Beethoven is a St. Bernard, a type of mountain dog that originated in the Western Alps of Europe). St. Bernards are known for their large frames, sweet temperaments, and their history of being bred for rescue work in the mountains along the border of Italy and Switzerland. They are often referred to as "gentle giants" and are characterized by their large size and coat, which is bushy and dense and comes in different colors including white with red, or red with white. The shade of red can vary, and the white fur is usually found on the Beethoven dog’s chest, around the neck and nose, as well as on the feet and the tip of the tail.