St. Bernard Dogs: History Behind the NamE
The St. Bernard dog is one of the most iconic and beloved breeds in the world, celebrated for its strength, loyalty, and incredible rescue abilities. But have you ever wondered how these dogs came to be called "St. Bernards"? The name has deep historical roots tied to the breed's place of origin and its life-saving role in the Swiss Alps. Understanding the history of this remarkable dog breed not only reveals how it received its name but also sheds light on its enduring legacy as a symbol of rescue and service.
The Monastery of the Great St. Bernard Pass
The name "St. Bernard" originates from the Great St. Bernard Pass, a treacherous mountain pass in the Swiss Alps that has been a vital route for travelers since ancient times. The pass connects Switzerland and Italy, and at an elevation of over 8,000 feet, it is one of the highest mountain passes in Europe. This region, with its harsh winters and unpredictable weather, posed significant dangers to travelers.
In 1050, Bernard of Menthon, a monk later canonized as St. Bernard, founded a hospice at the summit of the pass to provide refuge and assistance to travelers. The hospice became a place of shelter and safety, manned by monks who were dedicated to aiding those in need. It was these monks who eventually bred and trained the dogs that would come to be known as St. Bernards.
When Did They Start Being Called St. Bernards?
The dogs were not always known by this name. In the early years, they were referred to as "Alpine Mastiffs" or "Barry Dogs," the latter in honor of Barry, a legendary rescue dog who saved over 40 lives during his time at the hospice in the early 19th century. These names reflected the dogs' physical characteristics and their reputation for bravery and rescue work.
The name "St. Bernard" began to gain widespread use in the mid-19th century. By this time, the hospice’s dogs had become famous across Europe for their incredible ability to locate and rescue travelers lost in the snow. Travelers and writers who visited the hospice began referring to the dogs as "St. Bernard dogs" in recognition of their association with the hospice and its founder. This name was solidified in popular usage by the late 19th century, especially as the breed began to be exported beyond the Alps.
The Role of the St. Bernard Dog in Rescue
The monks of the Great St. Bernard Hospice carefully bred the dogs for their strength, endurance, and acute sense of smell—qualities essential for rescue work in the harsh alpine environment. The dogs were trained to locate travelers buried under snow or trapped in blizzards. Working in pairs, one dog would dig through the snow while the other returned to the hospice to alert the monks.
One of the most famous legends surrounding these dogs is the belief that they carried small barrels of brandy around their necks to revive travelers. While this image has become iconic, there is little historical evidence to support the practice. What is undeniable, however, is their role as life-saving companions in the Alps.
By the late 19th century, advancements in transportation and infrastructure reduced the reliance on dogs for mountain rescue, but their reputation as heroic animals was already firmly established.
St. Bernards and Their Modern Legacy
The legacy of St. Bernards continues to influence the role of rescue dogs today. Although St. Bernards themselves are less commonly used in modern avalanche rescue operations, their lineage and the traditions established at the Great St. Bernard Hospice live on in other working breeds.
Avalanche Rescue Dogs
Modern avalanche rescue dogs, such as German Shepherds, Border Collies, and Labradors, are trained to locate people buried under snow. These dogs inherit the same spirit of dedication and service that made St. Bernards legendary. Their keen sense of smell allows them to detect human scent through deep layers of snow, often saving lives in critical conditions.
Military Working Dogs
St. Bernards have also inspired the broader role of dogs in service and rescue. In military contexts, dogs are trained for bomb detection, search-and-rescue missions, and emotional support for soldiers. While the breeds used in military service today are more varied, the principles of loyalty, intelligence, and bravery that define the St. Bernard remain central to the role of all working dogs.
Conclusion
The St. Bernard’s name is a tribute to its origins at the Great St. Bernard Pass and the monks who first trained these remarkable dogs for rescue work. From their early days aiding stranded travelers in the Alps to their symbolic role as heroes, St. Bernards represent the best qualities of canine companionship: loyalty, bravery, and an unwavering commitment to helping others.
Today, the spirit of the St. Bernard lives on in the work of avalanche rescue dogs and military working dogs, whose dedication continues to save lives. As we honor these modern heroes, it is worth remembering the historical roots that began with a group of devoted monks, a dangerous mountain pass, and a breed of dog that became synonymous with rescue and survival.
Bibliography
"Barry der Menschenretter." Natural History Museum of Bern. https://www.nhm-be.ch/en/.
Haskins, Diana. Dogs of Courage: When Britain's Pets Went to War 1939-45. Random House, 2014.
"The St. Bernard Dog and the Hospice." Fondation Barry du Grand-Saint-Bernard. https://www.fondation-barry.ch/en.
Tabor, Roger. 100 Dogs Who Changed Civilization. David & Charles, 2010.
"Avalanche Rescue Dogs." International Commission for Alpine Rescue. https://www.alpine-rescue.org/.