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It was over 350 years ago that the first big dogs were kept up on the Great Saint Bernard Pass.

 

Initially, the four-legged animals did not have much in common with the Saint Bernards we know today. The dogs had to be particularly robust and easy to look after in those days in order to cope with the extreme conditions at 2,500 metres above sea level.

 

It wasn't until the introduction of the breed standard 130 years ago that the outward appearance of the Saint Bernards became so distinctive: their large, athletic build, reddish-brown/white fur, black mask around the eyes and big chops make the dogs particularly unmistakeable.

 

From begining June onwards, the breeding centre up on the pass will be open between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. every day where visotors can meet the descendants of the legendary avalanche rescue dog Barry.

 

A trip to see the dogs goes hand in hand with a visit to the museum.  Here you can find out a lot of interesting and historical facts about the pass and the hospice.

 

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   FloreFF

The Famous Saint Bernard Dogs