Saint Bernards

The Saint Bernard probably has its roots in the Roman Molossian dogs, But it wasn't until between 1660 and 1670 that the breed developed into the magnificent dog responsible for saving so many lives. Around this time the first of these large dogs arrived at the St Bernard Hospice, a refuge for travelers crossing between Switzerland and Italy. The saint Bernars originally came to help pull carts and turn spits and may have also functioned as watchdog or companions, but the monks soon found then invaluable pathfinders through the deep snow. The dogs were adept at locating lost travelers. When a dog found a person, it would lick the person's face and lie beside him. Thus reviving and warming the person. The dogs continued to serve in this invaluable role for three centries, saving over 2000 lives. The most famous of all Saints Bernards was Barry, who was credited with saving 40 lives. Before Barry's death the dogs were known by several names including Hospice Dogs, But by the time he died he was of such fame that the dogs were called Barryhund in his honor. in the early 1800s many of the dogs were lost to severe weather. Disease, and inbreedintg. Some of the remaining dogs were crossed with Newfoundlands in 1830. as a result, the first long-coated dogs of Saint Bernard type appeared . Although it seemed that long hair would help a dog in the cold snow, in fact it hundered them as the ice clung to the coat. Thus, these long-haried dogs were not kept for rescue work. The first Saints came to England around 1810. referred to by many different names among them Sacred dog. By 1865 the name Saint Bernard was in common use, an dit became the official name in 1880. Around this time, the breed caught the eye of Amerivcan Fanciers, By 1900 the Saint Bernard was extremely popular. Although us has since vacillated in popularity It is always one of the most popular of the giants breeds.