The Saint Bernard originated from native dogs that had been present in the Alps for thousands of years, and bred with large mastiff-type dogs brought by Roman armies. These dogs were used for guarding, herding, and pulling small wagons. In 1050 AD, a hospice was founded by a religious order of monks in the Saint Bernard Pass, 2.5 kilometres above sea level, for travellers crossing the treacherous Swiss Alps. Eventually, someone brought some of these large dogs to the hospice; the dogs were used by the monks as watchdogs and companions, and bred to withstand harsh winters with thick coats and large feet. Because of the isolation, particularly in winter, a new breed came into being ... the Saint Bernard.  The monks took the dogs along with them on their trips into the mountains, and probably quickly discovered that their dogs were excellent pathfinders, and able to easily locate travellers lost in the snowstorms. In the three centuries of records available at the hospice, the Saint Bernards have been responsible for saving well over 2,000 human lives. Since then, the Saint Bernard has become synonymous with lifesaving, and is frequently used as an assist dog in snowy colder climates. (The small barrels of brandy carried under their necks, used to help thaw out rescued travellers, is apparently just a myth). Sadly, like all big dogs, the St. Bernard frequently suffers from hip dysplasia, and like the equally large Great Dane, has a lifespan of only 6 to 8 years, on average. |
