A Quick History of the Saint Bernard Dog
The Hospice at Saint Bernard Pass
Without any verifiable scientific proof, the actual origin of the saint bernard is unknown and subject to many theories. The theory that seems most probable is that the saint bernard descended from the breeding of heavy Asian "Molosser" (Canis molossus), brought to Helvetia (Switzerland) by Roman armies during the first two centuries A.D., with native dogs which undoubtedly existed in the region at the time of the Roman invasions.
Over the years, these dogs were widely used in the valley farms and Alpine dairies for a variety of guarding, herding, and drafting duties. Often called Talhund (Valley Dog) or Bauernhund (Farm Dog), they were apparently well established by A.D. 1050, when Archdeacon Bernard de Menthon founded the famous Hospice in the Swiss Alps as a refuge for travelers crossing the treacherous passes between Switzerland and Italy.
Exactly when the dogs were first brought to the Hospice is uncertain, because the Hospice was destroyed by fire in the late 16th century. A large portion of the Hospice archives were lost.
A Monk and his dogs at
the Hospice of Saint Bernard.
The first documentation concerning the dogs was not until 1707. This; however, was merely a casual reference to dogs at the Hospice and carried the implication that their rescue work at the Saint Bernard Pass was a fact well known at the time. From a digest of earlier references, it appears that the dogs were first brought to the Hospice sometime between 1660 and 1670. It is likely that large dogs were recruited from the valley areas below to serve as watchdogs for the Hospice and companions for the Monks during the long winter months when the Hospice was almost completely isolated.
This isolation of the Hospice no doubt resulted in inbreeding of the original stock which soon produced the distinctive strain of "Hospice Dog." It also follows that only those animals with the strongest instincts for survival in the extremely adverse conditions at the Hospice were to leave their genetic imprint upon the breed during those early years.
The lonely Monks, who took the dogs along on their trips of mercy, soon discovered the animals were excellent pathfinders in the drifting snow, and the dogs' highly developed sense of smell made them invaluable in locating helpless persons overcome during storms. Thus began this working together of Monk and dog which made many of the world's most romantic pages of canine history.
During the three centuries that saint bernards had been used in rescue work at the Hospice, it is estimated that they have been responsible for the saving of well over 2,000 human lives. Although the building of railroad tunnels through the Alps has lessened foot and vehicular travel across the Saint Bernard Pass, the Monks continued to maintain these fine dogs for companionship and in the honor of the Hospice tradition.
In 2005, after the Monks decided they could no longer afford to provide for the dogs, a group of Swiss philanthropists created an endowment that allows the saint bernard breed to continue existing on the mountain. Additionally they provided for a museum at the Hospice. To this day, the saint bernard dog continues to live in the Great Saint Bernard Pass at the Monastery. During the winter months, the dogs are kenneled in Martigny, a town in the valley below.
Barry saved
over 40 lives.
One of the most famous saint bernard dog in history is known by the name Bäri (Swiss-German for "Bear") (1800-1814).
Barry was an expert rescue dog well versed with the rescue drill and amongst his famous rescue adventures there is this famous story about a young boy who was found stranded on an icy ledge, all covered with thick snow under an ongoing, heavy snowfall. It was not possible for any man to climb that icy ledge, but Barry braving all adversity crawled inch by inch to the injured boy. As the drill has it, Barry started licking the boy's face but the snowfall was too heavy and the ledge too difficult to climb for any monk to reach the boy. So, there was no help coming. The boy, however, woke up due to Barry's warm licks and wrapped his arms around Barry's strong neck. The dog pulled him carefully and bravely from the ledge and brought him to safety.
It is just one of the many gallant rescue stories of this great rescuer saint bernard. He lived from 1800 to 1814 and saved more than 40 lives in his lifetime.
The Hospice continues to honor Barry by always having one dog at the Hospice named Barry. Even so, none of Barry's descendants have achieved similar notoriety.
Bamse registered crew member
of the HNoMS Thorodd.
Another famous saint bernard is known as "Bamse" (1937-1944). He was the largest dog to serve in World War II, he was a registered crew member of the Norwegian minesweeper ship, The Thorodd. There are many tales of his heroic actions, from his bravery in battle as a gunners mate, to saving lives of his fellow sailors, to his devotion to children. See the link below for more information about this wonderful saint bernard.
For more information about the history of saint bernards and the ones mentioned, check out these sites:
- History of the Saint Bernard - Saint Bernard Club of America
- The legendary Barry - Natural History Museum - Switzerland
- Bamse Dog Hero - Mountrose Heritage Trust - Scotland