Powerful, proportionately tall figure, strong
and muscular in every part, with powerful head and most intelligent expression. (From the
Standard)According to historical sources, the St. Bernard dogs
were descendants of the old Roman Molosser, which was brought to the Hospice in
Switzerland around 1600.
Located more than 8,000 feet high in the Swiss Alps, the Hospice of the
Great St. Bernard stands as a shelter at the Mons Jovis Pass between Italy and
Switzerland. It was here that St. Bernard of Menthoa and his monks became world renowned
for their rescue work and hospitality to travelers. It is here, too, that the dogs of the
Great St. Bernard have been bred, raised and trained for the past four centuries.
The general public better knows the longhaired St. Bernard, but the
shorthaired dog is preferred at the Hospice. This popular breed has an amazing ability in
the rescue work conducted at the Hospice. The dogs need little training, can feel the
approach of a coming storm and have an uncanny sense of direction.
While the dogs with dark masks often project a stern appearance, they
are never ill natured and are magnanimous in their loving devotion.
