St Bernards - Origins and History

What other breed of dog can match the instant appeal of a St Bernards puppy? This special and unique quality has been captured by film makers, photographers, artists, on greeting cards and all sorts of commercial type products over the years. Who will ever forget world famous comedian Bernie Winters and his faithful St Bernards companion Schnorbitz? Or the magnificent and comical scene in the Laurel and Hardy film "Swiss Miss"? Or more recently the series of "Beethoven" films? However, behind this cute, proud and beautiful bundle of joy that is the St Bernards breed, lies centuries of history, tradition and breeding.

St Bernards - The Beginnings

The Molossus or Tibettan type of Mastiff may have provided and marked the beinnings of the early St Bernards. Although stories and traditions suggest that St Bernards originate from the Hospice of St. Bernard in the mountains of the St. Bernard pass, it was in fact, hundreds of years after the Augustinian monk Bernard de Menthon had provided shelter for travellers up the mountain at the hospice, that dogs were used for rescue purposes from the religious mountain base. It wasn't in fact until the seventeenth century that the monks from the St. Bernard Hospice started using the heavy Alpine Mastiff (St Bernards) to assist in Alpine rescues.

In the early 1800s several chronicles were published in different languages about the large dogs being used as rescue dogs for lost travellers in the snow. The dogs used had a very good sense of smell, could locate a traveller buried in the snow up to six feet deep and could find their way through the hazordous snow and ice covered passes in the blizzards and dense fog.

There is written documentation from as far back as 1774 regarding the work of the monks and their digs. This documentation states that the monks went out daily with their trained dogs to search for lost travellers in need of help and rescuing. The dogs would find and dig out the traveller unaided and then guide everyone back to the monastery.

St Bernards - The Romance

Everyone has the romantic image of St Bernards, bounding around in deep snow, with a brandy barrel around their necks, for the medicinal consumption of their rescued traveller. However St Bernards never carried brandy barrels, but they did carry a leather-type saddle, which it is thought held suitable medicine and maybe even blankets.

Another written account in 1787 describes the dogs frightening off a band of robbers, saving all the valuables and treasures in the monastery.

The most famous of St Bernards dog at the Hospice was a dog called Barry, believed to have been born in 1800. According to records, Barry had an instinct for danger and could sense when someone was in trouble. At the onset of a snow blizzard or fog, Barry would insist on being let out from the Hospice and begin his search for travellers in trouble. He died in 1812 and thanks to the art of the taxidermists, his remains can be viewed at the Natural History Museum in Berne.

St Bernards Today 

St Bernards are fascinating, loveable and affectionate dogs, loyal and devoted to their masters. However, as with any breed, there are pros and cons associated with St Bernards. They are ideal pets but require a substantial amount of space - therefore they are not suitable for small apartments and will be obviously more comfortable in a larger home with room for a "pony". Although present day St Bernards are nothing like their active relatives as mentioned above, it does need and require some daily exercise.

If you are contemplating purchasing St Bernards, Keith and Nicola at Parlashan Saints can help you with your decision and with any questions or queries you may have, from their own personal experiences. Based in Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford, you can visit their Kennels, by appointment, to experience and interact with their St Bernards, puppies, dogs and bitches, to help you with your decision.