This is a synopsis of the most accurate and reputable history available. For a more detailed history, I recommend reading “Saint Bernards” by Joan Hustace Walker. You can also find a fairly in depth history on the Saint Bernard Club of America website.
A Monastery and Hospice were founded in 962 A.D. by Saint Bernard de Menthon, Patron Saint of the Alps (923-1008 A.D.) in the Pennine Alps on the only pass between Italy and Switzerland. This path is now known as the Great St. Bernard Pass, maybe more so for the famous hospice dogs than for the brilliant monk who founded the hospice. A few years after the original hospice was built, Bernard de Menthon added a second hospice on the Little St. Bernard in the Graian Alps.
There is no written record of the St. Bernard dogs during the hospice’s first 700 years . It is believed the monks may have had companion dogs from Valais Herders, prior to breeding Saints. There are many stories, myths and much speculation regarding the formation of the breed (What breeds were combined to create the great Saint?). The best estimate is that Saints originated sometime in the mid- late 1600’s.
From the available written records, it would appear that the lifesaving work of the dogs began near 1700. Prior to that time, it is assumed the dogs served as watchdogs and companions to the monks. There are no written records to clarify how training and rescue evolved (From our experience, we are gleaning that these dogs learned very quickly and they learn well by watching). The Saints were able to detect avalanches prior to their occurrence, so the monks would take the dogs along while they traveled on foot in the winter. Over time, dogs began being sent out in pairs or trios on search and rescue missions. The dogs would find the missing travelers beneath the snow, dig them out and one would lay on top the person while the remaining dog would return for help. It is easy to see this instinct in Saints today.
Because of the work expected of the dogs, aggression toward each other and people was not tolerated at all. Today, the dogs are still exceptionally calm and non-aggressive animals. Some refer to Saints as “everyone’s friend”.
Extreme weather struck during the years of 1816-1818 and most of the breed was lost at the hospice. The monks replenished their stock from nearby valleys over the next years. During the 1830’s the monks performed three experimental breedings with Newfoundlands (or perhaps Leonbergers) in an attempt to provide a thicker, warmer coat (and thus prevent a repeat of those deadly winters). The long hair actually proved detrimental and those dogs were unable to participate in rescue activities. All long haired pups were given away, however both long and short hair appear in the breed today.
The breed received the official name of St. Bernard in 1880.
The United States still follows the Swiss Standard (of 1884) for breeding Saints. England has its own Standard and those dogs look noticeably different than ours.
