Unveiling the Mystery: What’s in the St Bernard Barrel?

The Truth Behind the St Bernard Barrel in Cartoons

Anyone who has ever watched Warner Brothers or even Disney cartoons knows that Saint Bernard dogs are thought to keep either brandy or whiskey in those little kegs around their necks.

In reality, however, determining what these St Bernard barrels actually contained when they were originally used is a little more complicated than previously thought and requires some historical digging.

The Evolution of the St Bernard Barrel

While the popular image of a St Bernard with a barrel of brandy persists, the contents and purpose of these barrels have evolved over time.

• Initially, the barrels were used to carry essential supplies like food and water for travelers in need.
• Over time, the idea of brandy or whiskey was popularized through art and media, leading to the myth we know today.
• Modern St Bernard barrels are often used as novelty items, sometimes holding small amounts of liquid for fun.

The Legendary Origins of the St Bernard Barrel

Discovering the contents of the St Bernard barrel takes us back almost a millennium to the Swiss Alps.

Legend has it that Saint Bernard of Menthona created a monastery and a hospice around 1049 A.D. in the only thoroughfare—a dangerous, snowy one later known as the Great Saint Bernard Pass—between Italy and Switzerland in the Alps.

In the 17th century, these dogs became companions to the resident monks and were thought to have been the result of breeding a certain mastiff-style dog, originally brought by the Roman Army, with local dogs from the Swiss countryside.

The dogs accompanied the monks on search patrols through the pass, and they could:

• Detect avalanches in advance
• Use their terrific sense of smell
• Successfully find people buried in snow

Over the years, their role turned to one of search and rescue, and dogs were often sent in groups to search the pass when the weather was too inclement for the monks.

A Helpful Breed Under Threat of Extinction

Between 1816 and 1818, the weather was so severe that a majority of the dogs perished, and the breed came close to extinction.

Records indicate that the monks may have tried to replenish the line with other dogs, such as Newfoundlands, while rescue efforts continued in the past.

During rescue missions:

• Once a trapped traveler was found, one dog would lie on the person to keep him warm.
• Another dog would go back to the monastery to get help.

The theory here is that the dogs wore small kegs on their collars that held brandy or wine for the travelers to drink to keep warm.

The Role of St Bernard Barrels in Modern Rescue

Although the traditional use of barrels has diminished, the legacy continues in various forms.

• Today’s search and rescue dogs, including St Bernards, are equipped with modern tools and technology.
• The iconic barrel remains a symbol of the breed’s rich history in rescue missions.
• Some rescue organizations use replica barrels for fundraising and awareness campaigns.

The St Bernard Barrel: An Artistic Choice?

But lo, another theory appears!

In 1820, Sir Edwin Henry Landseer, a prolific painter of animals after whom a dog breed was actually named, created an image of two Saint Bernards saving a traveler in the Great Saint Bernard Pass. One dog was painted with a keg on his collar while the other stood over the fallen man.

Some say the keg collar was added merely for artistic effect, and that’s where it actually originated—in a painting.

However, because fires reportedly ruined any records of how these barrels were used at the monastery, it’s virtually impossible to verify which story accurately describes the keg’s true origins.

The Cultural Impact of the St Bernard Barrel

The image of the St Bernard with its barrel has become a cultural icon, influencing various aspects of media and merchandise.

• Films, cartoons, and advertisements often feature St Bernards with barrels, reinforcing the myth.
• The popularity of this image has led to the creation of themed products, such as toys and accessories.
• Websites like Saint Bernard Keg sell barrels as memorabilia, celebrating the breed’s storied past.

The Legacy of the Great Saint Bernard Pass

Whatever theory you subscribe to, the Great Saint Bernard Pass monastery and hospice still stand after hundreds of years, serving as beacons for weary travelers.

• They offer visitor accommodations and dining if you ever want to explore the origins of how Saint Bernards first gained notoriety as search and rescue dogs.
• Keg collars are now sold all over the Internet, many of which even hold fluid.

Just something to keep in mind for your next trip to the Swiss Alps with your dog.

The Future of the St Bernard Barrel Tradition

The St Bernard Barrel tradition continues to captivate the imagination of dog lovers and historians alike.

• As more historical records and artifacts are uncovered, our understanding of the true purpose and use of these barrels may evolve.
• Educational programs and exhibits at the Great Saint Bernard Pass monastery and other institutions help preserve this unique aspect of history.
• The enduring legacy of the St Bernard barrel serves as a testament to the breed’s heroic contributions and the human-animal bond.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

References

• “Do You Know Why a St Bernard Dog Carries a Barrel Around Its Neck?” Barriles La Arboleda. https://www.barrileslaarboleda.com/2019/06/09/do-you-know-why-a-st-bernard-dog-carries-a-barrel-around-its-neck/
• “Saint Bernard Keg.” Saint Bernard Keg. https://saintbernardkeg.com/
• “Saint Bernard Barrels.” Barrels Online. https://www.barrelsonline.com/saint-bernard-barrels