Shrouded in legend and the mists of time, the origin of the Saint Bernard is subject to many theories.

It seems most probable that the Saint Bernard developed from stock that resulted from the breeding of heavy Asian “Molosser” (Canis molossus), brought to Helvetia (Switzerland) by Roman armies during the first two centuries A.D.

The animals were excellent pathfinders in the drifting snow of the Alps. Their dogs’ highly developed sense of smell made them invaluable in locating helpless persons overcome during storms which made many of the world’s most romantic pages of canine history. During the three centuries that Saint Bernards have been used in rescue work it is estimated that they have been responsible for saving well over 2,000 human lives.