What’s Really in That Saint Bernard Barrel?

The image of a Saint Bernard dog, trotting through a snowy pass with a small wooden barrel strapped around its neck, is iconic. But what exactly is, or was, supposed to be in that barrel? The romantic answer is brandy, meant to revive snowbound travelers. The less romantic, but perhaps more accurate, answer is… well, it’s complicated.

The myth of the brandy-filled barrel is deeply ingrained in popular culture, appearing in countless cartoons, movies, and advertisements. It perpetuates the idea of the Saint Bernard as a heroic rescuer, providing immediate warmth and comfort to those stranded in the harsh alpine environment. The image is undeniably appealing, suggesting a selfless act of aid and a reliable source of help in a desperate situation.

However, historical evidence paints a different picture. While Saint Bernards were indeed vital rescue dogs at the Great St. Bernard Hospice, a mountain pass rescue center in the Swiss Alps dating back to the 11th century, there’s little to no documentation to suggest they routinely carried brandy. Accounts from the hospice and historical writings rarely mention the practice.

So where did the myth come from? It’s believed to have originated in the 19th century, largely thanks to a painting by Edwin Landseer called “Alpine Mastiffs Reanimating a Distressed Traveler.” This artwork, depicting two Saint Bernards with a fallen traveler in the snow, prominently featured a small barrel. While the painting popularized the image, it doesn’t confirm the actual carrying of brandy.

Furthermore, giving alcohol to someone suffering from hypothermia is generally considered a bad idea. Alcohol causes blood vessels to dilate, leading to a temporary feeling of warmth, but it also draws heat away from the core body temperature, potentially worsening the condition. In a survival situation, water or warm, non-alcoholic beverages would be far more beneficial.

If not brandy, what might have been in the barrel (assuming the practice ever actually existed)? Some theories suggest it could have held other supplies, such as food rations, blankets, or even just served as a visible marker to help the dog be seen in the snow. More likely, the barrel itself was simply a prop for artistic purposes, a way to visually communicate the dog’s role as a rescuer to a wider audience.

Ultimately, the barrel on the Saint Bernard remains a powerful symbol, even if its contents are more myth than reality. It represents the breed’s dedication to rescue work and its enduring place in our imagination as a loyal and helpful companion. While the barrel may not have contained life-saving brandy, the Saint Bernard’s true value lies in its inherent abilities: its keen sense of smell, its strength, and its unwavering dedication to helping those in need.