Gentle Giants, hero’s of the snow and mans best friend; the Iconic St Bernard Dogs of Switzerland. In the smaller villages and townships of Switzerland you will come across these majestic creatures.
In the 18th Century St Bernard dogs drew their fame by being unsuspecting heroes of the snow; they soon became the protectors of many people; living on or passing through the dangerous St Bernard Pass high up in the Alps. This treacherous pass was between Italy and Switzerland. The St Bernard dog’s sheer size; (they can weigh up to 100kgs) and ability to adapt to their surrounding was an asset. They proved time and time again their loyalty became more valuable then imagined; the dogs began showing their remarkable abilities; by rescuing travellers lost in the mountains; finding people who found themselves in trouble; or buried in the snow after a snow storm; these incredibly smart animals would lay on top of people who had been caught out in the snow; to provide warmth; the dogs even assisted with clearing paths for people to make their way through the snow.
Traditionally you will see photos of these dogs and they have a little barrel beneath their chins. This is not just your average collar this is a special little barrel; this was used to carry alcohol inside for their owner; to warm the body in the sub temperatures.
Famous Barry the Bernard
Barry the Bernard is one of the most famous St Bernard dogs in Switzerland; he was born in 1800 and in his 14 years he was responsible for over 40 rescues from the mountains. One of those amazing rescues was of a small boy who Barry came across in the ice; Barry apparently flipped the child on his back and dragged him through the snow to safety. To this day he is deemed a hero; he has many books, movies and stories told about him. Some of the stories are lets say Legends and are not quite true; however you never let the truth get in the way of a good story. Barry’s body is preserved in the Natural History Museum in Bern.
The breed is now a common pet for the Swiss; it is a real treat to see one walking along the base of a mountain in all their glory. Check out Mighty Mountains Switzerland for some great mountain experiences. If you are planning your trip check out Switzerland for some handy hints.
