When it comes to winter rescues, no dog has a story as heroic as the St. Bernard. These gentle giants earned their fame in the snowy Alps, especially at the Great St. Bernard Pass. Starting in the 1600s, monks at a mountain hospice bred them to assist with rescues. With their incredible strength and keen sense of smell, St. Bernards saved over 2,000 lives by locating and digging out travelers lost in avalanches or severe weather.

The myth of the barrel

You’ve probably seen paintings or movies of St. Bernards with little barrels of brandy around their necks. While it’s a charming image, it’s actually a myth! This idea came from an 1820 painting by Edwin Landseer, but there’s no historical evidence that the dogs ever carried barrels during rescues. In fact, giving alcohol to someone with hypothermia is harmful since it worsens heat loss. 

Myth or not, St. Bernards are icons of courage — and good dogs.

Have a gentle giant like a St. Bernard?

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