Why Did Saint Bernards Carry Barrels Around Their Neck?

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The Truth About St. Bernard Barrels

The iconic image of a Saint Bernard dog trotting through snowy mountains with a small wooden barrel strapped around its neck is deeply ingrained in popular culture. But is this image based on fact, or is it simply a charming myth? The answer, unfortunately, is primarily myth. While Saint Bernards have a long and storied history of alpine rescue, the notion of them regularly carrying brandy-filled barrels is largely a product of artistic license and subsequent popular misconception.

The Saint Bernard breed originated at the Great St Bernard Hospice, located high in the Swiss Alps. Founded in the 11th century by Saint Bernard of Menthon, the hospice provided shelter and aid to travelers crossing the treacherous mountain pass. The monks at the hospice began using the dogs, descended from ancient Asian mastiffs, for rescue work sometime in the 17th century. Their keen sense of smell, strength, and thick coats made them invaluable in locating and rescuing travelers buried in snow or lost in blizzards.

There is no credible historical evidence to suggest that Saint Bernards routinely carried barrels of brandy or any other liquid for that matter. The primary function of the dogs was search and rescue. They would locate the stranded traveler, provide warmth with their bodies, and bark to alert the monks at the hospice. The monks would then follow the dogs and provide further assistance. Adding a barrel, even a small one, would have been cumbersome and potentially dangerous for the dogs, hindering their mobility and adding unnecessary weight, especially in deep snow.

So, where did the image originate? The barrel likely emerged in the 19th century through paintings and illustrations. Sir Edwin Landseer’s 1820 painting, “Alpine Mastiffs Reanimating a Distressed Traveler,” is often credited with popularizing the myth. This painting depicts two Saint Bernards, one barking and the other with a small barrel hanging from its neck, attending to a fallen traveler. Although Landseer was a renowned artist, the painting was a work of fiction, intended to evoke a sense of romanticism and heroism associated with the breed.

The romantic image of the Saint Bernard with its barrel quickly caught on, becoming a popular symbol of alpine rescue and the breed itself. The idea of a dog carrying a warming drink for a distressed traveler was undeniably appealing and helped to solidify the breed’s heroic reputation in the public imagination.

While Saint Bernards are undoubtedly brave and compassionate creatures, the barrel is more a symbol than a tool they actually used. It is a testament to the power of art and popular culture to shape our perceptions, even when those perceptions stray from historical accuracy. So, next time you see a picture of a Saint Bernard with a barrel, appreciate the romantic imagery, but remember that the true heroism of these magnificent dogs lies in their real-life dedication to saving lives in the unforgiving alpine environment.