Cathe,
It's funny that I see this post today. I saw a family selling St. Bernard puppies on the corner, so cute. I saw their mama dog, she's huge! I'm a big dog lover and have owned lab mix, 1 purebred alpha male German Shepherd had him for 10 years he had to be but to sleep in March due to MS. Not exactly great for me since I have MS. It just killed me to see my GS named Vader get stricken. He was my baby and my best friend and so smart and protective of me, the family and property. He never was dangerous or anything. I could take not having a German Shepherd I was too deeply grief stricken so I went on the hunt for another German Shepherd purebred male puppy. We found one he was 8 weeks old when we got him he's now 16 weeks and weighs about 40 lbs. We named him Ares, he's going to be a big boy. He's sweet and when we went to get a puppy he picked me. He's too cute and know's he's my baby.
I know St.Bernards are huge and were used as rescue dogs because of their size they will keep you warm in cold temps, so if your cold cuddle up with one. I did watch on animal planet episode talking about St. Bernard's and their are always genetic dispositions with every breed to consider and instincts each breed is known for. They mentioned that St. Bernards have the drool issue, shedding, and they are a giant breed so there life span can be shorter than that of a smaller breed dog. I'd suggest checking out
http://animal.discovery.com/breedselector/dogprofile.do?id=2500 here's what I found:
AKC Ranking: 39
Family: livestock dog, sheepdog, mastiff
Area of Origin: Switzerland
Date of Origin: Middle Ages
Original Function: draft, search and rescue
Today's Function: companion
Avg Size of male: Height: >27.5 Weight: 120-200
Avg Size of Female: Height: >25 Weight: 120-200
Other Name: St. Bernhardshund, Alpine mastiff
History
The Saint Bernard probably has its roots in the Roman Molossian dogs, but it wasn't until between 1660 and 1670 that the breed developed into the magnificent dog responsible for saving so many lives. Around this time, the first of these large dogs arrived at the St. Bernard Hospice, a refuge for travelers crossing between Switzerland and Italy. The Saint Bernards originally came to help pull carts and turn spits and may have also functioned as watchdogs or companions, but the monks soon found them invaluable pathfinders through the deep snow. The dogs were adept at locating lost travelers. When a dog found a person, it would lick the person's face and lie beside him, thus reviving and warming the person. The dogs continued to serve in this invaluable role for three centuries, saving over 2,000 lives. The most famous of all Saint Bernards was Barry, who was credited with saving 40 lives. Before Barry's death, the dogs were known by several names, including hospice dogs, but by the time he died he was of such fame that the dogs were called Barryhund in his honor. In the early 1800s many of the dogs were lost to severe weather, disease and inbreeding. Some of the remaining dogs were crossed with Newfoundlands in 1830. As a result, the first long-coated dogs of Saint Bernard type appeared. Although it seemed that long hair would help a dog in the cold snow, in fact it hindered them as the ice clung to the coat. Thus, these long-haired dogs were not kept for rescue work. The first Saints came to England around 1810 and were referred to by many different names, among them sacred dog. By 1865, the name Saint Bernard was in common use, and it became the official name in 1880. Around this time, the breed caught the eye of American fanciers. By 1900, the Saint Bernard was extremely popular. Although it has since vacillated in popularity, it is always one of the most popular giant breeds.
Temperament
The calm, easygoing Saint Bernard is gentle and patient around children, although it is not particularly playful. It is devoted to its family and is willing to please, although at its own pace. It can be stubborn.
Upkeep
The Saint Bernard needs daily exercise in order to stay fit. Its requirements can be met with moderate walks and short runs, however. It is best raised outdoors, away from slick surfaces. Overweight puppies raised indoors are more prone to hip problems. It enjoys cold weather and does not do well in heat. This breed can live outside in temperate to cold weather, but does best when allowed access to both house and yard. Its coat, whether long or short, needs weekly brushing, more so when shedding. All Saints drool.
Health
• Major concerns: CHD, gastric torsion, entropion, ectropion, distichiasis, elbow dysplasia, osteosarcoma
• Minor concerns: OCD, diabetes, heart conditions, cardiomyopathy, pyotraumatic dermatitis
• Occasionally seen: epilepsy
• Suggested tests: hip, elbow, cardiac, eye
• Life span: 8 – 10 years
• Note: The Saint Bernard does not tolerate heat well.
Form and Function
The imposing Saint Bernard is powerful and proportionately tall. It is strong and well-muscled — necessary qualities in a dog that must trek through deep snow for miles. Its coat comes in two types: smooth, in which the short hair is very dense and tough, and long, in which the medium-length hair is straight to slightly wavy. Its expression should appear intelligent.
Related Dogs
Bernese Mountain Dog
Boxer
Bullmastiff
Doberman Pinscher
Great Dane
Great Pyrenees
Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
Komondor
Kuvasz
Mastiff
I don't know it that was helpful or not. I love big dogs and you can really play with them and the kids can crawl all over them. These dogs are just ball of love and fluff. I've never had one but I have seen Beethoven and thought how cute those puppies are. Good luck in your hunt for a great puppy whatever the breed you choose. Dogs are great they love you and you love them back and they become a cherished member of the family and they are always happy to see you and can lighten any bad mood in a second. I love big dogs, I'm especially in love with German Shepherds. I can't get enough of them and just don't want to be without one. I'm sure your boys are going to love whatever dog you choose and be their best buddy.
Hugs!
Even if you brushed up against him, you'd get huge drool spots on your clothes. But the sweetest dog I ever met!! 
