Page 78 - (DK) The Dog Encyclopedia

CATALOG OF BREEDS | WORKING DOGS

Saint Bernard

HEIGHT WEIGHT LIFE SPAN Brindle
28–30in 130–180lb 8–10 years
(70–75cm) (59–81kg)

This kindly giant has a delightful temperament but its
unrivaled size prohibits it from being a pet for many
White patch
Originating in the 18th century, this breed dogs. During the 19th century the breed
was created by the monks of St. Bernard’s became popular outside Switzerland,
Hospice in the Swiss Alps. The monks particularly in England where the Saint
crossbred the various mastiff-type dogs Bernard was crossed with English Mastiffs
that had existed in the Swiss valleys for to produce a larger, heavier dog.
centuries, probably for use as watchdogs and The Saint Bernard is calm and
companions. The dogs’ unique rescue duties affectionate, and is especially good with
date from the late 18th century. The animals children. It is relatively rare as a house dog
could smell people hidden under snow and due to its giant size and its need for plenty
sense impending avalanches. The monks sent of space and food. There
the dogs out in groups to find lost travelers; are two coat types:
one dog would lie beside a casualty to keep smooth-haired and
the person warm while another would rough-haired.
return to the monastery to alert the monks.
However, the image of the rescuing Saint
Bernard carrying a cask of medicinal
Bushy
brandy around his neck is apochryphal. white tail
During the severe winters of 1816–18
many dogs died doing rescue work, and
numbers fell dangerously low. In the 1830s
some crosses were made with Newfoundland
dogs (see p.78), but the crossbreeds’ long
hair picked up too much snow and ice,
making them unsuitable for rescue work. Characteristic
white markings
The crosses were given away and the monks on legs
returned to breeding the shorter-haired

BARRY THE MOUNTAIN RESCUE DOG

The most famous Saint Bernard rescue dog
was a male named Barry, who lived from
1800 to 1814. He was owned by the monks
of St. Bernard’s Hospice. Barry is said to have
rescued more than 40 people, including a
young boy whom he found in a cavern of
ice; the dog revived the boy by licking him,
and then carried him back to the monks.
Since then, the hospice has always named
one of their dogs Barry in his honor.
A monument to the original Barry (right)
can be found in the Paris dog cemetery.

CIMETIÈRE DES CHIENS
D’ASNIÉRES-SUR-SEINE,
PARIS, FRANCE

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