History of the Saint Bernard

Have you ever wondered, how Saint Bernard got his name? Its after Great St. Bernard hospice in Western Alps. That was a place founded by Bernard de Menthon, who was trying to help travellers on their way across Great St. Bernard pass in Switzerland Alps.

We have records from 11 century, that people used St. Bernard for cart pulling, herding and guarding, but they gain popularity after the monks from St. Bernard hospice started using them. Everyone probably know, that they are excellent rescue dogs. When monks were looking for lost travelers, they brought St. Bernards with them for protection and by accident, they found out, that these dogs are excelent rescue dogs who had ability to track and locate lost tavelers.

One of the most important year in St. Bernard history is 1855, when mr. Heinrich Schumacher started breeding them and created the first pedigree documents and few years later in 1884 the St. Bernard Club was found in Switzerland. Many people started breeding them with other breeds, often time with English Mastiffs. Because of that, they gain the appearance we know today.

Learn everything about St. Bernard history in this video: