Isidore Saint Bernard's

The Saint Bernard probably traces its origins back to the Asian Molosser dog brought to present day Switzerland by the Romans during the first century AD. For hundreds of years, the people of the alpine valleys employed the dogs with great success as herders and guard dogs, but the Saint Bernard would find its true calling in the snowy and treacherous passes of the Alps. In 1050, Archdeacon Bernard de Menthon founded a hospice in the Alps to assist travelers making the arduous trek between Switzerland and Italy. At some point, dogs from the alpine valleys were brought to the hospice to pull carts, guard the hospice and keep the monks company. Eventually, the dogs were put to work locating and rescuing lost travelers. For this, the dog’s keen nose, sure-footedness in deep snow drifts, and its ability to warm and even drag stranded climbers made it invaluable. It is estimated that between the 17th century (when the breed’s use as a rescue dog was first documented) and the present, the Saint Bernard has been responsible for saving more than 2,500 people. Chief among the Saint Bernards was Barry, who is credited with saving 40 lives.

During the 19th century, the Saint Bernard was exported to the rest of Europe, and eventually to America, where it found instant popularity. As a credit to this popularity, the Saint Bernard was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1898, just a few years after the dogs had been brought to the US and only four years after the founding of the organization itself. The Saint Bernard continued its work as an alpine rescuer until 2004, when the monks of Saint Bernard’s pass began to give the dogs away and focus more on the needs of its human visitors.

For more information on the Saint Bernard breed visit the Saint Bernard Club of America website or contact us and learn what we know about this magnificent breed here at Isidore Saint Bernard's.