Very Serious FaceA smooth red Dachshund wears brown felt reindeer antlers on a snow-dusted porch beside a door with a wreath.Rusty Wore the Antlers on the Snowy Porch and Did Not Blink