Which Type Of St Bernard Dog Was Used By Swiss Monks To Rescue People?

The dogs of St Bernard Hospice are world famous and the image we have today is of the long haired Alpine variety of St Bernard. In the days of old, however, the monks actually favoured the smooth coated St Bernard because their coats did not "freeze up" in deep snow drifts as readily as the coats of the rough haired St Bernard.

The short haired St Bernard is as a result of the infusion of Swiss Sennenhund blood in the early days of the breed; a cross with the Mastiff at the end of the 19th century also helped to the coat short. Smooth and rough haired St Bernards are often born in the same litter, however.

Named after Bernard de Menthon some seven centuries ago, the breed has earned a unique reputation for life-saving. But while noble breed with a distinguished heritage, the St Bernard is not a popular choice of companion due to its bulk, appetite and cost.