The St Bernard breed is famous for rescuing lost travelers in the snow, credited with saving more than 2500 lives. It is also known for being the only dog associated with having a small cask of reviving spirits hanging from a collar from its neck. Interestingly enough, however, this reputation is unfounded because the St Bernard never traditionally carried casks - or flasks - on rescue missions. Resposibility for creating the image of the St Bernard as a bearer of alcoholic beverages goes to an english artist, Sir Edwin Landseer, whose painting of a St Bernard with a small cask hanging from a collar around its neck became very popular.

Developed in Switzerland, the Saint Bernard probably descended from large, mastiff-like dogs from Asia introduced to Europe by the Romans. The breed name was coined in the nineteenth century and originated from th dogs' association with a group of monks living in a monastery in the Swiss Alps. The monastery was founded by St Bernard de Menton in the 1600s and was called the Hospice of St Bernard. It was located near the St Bernard Pass, which was frequently used by travelers crossing the Alps by foot. By the late seventeenth century, the monks were using the dog to help themrescue lost travelers or those who got caught, and sometimes buried in sudden snowstorms. After locating the hapless traveler with its keen sense of smell, the St Bernard barked loudly to call for help. The St Bernard was also trained to guide travelers over treacherous avalanches.